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Top issues
6 known problems
medium
Body / chassis rust (coastal examples)
All engines
medium
EGR carbon buildup
All engines
medium
DPF clogging on short trips
All engines
Recalls
1 on recordREC-000671
2020-03-17
Defect: The rear leaf spring assembly may develop a fault.
Hazard: Involves inspection and replacement of the rear leaf spring assembly and parking brake cable to prevent a collision risk.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Isuzu Ute dealer for inspection and free replacement.
Affected: 12,359 units, D-Max Crew Cab, 2018-2020
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-29
Check a specific car by VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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Generations
Best and worst years for the Isuzu D-Max →
Before: Isuzu D-Max RA (2008-2012) →
After: Isuzu D-Max RG (2020+) →
Price (AUD)
$15k-$32k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand
Overview
Second generation of the AU-market D-Max. Same bulletproof 4JJ1-TC throughout, but two distinct phases: pre-MY17 was limited to 3000kg tow rating, MY17+ unlocked the full 3500kg with revised gearing and a torque bump to 430Nm. The MY17+ is the sweet spot of the entire used-ute market for value × reliability — same engine that's been proven over decades, modest DPF that's not problematic, and excellent regional parts/dealer support.
Engines & variants
3.0L 4JJ1-TC (pre-MY17, 3000kg tow)
Engine
Common-rail TD
Engine code
Config
I4
Displacement
3.0L
Power
130kW
Torque
380Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.5s
Economy
~8.1 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3000kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 6MT, 5AT (Aisin), 6AT (Aisin)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+
Pros
- Bulletproof 4JJ1 engine
- Cheaper than MY17+ but otherwise similar
- Simple DPF that mostly works fine
- Easy DIY work
- Strong used demand
Cons
- Only 3000kg tow (not 3500kg until MY17)
- Some EGR carbon buildup
- Interior basic
Known problems
medium
EGR carbon buildup
Standard 4JJ1 EGR carbon - rough idle, hesitation, fuel economy drop.
Fix: EGR delete plate or walnut blast clean.
medium
DPF clogging on short trips
DPF fails to regen on short trips. Eventually limp mode.
Fix: Highway speed drives. Force regen with scan tool.
low
Front lower control arm bushes
Bushes wear, vague steering.
Fix: Polyurethane bush kit.
3.0L 4JJ1-TC (MY17+, 3500kg tow)
Engine
Common-rail TD
Engine code
Config
I4
Displacement
3.0L
Power
130kW
Torque
430Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.5s
Economy
~8.1 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 6MT, 5AT (Aisin), 6AT (Aisin)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+
Pros
- Bulletproof 4JJ1
- Now full 3500kg tow rating
- Same DIY-friendly mechanicals
- Excellent regional parts supply
- Strong used demand = good resale
- Genuine sweet spot
Cons
- Auto box can be lazy
- EGR carbon over time
- Interior basic
Known problems
medium
EGR carbon buildup
Standard 4JJ1 pattern.
Fix: EGR delete plate or walnut blast.
medium
DPF clogging on short trips
Fails to regen on short trips.
Fix: Highway drives, force regen.
low
Front control arm bushes
Wear over time, especially after off-road use.
Fix: Poly bush kit.