6 YEARS OF ISSUES!!! || Isuzu Mu-x 6 Year & 137K Review || Honest Isuzu Mu-X Ownership Review

[@LowRangeNick]

Hey Guys! I hope you enjoyed this video :) Here is the Oricom Discount Code :) Oricom 15% discount code - LRN15 (Use @ checkout) oricom.com.au/ref/Lowrangenick/

[@MoleMedia]

Mate your channel is the reason we chose to buy an MUX 3 years ago over all the competition, the pros really outweighed the cons and we couldn't be happier

[@MickeyMousehouse]

I love my 2015 dmax. Never misses a beat, never had an issue and it’s been the best car I’ve owned. Love it and won’t be replacing it

[@FastFless]

2017 D-max model. 230k. Simpson Desert, Nullabor, Cape York, etc. Almost zero mods. No issues other than the DPF differential pressure sensor (very annoying problem). Thanks Nick.

[@ianroseir]

Nice review. Mine is a MY18 model as well. 148K on it and still on original turbo. Did have the water pump leak. Was identified by our local mechanic but Isuzu claimed it was the overflow tank leaking. In the end we were stuck in Scone for 9 days waiting for the water pump to be replaced. Other than that no issues. 50K of that has been towing a 2.8 ATM van as well.

[@bluedunn374]

Thanks for this mate, sorry to hear you’ve had dramas with it. I’ve got a 2016 and I havent had a single issue. A senior mechanic at Isuzu told me that the 16 models were the last to receive the reliable turbos, and not having the DPF is a blessing. Hope all the issues are sorted 👍

[@johnbetts366]

Good to catch up again ,i thought you were talking about our 17 mux ,we are on out 4th turbo ,last one replaced out of warranty ,mind you took 10 weeks to find the problem like you we we going to get rid of it but could not afford to do so i wont go into the other issues we have had ,dont think we would replace it with another isuzu as it would have to be the most unreliable car i have ever owned bought it for the same reasons you did and also to tow our 17ft van rant over thanks for the info over the years

[@harryharris7663]

Good clip thanks Nick. My second Dmax. No issues with the first (2010, sold at 200k), one turbo replaced under warranty recently with my current 2019 (now at 125k). That's it! After 14 years

[@Gothpuncher]

Really wanted an MUX and your channel almost had me buying one. Ended up going with a Pajero Sport and haven’t looked back!! Was going to look at an MUX again when ready for a new one but your comments and the rest here have me thinking twice!

[@LowRangeNick]

@Gothpuncher They have revised the dpf and turbo on the 4jj3 which is in the new models. The Mitsubishi are great and have a good warranty as well. Definately need to do some research and test drive some of the models that are out. Good luck with the decision 😊

[@Gothpuncher]

@@LowRangeNick still come back to your vids regardless! Great channel :)

[@aarbaut2852]

Hi Nick Great review and well made video, I do understand your frustration with these issues , I have a 2017 Dmax with 130 000 kms as well , I use the Dmax for long trips and outback driving mostly . I 've had the engine bay cracked, the evaporator cooler changed and the DPF ... and yes my Dmax spend lots of time at the Isuzu dealership, all these issues got fixed under warranty, so I can't criticize Isuzu after market service. The car did performed very well under many difficult terrain with very heavy loads ( the canning stock route and many other challenging tracks) I just hope it will be going without anymore issues. Thanks Nick

[@great_hermetika]

I own a 2013 Dmax LS-U that just clocked 250,000 km last week during a trip from Sydney to Tamworth. The only modifications were the after-market snorkel, hardpipes upgrade, and an EGR inhibitor chip. The only issue I'm having in the last 12 months is the gear shift part of the automatic transmission, which is starting to stick and won't shift down gears when I manually attempt the change. Will get a mechanic to look into it to see the issue. Otherwise, it's been the best vehicle I have ever owned The trick for me was I strictly kept an oil and filter change every 10,000 kms no matter if it was due or not. (Normal oil change recommended every 20,000 km from Isuzu) I personally believe this has helped the overall performance along with my conservative and careful driving has been a great reliable ute. Even a not fault accident I was involved in in 2017 still drives great after repairs.

[@travellingdave80]

Great honest review as always Nick 👍🏽

[@ProspectorswithParkinsons]

I’ve watched and enjoyed all your videos. The comments that stands out for me is the replacement of ‘four’ turbo’s and having a ‘catchcan’ installed to remove oily crankcase vapour being returned through the air intake system (via the turbo) It would be interesting to see any data on a connection between catch and and turbo, upper cylinder valve stem wear, tappet clearance caused from the ‘dry’ return air from the crankcase ventilation system.

[@LowRangeNick]

@ProspectorswithParkinsons there was a period of time that I removed the catch can to test this exact theory. Removed catch can and had turbo replaced and turbo still failed again 15k later.

[@davecharteris7504]

I had to replace 2 turbos on my 2019 mux. 1st after 28,000km and the second after 42,000. Both turbos failed with no catch can installed. Ended up installing a catch can then sold the car at 50,000km. Definitely seems it's a manufacturing defect with the turbo for the 2017 - 2019 models which is a shame as otherwise the car was great.

[@MoZZa1788]

I just bought a 2024 MUX last week. Modding it for beach trips. Bribie, moreton and fraser. Wish me luck

[@CRN8091]

Good to see you back with some Isuzu stuff nick.my ‘14 DMAX is still going strong.service myself (after watching your vids) and absolutely love my rig.prob due an upgrade but not keen on any dpf models at all!.200kms and replaced 2 batteries.agree with the hard pipe connectors, absolute garbage!.

[@FJUH]

Great content Nick. It’s disappointing that you have had so many issues. I have found reliability is my number one priority with a family. Unfortunately it’s one of those things you don’t really know until you start to use the vehicle.

[@outdoors5352]

2013 model 4x4 Dmax. Just ticked over 200,000km today. Had since new. Always had oil and filter changed religiously every 10,000km. Only had one issue, a leaking slave cylinder at about 70,000km

[@ShaunGud]

My 2017 MUX which I’ve owned since new has only needed a turbo replaced once under warranty. Otherwise it’s never missed a beat.

[@Maverick-757]

Good feedback. Sorry to hear about the issues. Isuzu must have been replacing the dodgy turbos with another dodgy turbo by the look of things. I thought the good turbos had a green dot on them. For the record my 2015 Dmax is up to 170 000km and just got a minor water leak. Twenty bucks for the gasket to fix it.

[@ruselq211]

I raced out purchased my MUX because it was time for a new car and I did not want the DPF model that was coming out. Great car. I now have a 22 DMAX for a couple of reasons, but wish I still had that pre DPF MUX. They are I believe, the best long term/forever car for those who want a 4x4 or 4x2 family and/or touring wagon, but can’t afford a new car or keep turning over cars to maintain vehicle warranty.

[@achalsingla]

Hello Nick ,I have also mux 4wd for five years done sixth year started,it's really great vehicle for long journey with family on all types terrain.

[@user-jz1ht8ry2w]

Thanks Nick, much appreciated advice.

[@MrFastFarmer]

Just cleaned the 2017 Dmax EGR Cooler (completely blocked), came in for a coffee, and look what's on KZbin 😀 Last week we welded the frame cracks in the engine bay up.. Agree with the vehicle issues are unacceptable. My advice is if you are slack on maintenance and taking it to the dealer regularly, the Dmax is completely hopeless.

[@masterdeeds]

i've got a 2020 LST, on my third turbo and sitting at 187000km. I was tossing up between MUX, Everest, Pajero Sport or Furtuner. I went mux because of interior size the others felt cramped. If i had to go again, i'd probably go Isuzu again.

[@tonywilkinson8041]

I own the 2014 MUX, it now has 145ks, very reliable. Only had 2 issues, radio died, replaced with a kenwood. And mechanical DPF thingo clogged up and activated limp mode. Had replaced and have had no issues since. I didn't realise later models have had so many problems!

[@WagsOutback]

2014 model here with 230k's. Service myself. Around 120k's EGR jammed up so took it off, cleaned it up and reinstalled, then installed EGR delete cable. Now oil is still clean every 10k changes and not black. Does not use any oil, been across Aus towing 6 times now. Original turbo still and still sips the fuel.

[@richardwalsh5570]

Fortuner doesn't miss a beat Nick, maybe should have gone down that road? Thanks for video, really well done.

[@joshspencer8041]

Overall my 2018 Mux has been pretty solid…only downfall has been the DPD system doing super frequent regens over the past 18months but no codes and countless dealer visits saying all is normal. Finally might be on to something though with a possible fault in the wiring harness sending the ecu the wrong info from the MAF sensor. Fingers crossed only a few more weeks and it’ll be sorted and can get back to enjoying the vehicle on some tracks 🤞

[@corty79]

My 2014 Mux has done 220,000 km , only issue was a failed EGR valve that was replaced under warranty. I don't know what I would replace it with. The new Prado will be 20k more than the Mux, i don't like the Fortuner, and the Ford Everest has engine and gearbox issues. A new Mux might be the best option, even with the DPD issues.

[@raffs_adv]

Thanks for all your servicing information, I have been doing all my servicing at home, saving a fortune… I have now done 210k of faultless driving hard offroad and towing, difflock game changer. But we are about to pickup a new VW V6 because the new Dmax is dearer right now, I got $18k trade $53k changeover for no leather “Style” V6 metallic

[@LowRangeNick]

@@raffs_adv nice choice! Amarok is a beast !

[@outdoors5352]

​@@LowRangeNick *cough* Ford 😅

[@raffs_adv]

@@LowRangeNickHi Nick, I now have the new v6 Amarok and the difference between it and the Ranger is quite noticeable in a good way, very luxurious compared with the Ford and the Vw transmission and engine tune is way better in my opinion, If you were ever looking at an upgrade from the Mux , these are next level compared with my old Dmax in almost every way except the load/towing when the Dmax is upgraded, but the Vw/Ford do it in Std trim better.

[@sonofagreatsouthernland]

Haven't seen one of your vids for a while so glad it popped up. I was close to buying a MUX but held off and then COVID drove the cost of everything to ludicrous levels. You just don't know what you're getting now. If you weren't a mechanic I wonder if Isuzu would have been so reliable with the warranty claims......

[@slidingdoor9055]

Sad to hear that. 2015 model onwards, wont touch it. Woke pollution crap no good. My rear wheel drive, 2012 DMax, 270000km plenty good till i die. I made my own oil catch can and it works, kept suspention standard married it to Bridgestone Dueler A/T, change oil and fuel/oil filters every 5000km, I intend towing my 1800kg caravan soon. I use old skool tyre chains, keep engine below 2000 rpm, feather the loud pedal tickles the auto transmission to change up rather than rev up and produce engine wear. I do regular 550km trips to work, 10ltrs/100km, at speed limit at 2000 rpm, power left over for overtaking. Im keeping mine. Cheers.

[@OptimusPrime.]

Lucky i got a 2014. Research showed issues with the later models so i avoided them. Id also go for a Prado if i had more funds and wanted a newer car. 30k was my budget thou so the 2014 mux was a good option.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

There is more variation within a model range than between different Japanese 4x4 makes, so its the luck of the draw I reckon. I reckon you would be wise to keep an eye on the Chinese offerings. They are evolving rapidly and seem to have the variation within a model much more under control than our Japanese friends who have "lost the plot" over the past few years.

[@AlexSwan]

I recently got rid of my 2019 MUX before the warranty was up… another Turbo on the way out, DPF issues and body cracking… combined with Isuzus terrible unwillingness for warranty repairs the car became a complete no go. Never again.

[@sandycraker2486]

Hi Nick, great channel and content. Whilst your vehicle was under warranty did you service it yourself as a mechanic or get them to service the vehicle? I'm asking just incase there was any push back from Isuzu due to not being serviced by them. Keep up the great channel mate.

[@LowRangeNick]

@sandycraker2486 Always serviced by myself. Never any issues. Your vehicle can be serviced by any reputable mechanic and still be covered under warranty.

[@MrSakoTRG]

It's unfortunate you've had quite a few issues and you've concluded that you'd look at another brand if you had your time again. I've had friends with Hiluxs, Rangers & Isuzus and I was also trying to decide. I used to have a late 2015 Mitsubishi Challenger with the 4D56 engine. They had a known issue with rough machined engine blocks that cause us over heating & a blown head gasket. Mitsubishi replaced it under 'good will' & it had only done

[@shanesalmo1163]

Have a 2014 mux with a few mods, only two minor issues in ten years, like the old days with Holden and ford sedans you got a good one or lemon.

[@olabergefall]

Hey Nick! Love your channel. I've got a 2018 MUX myself but so far no issues (knock on wood). I've got a AFN bullbar and very disappointed on the support after fitting. Lost one rubber trim and been waiting since April (!!!!) for a new set. Do you have a retailer for AFN to recommend that perhaps could sort new trims?

[@LowRangeNick]

@olabergefall Unfortunately you would need to talk to your nearest AFN stockist or dealer for that one.

[@colinknight2030]

Don't make my mistake.... Replace the water pump and thermostat at the same time...

[@lee-annehagan7653]

Luv your channel ,have 2019 lst mux so far turbo replaced, not sure about anything else just wait & see

[@andrewsquire2486]

Love your channel Have just purchased the intercooler hoses. You mentioned clamps Is that trident or tridon Cheers

[@LowRangeNick]

@@andrewsquire2486 tridon clamps are the go 👍

[@Evenstephenss]

Unfortunately the first DPF models (~17-20) have been let down by their dodgy turbos and inadequate fixes. Can’t speak for the latest model but the pre 2016 are strong as

[@xfishinternational]

I have the 17 D.max, it has been pretty solid overall. I've done the same mods as you basically except I am dual locked. I was wondering if you had heard anything on body cracking in the D.max and MUX?

[@LowRangeNick]

@xfishinternational I have heard of the body cracking in the engine bay. I have also seen 1 dmax with cracks personally come through my work. It was a 2019 model. Apparently incorrect grade steel used from factory.

[@xfishinternational]

@LowRangeNick ur opinion. Is this warranty after the factory warranty finished

[@brendanjansen2063]

Can u do a video on changing mux brake pads maybe

[@iflyrc1410]

Just because the vehicle is outside the manufactures warranty, it doesn't mean you don't still have rights under the Australian consumer law. It would be well worth talking to Isuzu about your water pump before paying for it yourself. John Cadogans channel has a lot of info on this subject.

[@claytonsmixer2387]

New Mux about to drop, much improved tech and refinement but reliability probably worse. New Prado much improved about to be seen on mass on our roads. Prado still $20k more and has a wait list, so not exactly a good alternate for us.

[@dan_4jj151]

Unfortunate but sounds like you got one of the lemons but I have heard the 2017/ 2018 where terrible overall. With the 2015/2016 arguably the best of all the models.

[@AlexSwan]

That engine had good enough torque in low range but other than that gutless. So gutless that it was dangerous to attempt overtaking other cars on country roads. You needed a loooong stretch of road with good visibility. It’s a pretty basic vehicle but for $49k for the LST at the time, it was OK I guess.

[@industrial-steampunk]

Lucky you had a you tube channel IUA looked after you

[@LowRangeNick]

@@industrial-steampunk Who would know. I don't have any stickers on my car or any way that they would know unless they had seen it by chance on KZbin ?

[@industrial-steampunk]

@@LowRangeNick you underestimate what they monitor

[@AlexSwan]

Bloody oath… mechanic with KZbin following, totally different treatment. Anything warranty with Isuzu has been like pulling teeth for me. Complete unwillingness

[@dancataag3963]

Hey Nick, how can we turn on/off the reverse parking sensors?

[@LowRangeNick]

@dancataag3963 there is a little plug under the rear bumper on the lh side. 1 pin plug. If you disconnect it will turn them off.

[@dancataag3963]

@LowRangeNick After battery was replaced its not beeping when reversing

[@CustomGarageAus]

Not sure why so many problems. We have a 2018 mu-x and the only problem we have ever had was leaking injector seals. This is the only problem after 128500kms

[@Lisa-mc3hw]

That’s a lot of turbos 😩 After lurking in a few other similar 4x4 brand groups I don’t really know what I would go for next, they all seem to have their issues. Touch wood, mine has been trouble free so far but only 3yrs/70k.

[@Lisa-mc3hw]

With lots of off roading and long distance driving and some towing.

[@sammyold4708]

Yup my dmax has endless issues, most unreliable vehicle iv ever owned. Dont dare put ur foot down shel go into limp mode. "Isuzu limpmax". Not good enough. I've lost all faith in these modern diesels. Dont drink the cool aide of a modern Isuzu being reliable

[@cory8965]

Far out, I thought it was just me. That issue is constant for me, pain in the ass.

[@thomo1600]

Unfortunately, people manufacturers are hands tied with these emissions laws (egr/dpf/adblue and it's going to get worse euro6 laws ?I have a 2019 mux that caused me no issues. I did replace the faded call panel, but all cars do that Cerakote wipes protect all black plastics. Check it out.Treat every car servicing way as you would old school, not the way manufacturers advertise. I did replace the front body mounts with colorado ones .Still would stick with it all modern diesel cars are going to have their issues i know what issues are happening with trucks. Petrol will be the way we're going to have to go ?

[@mic8492]

What was the turbo fix? Just the revised turbo with the green dot?

[@LowRangeNick]

@@mic8492 Yes, that's correct.

[@mic8492]

​@@LowRangeNick i just bought a used 2018 MUX. Doesn't have the green dot turbo. Would you advise just changing it out with the revised one?

[@LowRangeNick]

@mic8492 Not necessary unless you are having issues. Not every vehicle is affected. 👍

[@AlexSwan]

I had mine replaced with the green dot version and it started the whine again within 40,000km. Know of other people where the green dot turbos didn’t last.

[@kmuinde]

would you buy the new mux or u would buy something different? isuzu 3.0 engine is really good though

[@LowRangeNick]

@kmuinde Potentially. I would still weigh up my options. Checking out the new Prado when it's released and also mitsubishi pajero sport and the Ford Everest then comparing all the features and which one drove the best etc.

[@Mrghj3656]

Awesome

[@aussiebananasfnq2414]

HAVE A NEW MUX MY 23 4JJ3 SO FAR NO DRAMAS TOYOTAS 2.8 (CHINA CUMMINS) HAS FAR MORE PROBLEMS A MATE HAS HAD 5 TIMING CHAINS REPLACED ON HIS 2.8 HILUX NO THANKS ILL STAY WITH IZUSU

[@LowRangeNick]

@aussiebananasfnq2414 Thanks for the feedback! Go the Isuzu 💪

[@boostbogan]

Are you smoking meth? the Toyota 1GD had absolutely nothing to do with the Cummins ISF 😂 5 timing chains? stick to writing romance fiction

[@glenwilkie1331]

2012 dmax 230000k not one single issue at all!!

[@LowRangeNick]

@@glenwilkie1331Nice! They seem to be the best year models.

[@toddsmash]

I've waited a year to reply to this one. I've been an avid fan of your channel almost since the beginning of your channel. I own and 16.5 Mux. 2017 year model so the previous model body and interior, but essentially...the same car. to date i've put 247,000kms through my car. It has been incredibly rock solid. I've had little to no issues with vehicle. It is now starting to need new suspension but i can say that after putting almost 250k through the standard suspension that that is a fair effort. I too have replaced the air intake piping with the All Terrain Industry hard pipes. Great mod for any beginner as its bloody easy. I will admit that i haven't done anywhere near as much heavy 4x4ing than you have Nick. I've done a couple of trips up to fraser, but other than that, just the dirt roads of the outback for work and caravanning. I did get the vehicle tuned and had a trans cooler put in as well. Overall, i would buy my car again, but as they don't make my car anymore and i'm not a fan of the way the new MUX's look, i'd likely level up to something like a landcruiser. I'm not a fan of the way the Nissan Patrols look, but that's just me. thank you for your amazing content over the years Nick, I'm now going to go binge your jimny series which is the car i owned prior to my MUX. Cheers mate.

[@LowRangeNick]

Thanks for the message! The mu-x is such a great vehicle for the money. 👍

[@TikitourOverland]

Stick with the jimny 😜

[@LowRangeNick]

@@TikitourOverland Go the Jimny 😀

[@cory8965]

I use to love my MUX, then I test drove a ranger, grand cherokee etc I realised how rubbish the Isuzu is. The engine is absolutely gutless compared to the competition and the 6 speed transmission Isuzu refuse to replace is absolute rubbish.

[@abdullahaljedani4060]

First 1

[@louiskudlak2256]

Doesn't convince me to get one

[@scetchport]

They are all the same, all later badge 4x4s have many serious issues Bi turbo, automatic transmission , engine, electronics. They're all rubbish. I have 100k budget to purchase a 4x4 but i can't commit to any of them. Pre 2015 Toyota Hilux, Navara... seem to be the only answer.... So frustrated researching...al these late model vehicles are TROUBLE waiting to happen !

[@sammyold4708]

I'm in the same boat. Ur 100% right. I don't know what to do haha.

[@grimreaper6112]

Not Navara owned one nothing but problems junk.

[@MoZZa1788]

Navara have got to be the worst