Our Isuzu D-Max has gone through four sets of brake pads in four months - is there a known issue? | Ask Honest John

Our Isuzu D-Max has gone through four sets of brake pads in four months - is there a known issue?

We've had a reoccurring brake wear issue with pads and drums on our Isuzu D-Max (changed four times between March 2016 and December 2017. The vehicle is used on a farm for average off-road (not excessive or extreme use) and has done 20,500 miles since March 2016. In December 2017, both pads, drums and calipers were replaced for which we were charged £1567 because Isuzu claimed it was due to mud not being washed off. Following this, I insisted on an independent road test. On 25 January 2018, the results of the test showed that the vehicle was not fit for the highway due to brake wear - after only 560 miles. Isuzu, with whom the vehicle is leased, are now saying they will not cover brakes in future under the maintenance contract. Is there a known problem with brakes on this model and are Isuzu acting reasonably under the lease, bearing in mind the type of intended vehicle use (farm, off road etc)?

Asked on 14 February 2018 by Paddy Jeffries

Answered by Dan Powell

This is the first problem report we've had in relation to the D-Max. However, when it comes to brakes, pick-ups do seem more susceptible to wear than your average van. That said, there is clearly something seriously wrong here. There is no way a pick-up should go through four sets of pads and drums in less than two years. I suspect that corrosion is the culprit, rather than simple wear, with the water and mud eating through the metal. It might be an idea to change the vehicle altogether because the D-Max is clearly not suitable for your needs. I'd recommend swapping it for a SsangYong Musso. It has a comprehensive warranty package that covers brake discs and clutch components for a year or 12,000 miles.

For our full review of the SsangYong Musso, see: vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-reviews/ssangyong/musso-.../

Tags: corrosion work vehicles vans pick-ups offroad worn brake pads

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