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Campaign 13V259 Posted June 19, 2013 1,774 units

2001-2013 Isuzu N-Series/W-Series Recall 13V259: Heater Plug

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 13V259 covers 1,774 2001-2013 Isuzu N-Series, W-Series, Frr, and WT5500 trucks for oil-pan-heater cord overheating. Repair is free at any franchised Isuzu dealer.

Isuzu is recalling 1,774 2001-2013 N-Series, W-Series, Frr, and WT5500 trucks equipped with optional oil pan heaters because debris can collect where the heater plug meets the extension cord. That overheating can melt the oil pan heater plug or block heater plug and raise the risk of fire; the dealer repair will be free once Isuzu makes it available.

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What's wrong?

The optional oil pan heater on affected 2001-2013 Isuzu N-Series, W-Series, Frr, and WT5500 trucks is an electric heater used with an extension cord. When it is plugged in, electrical power flows through the cord and heater plug to warm the engine oil in the oil pan. That helps the oil move through the engine when the truck is started in cold conditions.

The problem is at the connection between the heater plug and the extension cord. Debris can collect at that contact point. Once debris interferes with the electrical connection, resistance builds heat in the cord end. That heat can overheat the extension cord instead of powering the heater normally.

There is no warning sign before failure. The owner notice does not identify a specific sound, smell, light, or drivability change that appears before the extension cord overheats.

Who's affected?

The scope spans N-Series, W-Series, Frr, and WT5500 trucks across 2001-2013, with equipment and electrical system components named for the listed vehicles.

2009 Isuzu N-Series Equipment
2009 Isuzu N-Series electrical system
2005 Isuzu N-Series Equipment
2005 Isuzu N-Series electrical system
2004 Chevrolet W-Series Equipment
Units affected1,774

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.

What's the safety risk?

An overheating extension cord can melt the oil pan heater plug or block heater plug and increase the risk of fire. If your VIN is included, stop using the heater cord until an Isuzu dealer inspects the truck and replaces the cord or damaged parts. Repair will be free at any franchised Isuzu dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2001-2013 Isuzu N-Series, W-Series, Frr, or WT5500 truck is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Isuzu dealer and ask whether the free oil-pan-heater extension-cord inspection and repair is open for your VIN.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Isuzu mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V259 when you call.
  4. Avoid using the optional oil pan heater until the dealer inspects the extension cord and replaces any heat-damaged parts.
  5. Park away from structures after any sign of heat damage, melted plug material, or burning smell, then call the dealer before moving the truck.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, an Isuzu technician inspects the truck around the optional oil pan heater, heater plug, and extension cord. The repair path is to replace the extension cord and any damaged related components. Parts and labor are covered under the recall once the repair is available for your VIN. The manufacturer reported that owner notification began on August 30, 2013, so the service desk can use campaign 13V259 to confirm the current repair handling before the truck is brought in.

Timeline

June 19, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
August 30, 2013 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V259?

Recall 13V259 covers 1,774 2001-2013 Isuzu N-Series, W-Series, Frr, and WT5500 trucks with an optional oil pan heater. Debris can collect where the heater plug meets the extension cord, causing the cord to overheat and increasing fire risk.

What should I do if my 2001-2013 Isuzu N-Series, W-Series, Frr, or WT5500 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 13V259. If it is, contact a franchised Isuzu dealer and ask for the oil pan heater inspection. The dealer will replace the extension cord and damaged parts for free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. For recall 13V259, Isuzu dealers inspect the truck and replace the extension cord and damaged oil pan heater or block heater parts free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is fire from an overheated oil pan heater extension cord. Debris at the plug connection can cause overheating, which can melt the oil pan heater plug or block heater plug. The repair path is an Isuzu dealer inspection and free replacement of damaged parts.

When did the recall repair begin?

The recall repair began on August 30, 2013. If your truck has not had the recall completed, check your VIN and contact a franchised Isuzu dealer with recall number 13V259. Isuzu also lists customer contact at 1-866-441-9638.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V259000
Isuzu customer service1-866-441-9638
NHTSA recall #13V259
NHTSA recall # (full)13V259000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →