Isuzu Rodeo Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 2,476 consumer complaints across the 14 model years of the Isuzu Rodeo (1991–2004) that have at least 5 complaints. 1999 has the most, with 550. Across all years, the part named most often is brakes (591 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Rodeo model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 39 | 67,238 | 2 | 49 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 16 | 37,000 | 3 | 49 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 101 | 85,294 | 2 | 42 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 389 | 110,000 | 4 | 43 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 274 | 90,000 | 3 | 43 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 550 | 78,000 | 3 | 8 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 478 | 100,000 | 4 | 8 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 118 | 125,000 | 0 | 3 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 97 | 125,000 | 0 | 3 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 176 | 117,000 | 1 | 3 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 82 | 140,000 | 4 | 3 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 34 | 137,068 | 1 | 3 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 80 | 145,767 | 0 | 3 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 42 | 140,460 | 1 | 3 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Brakes591 24%
- Body and structure547 22%
- Suspension387 15%
- Engine cooling262 10%
- Fuel system217 8.7%
- Transmission and drivetrain203 8.1%
- Electrical system164 6.5%
- Vehicle speed control137 5.5%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
1997: “I sent in a complete already I have never heard back I would really like to know the 96 and 98 were recalled for frame problems I would like to know why I have not heard back from you for the 97 I am in a tight spot I can not afford to replace this car I have good credit but because I do not have cosigner I can not replace this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10596798, filed 2014-06, 144,000 miles2002: “Takata air bag, my 2002 Rodeo airbag light is on, on the dashboard, I called the dealer and they said its not part of the recalls, it is a vehicle made by honda and should be covered under the recalls, its the same vehicle as the honda passport just a different yr and its a florida registered automobile, how can I get help with this airbag problem, I shouldnt have to pay for the repairs due to defects and recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #10944627, filed 2017-01, 180,000 miles2001: “The tank shield has completed rusted off. There are many complaints online about rust problems with the vehicle. Called Isuzu and got no support. More of less they told me we don't care about your problem. I have tried to find a replacement part but Isuzu stated they no longer make the part. Unable to fine part online or in any junk yards.”
NHTSA complaint #10544001, filed 2013-09, 110,000 milesOther Isuzu models
573 complaintsIsuzu Ascender
205 complaintsIsuzu Amigo
179 complaintsIsuzu Axiom
157 complaintsIsuzu Hombre
122 complaintsIsuzu Rodeo Sport
106 complaintsIsuzu Vehicross
68 complaintsIsuzu Pickup Truck
56 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology