1994 Isuzu Rodeo Problems
- Complaints
- 82filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 140,000miles, 18 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 2.6L 4-cyl RWD · 15 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo report a mix of older-vehicle wear and a few recurring themes: transmission and throttle-cable trouble, oil leaks around the camshaft seal and valve covers, door and tailgate latches that fail or stick, and wheel studs that snap during tire service. Many reports are filed at high mileage, so several issues look like age- and maintenance-related problems rather than early failures.
- Vehicle speed control
Stuck or binding accelerator / throttle cable
- 7 complaints (9%)
- median 109,000 mi at 13.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1995–2010
Owners describe the accelerator pedal going to the floor and staying there, or the throttle staying engaged after the pedal is released, with engine speed continuing to climb. Several say they had to brake hard, shift to neutral or park, or switch off the engine to stop the vehicle. The complaints point to a sticking throttle cable between pedal and throttle body as the component blamed. Reported at mileages from roughly 70,000 to 150,000; some describe it happening repeatedly.
What to check: With the engine off, work the pedal and check that the cable and linkage move freely and return fully; have the throttle cable inspected and lubricated or replaced if it binds.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Gas pedal stuck to floor. Barely able to stop vehicle. This is the second time it happened. The first time, my wife was unable to stop the vehicle. Caused near fatal collision. (I was not informed of the severity of the first incident until after the second occurance.)”
NHTSA complaint #739747, filed 2001-01“Gas pedal becomes stuck and acceleration continues. Accelerator cable from pedal to throttle is becomes stuck often. I have to slam on the gas pedal multiple times to get it to free up.”
NHTSA complaint #10335497, filed 2010-06, 73,000 miles - Engine cooling
Camshaft seal plug and valve-cover oil leaks
- 10 complaints (12%)
- median 145,000 mi at 13.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 1997–2011
Owners describe oil leaking from the camshaft seal end plug area, sometimes enough to produce smoke or an oil smell from under the hood. Others report oil collecting on top of the spark plugs and exhaust manifold, with a gasket kit replaced more than once. Some owners say the dealer told them the vehicle had already received the recall repair even though the leak returned, or that their vehicle was not covered. Reported mostly between about 70,000 and 170,000 miles; several owners note leaks are most noticeable while the engine warms up.
What to check: Check the cylinder head area and top of the engine for oil residue and a burning-oil smell, and ask whether recall 94V132000 was performed on this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Engine oil leaks onto top of spark plugs and exhaust manifold. Leaks seem to be most prevelant when the engine is warming up. I've had the entire gasket kit replaced twice. Occasionally there is enough oil accumulation to cause a light smoke to be seen for just a minute and the vehicle has always had an accompanying oil smell. Oil is not leaked into combustion chamber and no oil leaks onto the ground. Problem does not seem to be rectifiable and dealer won't fix the problem without me paying 100% each time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10025440, filed 2003-07, 70,000 miles“Nhtsa campaign 94v132000; Isuzu issued a cam shaft recall on the engine. This vehicle was included in the recall, but the engine was still leaking oil, even after repaired twice for that recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10113377, filed 2005-03, 132,000 miles - Latches, locks and linkages
Door and tailgate latches that stick or release on their own
- 7 complaints (9%)
- median 84,500 mi at 10.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1997–2004
Owners report rear doors that will not open from the inside or outside, power locks that will not stay in adjustment, and a tailgate latch that lets the rear window open while driving. One owner attributes the latching trouble to water running inside the door and corroding the lock controls, and says the dealer recommended lubricating specific points, which only helped for a few months. Others describe repeated dealer adjustments that did not hold. Reported from low mileage up to about 159,000 miles; several owners describe the problem recurring after repairs.
What to check: Open and close every door and the tailgate several times, check that the latches engage firmly and that the rear window latch holds over bumps, and look for water staining or corrosion inside the doors.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Power locks do not stay in adjustment. I have had numerous problems with the rear driver side door and rear tailgate latches. They have both been adjusted by the dealer several times and almost immediately exhibit the problems again intermittently. The tailgate latch releases the rear window while driving usually when hitting a bump but sometimes out of the blue. The problem seems to happen when the latch is opened last using the key on the tailgate. When the latch is opened electronically I do not have the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10025443, filed 2003-07, 10,000 miles“Problems with the vehicle's doors being hard to open. The consumer is concerned that in case of emergency the occupants will be trapped inside. The rear door's failed to open from the outside and inside. (the child safety locks were not engaged)”
NHTSA complaint #10066666, filed 2004-06, 159,000 miles - Wheels
Wheel studs and lug nuts snapping
- 8 complaints (10%)
- typically at 6.5 yrs old
- filed 1998–2001
Complaints describe wheel studs and lug nuts breaking during tire rotation or service, and in some cases while driving. Owners say shops were reluctant to work on the vehicle because of this, and one owner reports a wheel coming off while driving. Owners describe replacing studs repeatedly. Reported across a wide mileage range with no single pattern in the sample.
What to check: Have a shop inspect all wheel studs and lug nuts for stretched threads or corrosion before buying, and ask that fasteners be torqued to spec rather than impacted on.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Any time I have tires taken off car , the lugs: nuts: studs break off. I have had every service place to tell me they don't like working on any Isuzu because of this problem. At this point, I have spent $500.00 replacing studs on my car. I want to know if others have reported this problem. I also wonder how safe these cars can be. Have there been repport.”
NHTSA complaint #747084, filed 2001-06“The manufacturer supplied studs are made from an inferior metal which, over time will snap off while driving and/or servicing the vehicle. Moreover, when I replaced the studs, I could only use the same inferior Isuzu studs to replace the old ones, because I am restricted to only use the Isuzu parts (no other parts will work due to an inherant design). I had two studs snap off while I was driving with my 2 minor children in the car causing me to temporarily lose control of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #744682, filed 2001-04 - Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic transmission shifting and sensor faults
Mentioned in 4 of 46 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the automatic transmission failing to shift, a check-transmission light coming on, and the vehicle becoming undrivable until the ignition is cycled. One owner links the symptom to the gear selection sensor on the transmission; another reports wiring near the exhaust that deteriorated with heat and left the transmission unable to shift. Another owner had the transmission replaced. Mostly reported between about 78,000 and 140,000 miles; one owner notes it happened on hot days.
What to check: Ask for transmission service records and whether the gear selection sensor or wiring has been replaced; on a test drive, check that shifts are firm and that no warning light appears when moving in and out of reverse.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Automatic transmission wire harness deteriorated do to excessive heat, routed to close to catalytic converter causing vehicle not to shift and disabling both transmission warning lights. Vehicle only has 78k miles on it and wire covering/insulation should not be literally burned away with such low miles on the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10335495, filed 2010-06, 78,000 miles“While driving at 50 MPH, automatic transmission failed to work. Consumer took vehicle to dealership to have transmission checked. Was informed by dealer that transmission was replaced once before.”
NHTSA complaint #10044600, filed 2003-10, 100,000 miles
Buying note. A 1994 Rodeo is an old vehicle, so condition and service history matter more than the model itself; pay particular attention to the throttle linkage, transmission behavior, oil leaks around the cylinder head, and the condition of the door latches and wheel hardware. Ask for records showing whether recall 94V132000 was completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 46 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 82 consumer complaints for the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo. 18 of the complaints include a mileage, and 17% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 140,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 13 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling14 17%
- Electrical system13 16%
- Brakes11 13%
- Wheels10 12%
- Vehicle speed control8 9.8%
- Steering6 7.3%
- Body and structure6 7.3%
Also reported: Suspension (4), Tires (4), Fuel system (3), Equipment (2), Seat belts (2), Exterior lighting (1), Other or unknown (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “- the contact has a 1994 mitsubishi 3000 gtvr4. The contact stated that the transfer case blew up on the high way due to lack of oil. The failure was caused ny a leak. The contact stated that this happened a half an hour after he purchased the vehicle. It was a rainy day and he was driving at 40 MPH in rush hour traffic. The contact stated that this component is under safety recall number 02v143001, and that he would like his vehicle repaired under the safety recall at no cost to himself.”
NHTSA complaint #10179024, filed 2007-01, 9,709 milesEngine cooling: “The contact owns a 1994 Isuzu Rodeo. While driving approximately 40 MPH the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the camshaft seal end plug needed to be replaced. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer because there was a recall for the component under NHTSA campaign id number: 94v132000 (engine and engine cooling:engine). The manufacturer stated the vehicle had previous recall repairs performed. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10411773, filed 2011-07, 168,600 milesElectrical system: “About two days ago the power windows on my Rodeo suddenly stopped working so we took the control out thinking that maybe the wires vibrated loose or something like that. When we removed the control there was nothing wrong with the control or the wiring that we could see by just looking at it so we opened the fuse box that is under the dash and found the fuse that controlled the windows. The power window fuse is a large box looking thing(not a regular fuse) with a red button in the middle that was popped out so we pushed the button back in and the windows began working again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10170825, filed 2006-10, 147,000 milesBrakes: “This problem has occurred since winter of 1998 when I first moved from california to colder nebraska and now in kentucky. It only happens in winter time after a cold start (never got cold enough in california). The brakes are frozen for a few minutes until the engine warms up and then finally give slowly. Over the years I have learned to deal with the issue by letting the car warm idle. There have been a few instances as in this last winter where I was in a hurry and forgot to let it warm up with the result of going downhill and not being able to break at will. …”
NHTSA complaint #764063, filed 2002-07Mileage when problems were reported
17% of the 18 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 73,000 and 150,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo · sedan | not rated | 3 / 3 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1994 Isuzu Rodeo version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo 2WD | 2.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Rodeo 2WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Rodeo 2WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Rodeo 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 17 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Rodeo 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 02V281000Oct 15, 2002Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Isuzu Rodeo 1994, Pickup Truck 1994–1995, Amigo 1994 +1 more
On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, the latch plate used in the seat belt buckle was not manufactured according to design dimensions. If the seat belt tongue is inserted slowly at an angle into the buckle, there is a possibility of partial…
- 97V034001Mar 7, 1997Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulatorCovers: Isuzu Rodeo 1994–1995, Pickup Truck 1995
An integrated circuit within the voltage regulator can contain manufacturing errors.
- 96V170002Sep 17, 1996Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Isuzu Rodeo 1994, Amigo 1994, Pickup Truck 1994
The latch plate used in the seat belt buckle was not manufactured according to design dimensions. If the seat belt tongue is inserted slowly at an angle into the buckle, there is a possibility of partial engagement.
- 94V132000Jul 19, 1994Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: Isuzu Rodeo 1993–1994, Trooper 1992–1994, Honda Passport 1994
Constant expansion and contraction of the cylinder head causes the camshaft seal end plug can become dislodged from the cylinder head. This allows oil to leak from the camshaft.
Recall details for the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10237146May 8, 2023Other or unknown. This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this…
- 10218932Aug 30, 2022Equipment. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers…
- 10218927Aug 2, 2022Equipment. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers…
Other model years of the Isuzu Rodeo
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 39 | 67,238 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 16 | 37,000 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 101 | 85,294 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 389 | 110,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 274 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 550 | 78,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 478 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 118 | 125,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 97 | 125,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 176 | 117,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 82 | 140,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 34 | 137,068 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 80 | 145,767 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 42 | 140,460 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Isuzu Rodeo model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo?
Owners of the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo report a mix of older-vehicle wear and a few recurring themes: transmission and throttle-cable trouble, oil leaks around the camshaft seal and valve covers, door and tailgate latches that fail or stick, and wheel studs that snap during tire service. The issues reported most often: Stuck or binding accelerator / throttle cable; Camshaft seal plug and valve-cover oil leaks; Door and tailgate latches that stick or release on their own.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo have?
NHTSA recorded 82 consumer complaints for the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 15 complaints (18% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 14.
Has the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo get?
The EPA rates the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo (Rodeo 2WD, 2.6L 4-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 15 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo reported?
Among the 18 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 140,000 miles and the middle half falls between 73,000 and 150,000 miles; 17% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.