Skip to content
Electrical systemPart report

1997 Isuzu Rodeo Electrical system Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
6%of 118 total for the year
Median mileage
10,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo, 6% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“2006 I purchased 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. Not long after we noticed engine made a ticking sound brought it to shop and found out there was no oil pressure. We had to have engine replaced it took about 2 months. They had to replace engine 2. First one they installed was also blown. Engine still ticks. There is also problems with the SUV wanting to accelerate while at a stop. Sometimes not even holding the break firm stops it from rolling. The heater core started leaking antifreeze into the vehicle. The replacement fee just for the part is 400.00. I have read many reports of airbags not deploying.”

NHTSA complaint #10328399, filed 2010-05, 10,000 miles

“Problem with vehicle time after time,1997 Isuzu Rodeo which costing me about 24000.00 dollars with high interest,now problem with crank shaft sticking out about 1 and a half inches when you mash down on clutch in which service mechanics say it should not do,and that it is coming out too much. Abs light stays on,ticking sound coming from the engine like the valves. Can not pay on it good because I am always spending money to try to keep it running. Payment of 384.00 dollars per month for 5 years. Purchased from thomson georgia jeep and dodge dealership. …”

NHTSA complaint #10019031, filed 2003-05

“The transmission would make grinding noises & its getting worse when shifting; the front roll bar grille fell off 3 times; the 4 fuel injectors blew; the trunk do not open, even with key; the fuel guage fails to register properly; the roof is rusty causing water to leak inside vehicle. The alternator was replaced due to failure.”

NHTSA complaint #852423, filed 1999-11

“Both the drivers and passengeers automatic windows have broken. The middle console is broken. The hooks for the back seat do not latch the seat and the seat flies forward during braking (a distracting hazzard). The engine makes a ticking noise. The engine seems to get too hot. The engine seems to smell of oil even after short trips. The belts make loud noise when the vehicle is just starting - I just had the vehicle in the station and the service man said he did not find anything wrong with the vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10020705, filed 2003-05

“Rpms went down and the brake pedal went to the floor, airbag light came on, that was the only light that came on, consumer tried to give car a jump, but it kept dying. Towed to dealer and they said it was the alternator.”

NHTSA complaint #861634, filed 2000-05

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2004513%
200316%
200244%
2001205%
2000155%
1999275%
1998306%
199776%
199655%
19951810%
19941316%
199339%
19921013%
1991614%

Other parts of the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo

Body and structure
32 complaints
Engine cooling
16 complaints
Wheels
14 complaints
Air bags
13 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Vehicle speed control
11 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
10 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Suspension
7 complaints
Fuel system
6 complaints
Tires
5 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology