1997 Isuzu Rodeo Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 27%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 144,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo, 27% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 144,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“I own a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo; I am the original owner of this vehicle. The frame of my Rodeo is rusting away. I saw a report on the news last night regarding rodeos and passports and the safety issues involved with these rusting frames. The news reported a NHTSA study on this issue. The report suggested that a complaint be filed with NHTSA.”
NHTSA complaint #10330994, filed 2010-05, 126,500 miles“Bad frame rot on my 1997 Isuzu Rodeo was changing out my u-joints and inspecting the vehicle when I notices several spots where the frame was rusted through. I began cleaning the frame and some spots disintegrated when I hit them with a wire wheel. Welded any cracks I found filled in smaller holes and welded plates and supports into the bad spots. At first I thought this was a one off incident but after a quick search online it seems fairly common.”
NHTSA complaint #10378370, filed 2011-01, 169,700 miles“The frame of my 1997 Isuzu Rodeo has rusted so badly that it has broken in half. I can pull chunks out of the frame with my bare hands. Needless to say, I can no longer drive it.”
NHTSA complaint #10341516, filed 2010-07, 190,000 miles“I have a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo which I have owned for the past 10 years and want to sell it. It is physically and mechanically in excellent condition except for the exceptional amount of rust to the frame and undercarriage. Unbeknownst to me, Isuzu had a recall on many of these vehicles which I was not aware of, even though I had bought this used vehicle from an Isuzu dealer. Upon contacting the dealer and asking why I was not notified of the recall, he said all vehicles were not subject to the recall. Upon looking up my VIN, he said my vehicle was not recalled!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10470077, filed 2012-08, 162,000 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 8% |
| 2003 | 4 | 25% |
| 2002 | 22 | 22% |
| 2001 | 214 | 55% |
| 2000 | 84 | 31% |
| 1999 | 72 | 13% |
| 1998 | 69 | 14% |
| 1997 | 32 | 27% |
| 1996 | 10 | 10% |
| 1995 | 22 | 13% |
| 1994 | 6 | 7% |
| 1993 | 2 | 6% |
| 1992 | 3 | 4% |
| 1991 | 4 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo
16 complaintsWheels
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTires
5 complaintsVisibility (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 27, 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