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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

1997 Isuzu Rodeo Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
8%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 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo, 8% 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

“I have had several problems with this vehicle that I have only had for 3 months. The dealer is of no help and I dont know what else to do!!no safety defect listed in summary.”

NHTSA complaint #724337, filed 2000-06

“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

“Had brakes completely replaced 3 times. Makes weird train-like sound over 25 MPH; overheats when stopped at a traffic light-no one can find out what is wrong; at no particular time, if you shut the vehicle off after driving for about 20 minutes, it won't start back up, turn over, or make a sound except for all the dash lights and noises (beep beep beep); had the transmission repaired-stuck in overdrive; strong rotten-egg odor since purchase; shut off while driving; had alternator replaced-when you step on the accelerator, the ammeter goes down-now it is doing that again; dash ligths come and…”

NHTSA complaint #765755, filed 2002-08

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2004410%
2003213%
20021818%
2001185%
2000187%
1999377%
1998225%
1997108%
199655%
1995159%
19941518%
1993412%
19922329%
19911229%

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
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Electrical system
7 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 30, 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