1997 Isuzu Rodeo Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 9%of 118 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo, 9% of the 118 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“I started the car and noticed the engine was surging. I thought if I put the car in reverse, I could quell the engine. The car bolted in reverse out of my garage, across the back alley, down a drainage ditch embankment behind by house and up the other side. I ended up in the field behind my house. I was able to get out of the car and turn off the ignition when the car slowed in the muddy field.”
NHTSA complaint #10141436, filed 2005-11, 130,000 miles“Engine suddenly idles between 1,500 to 2,500 RPM. Problems seems to only happen during winter months--for the last two years. Took vehicle to Isuzu dealer in tucson, az. Dealer kept the car for about a week, was able to duplicate the problem, but they could not determine the cause.his is a safety concern because the engine races at stop lights, stop signs, etc. And is hard to handle. Waiting for traffic accident to happen....maybe this year.”
NHTSA complaint #10045778, filed 2003-11, 60,000 miles“My son was taking me to o'hare airport on 12/21/00. Rodeo suddently began to accelerate on its own. The brakes would not respond. The SUV was in 4 wheel drive at the time and we could not disengate it. For a harrowing 6 miles, he pumped the brakes until it slowed but we could not stop it. Due to it being 6:30 am and a lot of good luck we did not hit anything. Finally when the car had slowed we put it in neutral and regained control. The smell from the brakes by that time were overwhelming. The car dealer informed us that the throttle cable had come undone. …”
NHTSA complaint #740496, filed 2001-02“While backing out of parking lot, engine started racing and vehicle made a loud popping noise and went full throttle forward over sidewalk , hit a parked vehicle and pushed vehicle (2) feet sideways. Driver had to put vehicle in park and remove key to stop vehicle. Waiting for insurance agency to look at vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #810533, filed 1997-03“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 2003-05Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 4 | 10% |
| 2003 | 1 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 9 | 2% |
| 2000 | 14 | 5% |
| 1999 | 40 | 7% |
| 1998 | 29 | 6% |
| 1997 | 11 | 9% |
| 1996 | 5 | 5% |
| 1995 | 9 | 5% |
| 1994 | 8 | 10% |
| 1993 | 1 | 3% |
| 1992 | 3 | 4% |
| 1991 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo
32 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsWheels
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsBrakes
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 31, 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