1998 Isuzu Rodeo Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 5%of 478 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,710miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, 5% of the 478 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,710 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The transmission begin to skate and only stay in use the reverse and the winter drive form. The car was checked and the oil level are in good standing. Later after two days all drive forms stay in blank. I put the car in drive 1 and the car no response in any drive form.”
NHTSA complaint #10292201, filed 2009-11, 120,419 miles“Transmission failure. Cracked output shaft from transmission. Replaced with a new 2 piece transmission shaft. However, even though Isuzu knows about this, hence the recommendation of the new 2 piece shaft, I had to pay for all repairs myself, over 2000 dollars”
NHTSA complaint #10039376, filed 2003-09, 69,000 miles“2 times vehicle left me & my 6 year old twins stranded on dark dangerous hwys. On 2nd engine- and now possibly 2nd transmission? 1-28-99 incident scary- smoke and burning smell. All of sudden-no warning. Suv rolled to stop on pavement, unable to shift into any gear. Had to allow grade of road to roll me backwards in n off the pavement and into dirt shoulder to safety. Suv out of service to date-23 days. Dealer does not know what is wrong-can't indicate problem. No one hurt, yet.”
NHTSA complaint #702762, filed 1999-01“We have experienced several problems with this vehicle, the major problems have included the muffler system being replaced, front crank and rear main seals leaking and being replaced, transmission being toally replaced at 57k and now our timing belt has snapped causing $4,000 in damage to the motor. Owner's manual states that timing belt does not need to be checked until 75k the vehicle only has 67k. We lost the transmission and the motor on I-20 in louisiana going at a rate of 70mph, both times being left stranded on the interstate early in the am. …”
NHTSA complaint #737904, filed 2000-12“I emailed Isuzu regarding problem - got form letter saying to contact dealer. Dealer has been no help, and that's why I went to Isuzu in the first place. Hard copy letter being sent to Isuzu, dealership, and NHTSA today. 4-wd repeatedly fails to engage at any speed. Dealership claims they can not reproduce, though I have driven it into the garage twice this winter with it failing. They did tell me that they had trouble above parking lot speeds but meets manufacturer specifications since they could get it to engage eventually. When I push the button, at any speed, the light just flashes. …”
NHTSA complaint #756815, filed 2002-01Related service bulletins
- 10015817May 1, 2005Shift lock solenoid removal and replacement procedures. *tt 2002-2004 isuzu axiom (up), 198-2004 rodeo (ue) and 1998-2004 rodeo sport. Update
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 4 | 10% |
| 2003 | 2 | 13% |
| 2002 | 18 | 18% |
| 2001 | 18 | 5% |
| 2000 | 18 | 7% |
| 1999 | 37 | 7% |
| 1998 | 22 | 5% |
| 1997 | 10 | 8% |
| 1996 | 5 | 5% |
| 1995 | 15 | 9% |
| 1994 | 15 | 18% |
| 1993 | 4 | 12% |
| 1992 | 23 | 29% |
| 1991 | 12 | 29% |
Other parts of the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
222 complaintsBody and structure
69 complaintsSuspension
59 complaintsEngine cooling
39 complaintsFuel system
32 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
29 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsWheels
12 complaintsEquipment
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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