2002 Isuzu Rodeo Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 18%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo, 18% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,500 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.
“I own a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. I am the only owner. Last year 2009, it suddenly started having a jerking movement whenever I stop and then accelerate. It got so bad that I took it to the dealer and they charged me $695.00 to fix what they said was a transmission seal leak. It ran ok for a while and then I stated noticing that I would be driving down the highway and then all of a sudden the gear would shift and on the dash indicator it would be showing that the gear is in park, reverse, neutral or something else other than drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10340858, filed 2010-06, 92,300 miles“My 2002 Rodeo that was purchased may 13, 2003 has just been towed to the dealership as the transmission has gone out at 32,600 miles. Dealership called & said there would be a problem with the powertrain warranty as I was not the original owner of the vehicle. I told him - yes I am & that I bought the vehicle from them brand new. I had just had my 30,000 mile check up done on october 30, 2006. At 30,000 miles had to have the tires replaced. Previously have had vehicle in the shop for sensor problems & others that I cannot think of right now.”
NHTSA complaint #10184085, filed 2007-03, 32,600 miles“I have a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo ls with a six cylinder engine and a 2 wheel drive automatic transmission. The transmission is sealed and the owner's manual requires service at 120,000 miles. I have never driven the vehicle under extreme conditions, and I have never towed anything behind the vehicle. Nonetheless, my transmission recently started to shudder and lurch when the vehicle initially accelerated from low to second gear. When this problem began, the vehicle had about 55,500. The problem grew progressively worse, and I took it for service at about 56,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093689, filed 2004-10, 55,500 miles“2002 Isuzu Rodeo 2 wheel drive, transmission selector is in one gear and sometimes the dash indicator is in another gear. Must stop and shut off engine for at least 5 seconds to reset this. This has happened several times over the last 3 years....(6).”
NHTSA complaint #10363420, filed 2010-10, 86,000 miles“Transmission began hard shifting and slipping. Took it to dealer and dealer installed a new transmission servo cover and replaced 4 quarts of transmission fluid. Dealer indicated that original servo cover had cracked and indicated verbally this was becoming common. Problem was repaired under warranty but if this repair is becoming common and can result in complete transmission failure a warning should be issued to alert owners of this problem so the servo cover can be replaced before it's failure causes larger problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10228970, filed 2008-05, 47,709 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10112600Nov 26, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the axel setup information from American Axle Manufacturing. Technician should be advised…
- 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 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
22 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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