2003 Isuzu Rodeo Problems
- Complaints
- 16filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 37,000miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 2.2L 4-cyl RWD · 16 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 4 complaints (25% of the total), followed by body and structure (4) and brakes (2). 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 71% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 37,000 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 49 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 11 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Body and structure complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling4 25%
- Body and structure4 25%
- Brakes2 13%
- Fuel system2 13%
- Suspension2 13%
- Electrical system1 6.3%
- Vehicle speed control1 6.3%
- Wheels1 6.3%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “2003 Rodeo engine failue at 48k. Isuzu refuses to repair under warranty and blaming me for damage because I cannot produce all of my oil change reciepts. My 2000 Rodeo engine failed at 35k and Isuzu replaced under warranty. I am amazed at how many complaints and oil usage post I am finding on the web from other Isuzu owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10125027, filed 2005-06, 48,000 milesBody and structure: “The contact owns a 2003 Isuzu Rodeo. The stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning, causing the contact to crash into a guard rail. There were no injuries. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was advised that the frame rail was rotten and caused the axle to detach from the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10513007, filed 2013-05, 88,000 milesBrakes: “While driving at any speed, intermittently consumer depressed the brake pedal and felt a thumping sensation in the pedal. When this occurred, the brakes no longer worked properly. The last time the brakes failed vehicle had to ride on the shoulder to avoid a collision. Manufacturer and dealer were aware of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10044829, filed 2003-10, 450 milesFuel system: “This complaint is related to an ongoing investigation regarding fuel tank retention. The fuel tank shield on this vehicle is rotting away due to rust and one of the two fuel tank straps has already broken. There is no accesibility to an oem or aftermarket shield, the part is discontinued and aftermarket companies do not produce it as far as I can find. This is a serious safety concern, and it would be seriously expensive to get a new shield manufactured by a machine shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11138931, filed 2018-10, 150,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
71% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,162 and 84,953 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo · sedan | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Isuzu Rodeo version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Rodeo 2WD | 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Rodeo 2WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Rodeo 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Rodeo 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 13V547000Oct 31, 2013Suspension › RearCovers: Isuzu Rodeo 2003–2004, Axiom 2003–2004, Rodeo Sport 2003
Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode…
- 05V466000Oct 7, 2005Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Isuzu Rodeo 2002–2004, Axiom 2002–2004, Rodeo Sport 2002–2003 +1 more
Certain sport utility vehicles that have been exposed to fuel contaminated with silicon may develop small pin holes in the fuel pump feed port. Silicon has been identified in the fuel systems of affected vehicles and in certain fuel available in the region…
- 03V390000Oct 10, 2003Service brakes, hydraulic › Brake fluid low warning › LampCovers: Isuzu Rodeo 2003, Axiom 2003
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101, "controls and displays." the brake warning lamp would not illuminate in the event of decreased brake fluid volume.
Recall details for the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP18001Fuel Tank Retention FailureClosed · May 23, 2018
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 49 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10237146May 8, 2023Other or unknown. This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this…
- 10218932Aug 30, 2022Equipment. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers…
- 10218927Aug 2, 2022Equipment. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers…
- 10217004Jul 20, 2022Equipment, Engine cooling. The Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) Service Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides diagnostic support to Isuzu dealer technicians repairing Isuzu vehicles in and out of vehicle…
- 10217001Jul 20, 2022Equipment. The following is a list of the Isuzu-recommended Threebond product part numbers identified in the various Isuzu Workshop Manuals and bulletins. If a Threebond product is unavailable, we recommend…
- 10212625Jan 11, 2022Engine cooling. This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10154306Feb 19, 2019Engine cooling. This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it…
- 10154299Feb 18, 2019Engine cooling. This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10154552Dec 3, 2018Engine cooling. This preliminary information document communicates a tip on the way to diagnose possible induction or exhaust air leaks using the evaporative emission cart smoke machine and ultrasonic leak detector…
- 10141371May 23, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about connectivity concerns when connecting an Apple device via USB cord. Technician should insure the customer is…
Other model years of the Isuzu Rodeo
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 39 | 67,238 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 16 | 37,000 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 101 | 85,294 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 389 | 110,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 274 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 550 | 78,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 478 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 118 | 125,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 97 | 125,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 176 | 117,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 82 | 140,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 34 | 137,068 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 80 | 145,767 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 42 | 140,460 | 1 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Isuzu Rodeo model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo have?
NHTSA recorded 16 consumer complaints for the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 4 complaints (25% of the total), followed by body and structure with 4.
Has the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo (Rodeo 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 37,000 miles and the middle half falls between 7,162 and 84,953 miles; 71% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.