1998 Isuzu Rodeo Sport Problems & Complaints

Better than average50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Rodeo Sport at the same age

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo Sport with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 50% fewer than a typical Rodeo Sport model year at the same age, making the 1998 one of the better Rodeo Sport years. The most reported problem area is the suspension (3 complaints, typically around 170,000 miles).

8complaints
0recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1998 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems

  • Suspension~170,000 miles
    338%
  • Brakes
    225%
  • Wheels & tires
    225%
  • Electrical system
    113%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~100,000 miles
    113%
  • Engine & cooling~100,000 miles
    113%
  • Body & structure~170,000 miles
    113%
  • Steering
    113%

Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Isuzu Rodeo Sport complaints by model year

1998199920002001200220038141249231
Owner complaints per model year, Isuzu Rodeo Sport. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Rodeo Sport years: 2003, 1998, 2000. Years to avoid: 2001. Compare all years →

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo Sport:

Rear suspension lower link failure

NHTSA investigation PE09030 · opened Jun 16, 2009 · closed Dec 8, 2009 · led to recall 10V-436

During preliminary evaluation pe09-030, Isuzu motors America, inc (Isuzu) noted two primary differences once the rear suspension lower link separation occurs between the alleged defect (separation of the lower link from the frame) of this investigation and a safety defect involving lower link separation from the rear axle addressed by Isuzu in safety recall 00v-058.in the case of the defect condition identified in…

What 1998 Isuzu Rodeo Sport owners say

Suspension

Not long ago I learned that there is a recall for the Isuzu Rodeo 1998 to 2000. So far I have not seen any defects in my car, but only a mechanic can tell the difference. The car that I have is an Isuzu Sport Rodeo 1998 and it falls in the recall. I wonder how safe will be to drive this car, since I have to commute about 50 miles every day 5 days a week. The reason that I am filling this complaint is because I read in the internet that there a lot neglicence on the side of the Isuzu, and it looks like a lot of Isuzu's owner is going to take this matter to court to fight back. Regional safety recall 10v-436.

170,000 miles · Sep 2012

I have had the vehicle for approximately 2.5 years. On July 1, 2017, I was turning left in a 30 MPH zone of highway 52 in tn, and heard a crack and what sounded like the 'thump' when running over something. I carefully guided the car to the r oadside, parked, and inspected the roiad behind me, all tires, and crawled beneath to inspect.I could find nothing, so proceeded with caution, only to pull over again twice witnin business parking lots trying to pinpoint where the issue was causing steering problems. After not seeing anything still, I turned right onto hwy 52 heading east; within 500 ft , in. The middle of an intersection with cross traffic doing 45mph min. ,tn hwy 109, I lost all steering control, and could not brake as I drifted thru a yellow signal lying on the horn and throwing my hazards on. …

Jul 2017

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo Sport a good car?

Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Rodeo Sport rates better than average: 50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Rodeo Sport at the same age. It is one of the best Rodeo Sport years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo Sport?

The suspension — 3 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rear. Next are the brakes (2) and wheels & tires (2).

How many recalls does the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo Sport have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Isuzu Rodeo Sport?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 1998 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001. See the full Isuzu Rodeo Sport years comparison.

At what mileage do 1998 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.