Most common 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems
Share of the 49 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Isuzu Rodeo Sport complaints by model year
Best Rodeo Sport years: 2003, 1998, 2000. Years to avoid: 2001. Compare all years →
2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport recalls (1)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. During the manufacture of certain fuel return hoses, incorrect rubber material for the outer layer was used.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to determine if the vehicle was equipped with an incorrect hose. If it is incorrect, dealers will replace it.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport:
Rear suspension lower link failure
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 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport owners say
Body & structure all 20 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed corrosion on the undercarriage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the rear suspension lower link bracket was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. The contact stated that the frame was severely corroded and the rear lateral arm was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware that NHTSA campaign number: 104v36000 (suspension) had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed corrosion on the undercarriage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the rear suspension lower link bracket was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
While driving on the toll road @ approx. 55 MPH, the rear suspension snapped and the vehicle began to fishtail. Luckily, I was able to slow down and regain control of the vehicle. I was able to proceed at approx 20 MPH and exit the toll road. Upon parking, I was able to examine the rear and saw that the complete rear suspension was rusted through and the drivers side snapped off. After having two mechanics look over the vehicle, we are being told it is not repairable. We also just purchased this vehicle used approx 3 months ago and are not sure what the next step should be. After doing some investigation online, I found that this was a recall and should have been fixed by the previous owners and now the recall time period has lapsed.
Fuel & propulsion system
The fuel sending unit on the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo's (all models) are defective displaying a check fuel light, and a faulty readout of fuel left in take. I was told by dealership in my local area that this is a common problem on these cars. So if an Isuzu dealership says this is a common problem and an estimated cost of repair is 500+ why not have a recall???
Fuel gauge going crazy and gas light flashes randomly. Filled up my gas tank and the gauge went to full. Stopped at a red light and the gauge went to 1/4 tank. When I started driving again, the gauge went back to full and the flashing gas light disappeared.
2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 21 / 18 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport a good car?
Based on 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Rodeo Sport rates avoid: 2.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Rodeo Sport at the same age. It is one of the Rodeo Sport years we suggest avoiding. 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 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport?
The body & structure — 20 complaints, 41% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frame and members. Next are the suspension (13) and fuel & propulsion system (8).
How many recalls does the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport, the most recent from October 5, 2000 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 14% 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.