Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Isuzu Rodeo frame is completely rotted . The Isuzu corp want to fix with rear brackets this will not fix the SUV needs a whole new frame one that is made out of good steel and inclosed and coated . Not ispectable in my state . We want a refund that is comparable to the real kelly blue book value.
My brakes do not function properly. In the past year, I have replaced the front brakes and on the next occasion, the rear brakes. The first time because of a near accident when pressing on the brake and it failing to slow down to a stop. Eventually stopping. The next time, it actually didn't stop until I hit the back of a minivan, then a sedan and SUV crashed into the back of my car. When I got my brakes replaced after that, I almost hit a pedestrian less than a block from the repair shop. Then driving to work, I noticed that the brakes still weren't responding. I took the car back to the shop the next day, and had the mechanic drive around and drive the car with me. He felt there was nothing wrong. It kept happening. I press down on the brake. It stiffens up, then makes some clicking sounds, and the car just glides, I.e. Keeps on moving. That is not safe!! …
I have a black goo oozing from around the lower part of my driver and passenger doors and is also coming in around the inside door handles as of now the driver door does not open from the inside. Dealer has determined this to be from the glue used to adhere the inner door moisture barrier. This has been going on since I purchased my vehicle new in 2001. Isuzu has continually denied responsibility stating it is not covered under warranty and now that my warranty has expired they still won't fix the problem first denying such a problem exists, telling my husband it is true, then denying even speaking to my husband. It has been a safety hazard from the start (starting in August 2002 when dealership first started just cleaning off the goo from the lower inner door jam)) now complicated since I can no longer open the driver door from the inside and it is my only vehicle. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. While driving approximately 30 MPH on normal road conditions, the contact heard a loud noise. The vehicle began to sway uncontrollably without assistance. The contact immediately pulled over to the side of the road and called roadside assistance. A mechanic inspected underneath the vehicle and found that the torque was detached from the vehicle. Also, the entire undercarriage was completely rusted and corroded. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and has not been repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 52,000.
I had a mechanic look at my truck because of an exhaust leak, while inspecting, he found a break/separation of the right frame where the forward mounting rear suspension bracket attaches. The left side of the frame is also rotted but not yet broken. I took it to an Isuzu dealer in massachusetts, & they took pictures of the problem, then reported it to Isuzu. I called Isuzu's (800) help line to ask what they could do to repair my truck, they said nothing, they were not recalling that particular truck model but took my information.
The recall on the Isuzu rodeos does not cover frame rot, just the "rear suspension lower link bracket area" which is outrageous, my car has frame rot from the front tires all the way to the back, you can poke your finger through to the other side, and it crumbles like bread. What's the point of fixing the bracket if the entire frame is falling off in pieces? Does that make it any safer?
I owned a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo that I just had to get rid of because of the frame rotting in half. I am now in a situation where I have to have car payment. Had it not been for the frame, I would still have the Isuzu because mechanically it was fine but imagine my horror when the garage told me I could not drive the car because of the frame rotting in half.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that the front right frame was covered with rust. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle was not repairable. The current and failure mileages were 105,000.
Body complaints in other Rodeo Sport years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport, 41% of the model year's 49 complaints. The component named most often is frame and members (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.