Most common 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems
Share of the 23 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 →
2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport recalls (2)
Suspension › Rear
Isuzu is recalling certain model year 1998-2000 amigo and model year 2001-2002 rodeo sport vehicles, that were originally sold, or are currently registered, in the states of maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new jersey, pennsylvania, delaware, maryland, the district of columbia,…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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 of tyler, texas.
Remedy: For vehicles registered in the states identified above, dealers will provide a new cover over the existing feed port on the fuel pump or, if the existing feed port has already been damaged, dealers will install a new…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 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 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport owners say
Suspension
At last inspection, I was told by my mechanic that there is a lot of rear frame rust on my vehicle, and it May not be safe to drive as the rust progresses. There was a recall on these vehicles, but I never received a notice. I bought my 2002 Isuzu in sept. Of 2012. I'm afraid to drive my vehicle, and I would never sell it in the condition it is, I believe it's not safe. I need a remedy from Isuzu. NHTSA had a campaign number 12V306000. I filed a complaint with NHTSA in August of this year, with no results yet. My complaint number is 10898314. I also noticed some frame rust in the frame in the front passenger side.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. Upon receiving an inspection of the vehicle, an independent mechanic diagnosed that there was premature rust, corrosion, and holes near the trailing arms, close to the frame and in the rear near the stabilizer bar. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was waiting for a response to determine if the vehicle was included or excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 10V436000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
Body & structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. Upon receiving an inspection of the vehicle, an independent mechanic diagnosed that there was premature rust, corrosion, and holes near the trailing arms, close to the frame and in the rear near the stabilizer bar. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was waiting for a response to determine if the vehicle was included or excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 10V436000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. While driving at 65 MPH, the spare tire well rusted and caused the spare tire to detach. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Engine & cooling
I've had to replace the catalytic converter twice on this vehicle within 3 year time frame. I contact the dealership about the defective part and was advised since I was no longer under warranty, its no their problem but mind. I advised the representative I understand that I have to pay the cost for the repairs but wanted to know was this a defective part. I also advised the representative that I notice, a lot of consumer's reported the same problem about this vehicle. She advised me since its not under warrant it's not their problem. If this has happen to more than 10 consumer's I think it is their problem, because I thing it's a defective part. Can you please help me.
SUV will stall when you give it gas, it will start to shake and the check transmission light and the cruise control light all come on, then the vehicle goes dead. Sometimes if you hit a bump it will just turn off. This happens on an almost daily bases, and the dealer states there is nothing wrong with it, I have changed multiple parts at there prompting to fix this, they have all failed, they continue to tell me there is nothing wrong, this is very dangerous and could be fatal to my son who drives this vehicle. It stalls in the middle of the highway.
2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 17 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Rodeo Sport rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Rodeo Sport at the same age. 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 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport?
The suspension — 9 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rear. Next are the body & structure (6) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport, the most recent from June 29, 2012 (rear). 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 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 120,000 miles; 16% 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.