Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 39 | −81% | 2 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2003 | 16 | −91% | 3 | Engine | Good |
| 2002 | 101 | −53% | 2 | Body | Good |
| 2001 | 389 | 2.1× | 4 | Body | Avoid |
| 2000 | 274 | 1.8× | 3 | Body | Caution |
| 1999 | 550 | 5.0× | 3 | Brake | Avoid |
| 1998 | 478 | 4.5× | 4 | Brake | Avoid |
| 1997 | 118 | −46% | — | Body | Good |
| 1996 | 97 | −46% | — | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 1995 | 176 | 1.8× | 1 | Wheel & Tire | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Rodeo year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Isuzu Rodeo problems
Latest Isuzu Rodeo recalls
Suspension › Rear
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 Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,…
Remedy: Isuzu will notify owners, and 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.
Suspension › Rear
Isuzu is recalling certain model year 1998-2002 Isuzu rodeo and model year 2002 Isuzu axiom vehicles, and Honda is recalling certain 1998-2002 Honda passport vehicles, that were originally sold, or are currently registered, in the states of maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new…
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…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Brake fluid low warning › Lamp
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.
Remedy: The diodes have been replaced. All vehicles have been repaired.
Air bags › Frontal
On certain sport utility vehicles, the passenger-side air bag inflator modules were manufactured and shipped without a necessary component known as a check valve pin.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger side air bag. Owner notification is expected to begin during August or September 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Isuzu Rodeo should you avoid?
1999, 1998, 2001, 2000 and 1995 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Rodeo years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1999.
What is the best year for the Isuzu Rodeo?
2003 has the fewest complaints compared with other Rodeo years at the same age, followed by 2004 and 2002. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Isuzu Rodeo problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (561), body & structure (532) and suspension (375). Brake complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Isuzu Rodeo had?
12 recalls across 1995–2004. The model year with the most is 1998. See all Isuzu Rodeo recalls by year.
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.