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 1995 Isuzu Rodeo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Frame is rusted completely into from just in front of the shock mounts on the rear of my 1995 Isuzu Rodeo. The rear shocks went through the frame an cut the lines to the fuel pump an shorted it an it does not work now. We wrecked ran in a ditch an now can not drive it.we are now down to one vehicle an my wife has to get a ride from work from her dad.
The engine made a loud noise. At 10K miles, the noise was noticeable. The technicians stated the problem was normal and there was no problem. The noise gradually worsened. A buzz noise was heard when making the left turn signal was used. The combo switch was replaced due to a short. Also the heater blower motor made a noise as well. The engine smoked at times, died and when restarted it did not run properly. The sunroof drains were draining into the rocker panels and caused water to overflow onto the driver's floor. The trim panel on the rear door was deformed. Scc
I took my 95' Isuzu Rodeo to my local mechanic for new shocks and struts. A few minutes later the mechanic came in the waiting room and said he could not work on the vehicle due to the excessive frame rust and that the car is not safe to drive. He went on to say Isuzu is known for rust and has not made efforts to recall their defective frames. I am now unable to perform the normal routine maintenance needed to prolong the life of my vehicle and investment. This is also a huge safety risk that Isuzu should address.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that there was rust around the frame on the driver and passenger side wheels. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted but denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 170,000. Newer cars were recalled. Updated 11/03/2011
When we took the vehicle in for service we were told there is significant rust damage to the frame. It could not be fixed and as a result was not worth putting much money into the car. Today when we took it to a different garage we were told there is a recall on the frame. I am unable to find evidence of a recall for this model year.
1995 Isuzu Rodeo 4 wheel drive ls- rear frame almost rusted through, many m stress cracks in frame. Mechanic advised to park the Rodeo and not drive anymore. Brought home and sand blasted and added lots of new steel to frame. Had to cut, remove and patch areas of frame around rear leaf springs and rear shock mount locations.
Engine valves are clicking constantly. Consumer states clicking is caused by faulty hydraulic lifters, the lifter orifice is too small in the 1995 model. Vehicle does not have oil pressure or has very little while idling, timing chain was replaced, dealer informed consumer to use 0-30 weight oil to correct noise in the valves, however the oil change did not help, engine sounds like a thrashing machine. Tailgate actuator spring was replaced. Window cable mechanism in right front door panel was replaced. Lock on the left rear door would lock, however would have to be unlocked manually.
Neither rear passenger door (power locks) will open from the inside or the outside. The dealer is aware of the problem, and stated that the handles needs to be replaced due to rusting. The problem has not been corrected.
Both safe proof power windows will not stop or shut off when an object or someone's hands are caught in between when closing the windows. Manufacturer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
We were putting new brakes on the car, when my husband noticed the frame was completely rusted through. I was told it was un safe to drive.
Body complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1995 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the body & structure of the 1995 Isuzu Rodeo, 13% of the model year's 176 complaints. The component named most often is body › door (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Isuzu Rodeo body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1995 Isuzu Rodeo, 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 1995 Isuzu Rodeo body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 163,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.