Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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
Tl contact owns a 1995 Isuzu Rodeo. While driving between 25-30 MPH, the engine began making noise and smoking before it completely failed. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic, who stated that the engine was destroyed. There is a NHTSA campaign id number 94V132000 (engine and engine cooling:engine), but it did not apply to the vehicle model year. The mechanic stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 124,506.
My car engine rise up as if my feet is on the gas all the way. I can be driving and the engine speed up on it own and then it stop. I taken it to the shop and they can't find why. It does not do it all the time but you never know when it going to do it. I can crank it up and have it running in park and the engine will rare up and I just cut it off and let it sit for a while and some time it will do it and then there are a lot of time it will not. I have been bless not to have had a incident but it has done this in traffic and I have came close and it scare me to pieces. 2. Electric lock system lock could not get out of my truck doors would not open had to break lock latch on driver door and break door panel on driver side for me to get out.
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.
I took my Isuzu Rodeo to have the rocker arm noise fixed. After picking up the car having already done the left side of the motor and no the right.....the idle never has been the same..car has been in on 5 times now for a total of 13 days. They cant figure it out. Told me until the idle is up all the time they cant fix it...they just dont know what it is.
The engine when at idle starts to make a loud rapping noise from the engine compartment. The noise sounds like faulty lifters within an engine. The noise will continue from idle all the way to approximately 40 MPH. After 20 minutes of operation the noise will go away.
Vehicle continually using excessive oil, with black smoke coming from tail pipe, o-rings replaced twice,however did not remedy, unable to determine problem with excessive oil consumption. Yh
There is a loud screaming sound coming from underneath the truck. There is a slight vibration underneath the vehicle as well as occasional stalling.
The bolt attaching one of the timing belt rollers broke and the engine quit and wouldn't start.
Intermittently while driving vehicle shuts down, giving the driver no prior warning . The check engine light appears after the vehicle shuts down. Dealer has been notified.
Engine complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Isuzu Rodeo, 11% of the model year's 176 complaints. The component named most often is engine (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Isuzu Rodeo engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.