Most common 1996 Isuzu Rodeo problems
Share of the 97 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Isuzu Rodeo complaints by model year
Best Rodeo years: 2003, 2004, 2002. Years to avoid: 1999, 1998, 2001, 2000, 1995. Compare all years →
What 1996 Isuzu Rodeo owners say
Wheels & tires all 24 →
I was traveling southbound on interstate 75 in kentucky in a mountainous area. I was driving in the left hand lane and I heard an explosion and lost control of my vehicle. My vehicle crossed the right hand lane, reversed directions, and side swiped the rock wall between the interstate lanes. (tiresize: p245-70r16)( dot number: tire size: p245-70r16 )
Lug nuts snap off everytime tires are removed for rotation. This is not the mechanics fault. It is a defect and Isuzu should be paying for the replacements. I'm getting soaked everytime I take my car in for rotation of my tires, which should be free because I purchased the tires at the establishment. Instead, I am getting charged $80-$100 everytime because the lug nuts break off and have to be replaced! Based on what I see on this website, this is a known problem and Isuzu should be footing the bill for this. Dt
Engine & cooling
While driving vehicle, another vehicle pulled out in front of my vehicle which caused me to hit that vehicle head-on and during that time air bag did not deploy; also, replaced oxygen sensor/fuel sending unit/wiring harness processing assembly.
I am extremely disappointed with Isuzu for building and then selling this obvious lemon as a vehicle to the public. How can people feel confident about spending that much money on a vehicle when it is going to fall apart in that short of time. I really think that so much going wrong in one vehicle that there is a manufacturing problem and that the company needs to do something about and the dealer should have never put it back out on the lot to be sold again. Yes it was bought used but everyone of the car dealers we tried to trade it off to already new about the past history of the car, so was the consumer not informed because they just sell cars and don't care about the consumer.
Air bags
Tl contact owns a 1996 Isuzu Rodeo. The vehicle was involved in a head-on collision traveling 35 MPH. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were approximately 149,000.
Takata recall inesperadamente se activo la bolsa de aire del chofer quemando los brazos y la barriga de mi esposa , ella sintio un olor fuerte a cable quemado penso que venia del exterior y saco su cara hacia fuera , y casi en el instanta exploto la sbolsa yo sali corriendo y la vi llena de un polvo blanco y sus brazos quemados ,damos gracias a dios que tenia la cara por la ventana , de lo contrario le huviese quemado el reostro ,el vehiculo estaba parado despues de dar riversa
1996 Isuzu Rodeo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 20 / 18 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 17 / 16 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 17 / 16 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo a good car?
Based on 97 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Rodeo rates better than average: 46% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Rodeo 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 1996 Isuzu Rodeo?
The wheels & tires — 24 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about lugs/nuts/bolts/studs. Next are the engine & cooling (14) and air bags (11).
How many recalls does the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Isuzu Rodeo?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2004 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 1998, 2001, 2000 and 1995. See the full Isuzu Rodeo years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Isuzu Rodeo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 125,000 miles; 0% 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.