Most common 1997 Isuzu Rodeo problems
Share of the 118 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 1997 Isuzu Rodeo owners say
Body & structure all 32 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. While being inspected by an independent mechanic, the technician found that there was extensive rust and corrosion on the underbody and the brake lines. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was not safe to drive due to the components being full of rust and the risk of fracturing at any time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. While at an independent mechanic for a routine service, the mechanic diagnosed that the subframe on the vehicle was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Wheels & tires
On April 4, 2005, my daughter was driving her 1997 Isuzu Rodeo on interstate 24 in marion county, tennessee when left rear tire experienced a tread separation, and caused vehicle to roll over three times. Miraculously, she survived. I want to file a complaint against the manufacturer of the tire, so that other motorists May be appraised of the safety implications. Bridgestone dueler 684, tire size p245/70 r16 106s. The tire was purchased in columbia, s.c. On January 13, 2005 from a Firestone store. The state trooper who investigated the accident listed the tread separation as the cause of the accident. The tire did not deflate. The tread separated from the tire. This caused the car to fish tail, and my daughter to lose control of the vehicle, and it then turned over three times. I have the tire. Thank you for your help and please inform me of the results of your investigation. …
I have had 2 Bridgestone p245/70r16 tire have the tread come off while I was druiving 65 MPH. 1st in March 2004 and 2nd last week on 7/23/2004, both caused fender damage - left rear and front right.
Engine & cooling
2006 I purchased 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. Not long after we noticed engine made a ticking sound brought it to shop and found out there was no oil pressure. We had to have engine replaced it took about 2 months. They had to replace engine 2. First one they installed was also blown. Engine still ticks. There is also problems with the SUV wanting to accelerate while at a stop. Sometimes not even holding the break firm stops it from rolling. The heater core started leaking antifreeze into the vehicle. The replacement fee just for the part is 400.00. I have read many reports of airbags not deploying.
Dt: two weeks after buying a used car, it started making a noise and on the way to the mechanic the fan belt broke. After they fixed the fan belt (about a week after) the engine froze. The used car lot that the consumer bought the car from said she could not bring the car to them because she did not have an extended warranty, and they did not offer an extended warranty. The manufacturer of vehicle will not help. She has no money to get it fixed and she can' t take her father to the doctor.
1997 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 1997 Isuzu Rodeo a good car?
Based on 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 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 1997 Isuzu Rodeo?
The body & structure — 32 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frame and members. Next are the wheels & tires (19) and engine & cooling (16).
How many recalls does the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 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 1997 Isuzu Rodeo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 125,000 miles; 2% 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.