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 1997 Isuzu Rodeo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Frame rusting away from underneath our 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. Filed a complaint over a year ago with NHTSA including pictures, pieces of the metal from the frame and documents to be included for the recall on Rodeo's and passports. (my odi #10299607) as you will see the informationwas taken down incorrectly an states a fuel pump problem. That is how we found out the frame was bad is when we took it in for repair. There are many Isuzu and passport owners who have this problem and they are unsafe to drive because the frames are rotting out and cause components to let go from the frame which could cause and accident. There has been a recall to try to fix the lower brackets but most are not fixable because the frames are so gone. We were not included in this recall because Isuzu at their discretion only choose a five year period from 1998-2002. …
I have a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo which I have owned for the past 10 years and want to sell it. It is physically and mechanically in excellent condition except for the exceptional amount of rust to the frame and undercarriage. Unbeknownst to me, Isuzu had a recall on many of these vehicles which I was not aware of, even though I had bought this used vehicle from an Isuzu dealer. Upon contacting the dealer and asking why I was not notified of the recall, he said all vehicles were not subject to the recall. Upon looking up my VIN, he said my vehicle was not recalled!!! I do not understand why as, after researching this online, my vehicle has all the same symptoms of the vehicles that were recalled and I am afraid it May be unsafe to sell!. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated while changing the oil, he noticed excessive frame rust underneath the vehicle. The contact called two local welders and they stated that they could not repair the frame. The local welders stated that the contact's year, make and model vehicle was under recall. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the unknown recall and was informed that there were no recalls on his year, make and model. The contact stated the recall should be extended to later models because this of the known safety issue. The failure mileage was 94,000.
1997 Isuzu Rodeo - informed by auto mechanic that vehicle frame is extremely rusted out and vehicle is no longer safe to operate. Passenger side front body mount pushed through rusted frame so the passenger side of vehicle now rests on the frame no longer securing the vehicle body to the frame at that mounting location. The passenger side of the vehicle is about a half inch lower than the driver side as the body mount pushed through the rusted frame. Frame has extensive, premature heavy rust and is rusted through in a number of locations.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle into the dealer for regular maintenance she was informed that there was serious corrosion at the bottom of the vehicle and advised her not to drive it. The dealer was unable to repair the vehicle due to the severity of the corrosion. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her that they were unable to assist because the 1997 vehicles were not included in the recall. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance when the technician detected that the main frame exhibited severe rust corrosion. The technician recommended that the vehicle not be driven due to a safety hazard. There were concerns of the safety risks involved. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction at this time. The failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 2/1/10 the consumer also stated the fuel pump had to replaced. Updated 02/02/10.
I have a '97 Isuzu Rodeo. I have kept it in good shape. The frame of the car has corroded to the point where the frame has broken. I am so glad this was discovered by my technician. If this had fully come apart on the road it could have caused a serious accident. I am sure ours is not the only Rodeo to have this problem. These things are timebombs on the road! Something should be done to compensate owners of these cars. The frame of the car should not just come apart! This will kill people on the roads.
Body complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the body & structure of the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo, 27% of the model year's 118 complaints. The component named most often is frame and members (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Isuzu Rodeo body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. 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 1997 Isuzu Rodeo body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 145,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 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.