Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Isuzu Rodeo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. While driving 3 MPH, the engine raced to approximately 2,500-4,000 rpms. The contact stated that the vehicle sped out of control and flipped upside down. He sustained cuts and lacerations, difficulty breathing and was hospitalized for several days. The contacts wife received six stitches. He has not been able to speak with the manufacturer or an authorized dealer. The vehicle is unable to be driven. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 58,000. Updated 08/27/07
On numerous occasions, especially during the winter, the engine of my 5-speed 1998 Isuzu Rodeo has suddenly revved up to rpms of between 2500 and 4000 in neutral (between shifts and at stop signs and stoplights). It happens randomly; the dealer has not been able to duplicate the problem and claims to have no knowledge of this problem, although I provided them with copies of numerous similar complaints from the NHTSA website. Moreover, on three occasions when taking my foot off the accelerator pedal (twice on exit ramps and once when approaching a stop sign), the engine has died while the vehicle was moving at speeds of around 35 MPH.
When coming to a stop, instead of the car braking, the engine revved and continued to move forward. This has happened 5 times, the last time I actually hit another car. I have taken it in for service, they never can duplicate the problem and say nothing is wrong. I am aware of the investigation going on into this problem with this make and model of car. Please feel free to contact me for additional information.
While applying brakes brake pedal went to the floor. Had no brakes. Vehicle lunged forward suddenly & hit another vehicle. Took vehicle to dealer & was informed that ABS system was the cause, and dealer could not repair the problem. The consumer claims defective ABS was the cause of the accident that occured.
While pulling out of a parking lot vehicle accelerated when taking off on a hill. Consumer applied the brakes, they went straight to the floorboard, causing the consumer to rear end another vehicle.
On two occasions vehicle experienced sudden acceleration due to accelerator/pedal sticking, on one occasion vehicle experienced property damage due to impact. However, consumer received service bulletin #sb98-02-l003 regarding the accelerator pedal failing,consumer experiencing the same failure.
Pulled up to stop light and vehicle raced at high speed. Vehicle took off with foot on brakes. Needed to shift quickly into neutral to stop. Acceleration would kick it into another position. This has happened at 4 different times. Took vehicle to dealer, they could not detect a problem.
Intermittently while driving inner city rush hour and applying the braking system, the vehicle will acclerate and lunge forward, almost causing an accident. Cause unknown. Dealer cannot determine problem. Please provide further information.
Brakes squeal anytime they are applied. Gas pedal broke off. Gas pedal is a piece of flimsy plastic that snaps on and is very dangerous. Car vibrates at all speeds since purchase. The higher the speed the worse the vibration.
While driving the vehicle and going into gears the vehicle surged forward and backwards which May cause a accident. Dealer cannot determine the problem. Cause unknown. Please provide further information.
Acceleration complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, 6% of the model year's 478 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Isuzu Rodeo acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, though it has 4 recalls 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 1998 Isuzu Rodeo acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to speed control & acceleration 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.