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 1998 Isuzu Rodeo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the contact stated h vehicle burned to the ground after it stalled. The fire originated from under the hood. The contact had no problems with the vehicle prior to the incident. He took the vehicle to dealer for an oil change less than twelve hours prior to the fire. A police report was taken. The fire department did respond. The police report indicated the fire was of an electrical nature. Updated 02/24/06.
Piston rod failure. The first incident occurred in or about January, 2003. The engine on my 1998 Isuzu Rodeo began making a loud clanking noise and the "check oil" light came on. I added a quart and the noise subsided. I had the oil changed the next day. A few months later, the noise returned and I added two quarts of oil. The noise did not subside and I took the vehicle in for its regularly scheduled oil change the next day. The oil change mechanic told me that there were only two quarts of oil in the engine. I took the vehicle to another local mechanic to repair the problem and he told me the no. 1 piston rod had failed. When he called his parts distributor for a quote on a new or rebuilt engine, the distributor said, "'98 Rodeo engine? Let me guess, it's the no.1 rod" and stated that this was a very common problem. …
1998 Isuzu Rodeo used 5 liters of oil in 4000 kms and seized up with out warning on 30 dec 05. The oil light and engine light did not come on Isuzu dealers said it won't come on until vehicle is out of oil. So why put sensors on the truck. Only 92000 kms on the Rodeo talked to Saturn, Isuzu in fredricton and GM customer service was told to bad so sad check you oil more but if we do a recall on excessive oil consumption keep your bill and we May refund you. The truck did not smoke or leak oil. The oil was check 14 nov 05. It always used 1 litre every 5000 kms. I was told by dealer it would not get any worse. Guess they were wrong it is going to cost me $3700 to fix. Thanks Isuzu and GM.
Engine seizure, spun bearings due to no oil. Further investigation found that Isuzu suggests changing oil at 7500 mile intervals, but also considers 1qt oil usage per 1000 miles is "acceptable" usage for the 3.2l v6 205hp engine. Truck holds 6 quarts of oil, and I had oil changed by reputable oil change places every 5000 miles. Reports of 1qt oil usage per 800 miles fairly common on internet auto bulletin boards. Do the math.
Car loses coolant and overheats. Engine has been pressure-checked and dye-checked. There appear to be no leaks. After further repairs to no avail, it is concluded that coolant is escaping via the exhaust, and the heads need to be replaced. Vehicle has only 88,000 miles, which I am told is very low to have such a major problem.
ABS light came on, driving 35 MPH could not stop suddenly and slid into another car causing $2700 worth of damage to my car and insurance had lapsed had to pay out of pocket. Fuel gauge always shows less than really is even when full. Catalictic converter is always rattling. Dt
The vehicle does not start, the check engine light and ABS light comes on intermittently. After replacing the battery, the consumer was informed that the wiring harness cable is defective. Recall found by the consumer and the manufacture states the repair has been made.
When the brakes were applied vehicle continued to roll. Driver had to hit the side of the curb to stop. Mechanic replaced the anti lock brake sensor. Also, in June of 2003 engine was replaced because the timing belt came off and destroyed the engine.
The vehicle was being operated at 65 MPH under cruise control for a continuous period of three hours in broad daylight. A rainstorm was encountered and the vehicle's exterior lights and windshield wipers were engaged. After approximately three minutes of such operation, the engine and all electrical components suddenly ceased. The same situation occurred the following day (July 10, 1999). A similar complete shutdown occurred in December, 1998 and the vehicle was taken into the dealership for inspection. The vehicle was also inspected by the dealer on July 13, 1999. In each of these inspections, the dealer advised that the source of the problem could not be determined. The initial incident in December, 1998 occurred while driving at night during a severe snowstorm at 35 MPH and resulted in being forced onto the shoulder of the road without any lights/power. …
The first incident I reported for the water pump failure, I kept hearing a rattle and air escaping so I took it to the dealership and they said the water pump had failed and leaked onto the timing belt causing it to have to be replaced. The next incident with the timing belt in June, 2000 I was driving home from work and had stopped at a stop light and the Rodeo just stopped running and would not start up again. The dealership said it was the timing belt and they had just replaced it 23,000 miles ago. It was covered under my extended warranty and they had to basically rebuild the engine and replaced many items. The dealership was unable to determine the cause of the timing belt breaking. …
Engine complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, 8% of the model year's 478 complaints. The component named most often is engine (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Isuzu Rodeo engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.