Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
My 1998 Isuzu Rodeo has been having a problem with a very high idle somewhere between 1800 and 2300 RPM more often than not this can cause the brakes to wear down faster and ofcourse it consumes way too much gas I know that I can own another car but it is not right that I can't even find the right source for this dilemma the official Isuzu wed site does not even have a referral or any attachment to make any kind of complains or at least a way out of this problem. I've change many components but still not problem resolve. If you google this issue you will realized that it's been a problem that hasn't been addressed by any means everyone's guessing but my biggest fear is that I suspect that there has been many close calls of near proportions to having accidents of serious consequences. Could you please address this issue pronto before anybody gets killed. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact was driving 40 MPH when the rear of the vehicle suddenly began to abruptly sway to the right. The contact merged the vehicle to the shoulder and called a tow truck. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who inspected the failure and advised the contact that the brackets from the frame were fractured and also caused a hole in the fuel tank. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 10V436000 (suspension: rear) and was advised by the dealer that the rear suspension could be repaired under the recall but not the hole in the fuel tank. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who confirmed to the contact that the recall repair would not cover the damage of the fuel tank. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Fuel gauge in 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. This is clearly malfunctioning/defective and, from reviewing a wide variety of internet newsgroups pervades all Isuzu owners from this model year. The manufacture wants to place the blame on sulphur in the fuel. If this was the case, why does this condition not occur in many vehicle models. I believe this warrants a recall and I'm surprised a recall has not been issued. If you have any information about a forthcoming recall or what can be done to resolve this circumstance, it would be greatly appreciated. The dealer will only address this issue if the vehicle is under warranty. I've had the vehicle serviced multiple times but the dealer has never taken the initiative to repair/replace the part. This is unacceptable.
I have some very important issues pertaining to my 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. I read several blogs on a forum from other Rodeo owners that have had some of the same problems that I have with mine. The biggest one is the ABS system and the other is the fuel sending unit and gas gauge. These are two of the most reported problems but not the only ones. It seems that Isuzu should be doing something to correct these and other problems associated with this vehicle. The ABS has been addressed in some but not in others. Although the gas gauge does not pose any real safety issues it is one that poses minor safety issue because of the possibility of running out of gas because of not knowing the correct amount of fuel in the car.
Fuel sending unit is operating erratically. Had it replaced after receiving what I thought was a recall from the manufacturer, only to be told by Isuzu rep that it was only a recommendation the time of the replacement the fuel gauge was reading correctly. I have personally talked to several repair places and some friends who have had the same problem with the Isuzu Rodeo/Honda passport. This seems to tell me that this is a common problem with these vehicles. I would greatly appreciate any help or feedback you can give me on this problem since the repair cost is near $600.00, and the sending unit is only available through Isuzu dealer service centers.
My gas gauge started acting funny, I called my mechanic and told him and he informed me of technical service on the fuel gauge sender. We called bob dance Isuzu in sanford, florida and talked to him about the situation. He says that he has several Isuzu rodeos coming in with this problem. I can't afford to replace something that is due to manufactures default. Someone needs to step in and make them fix the problem. I just talked to my friend who owns the same vehicle except a 2000 and she already had to replace this part. Do something about this situation!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact noticed fuel was leaking from the vehicle and while driving the fumes entered the vehicle. The fuel gauge was inoperable and she was unable to determine how much gasoline was in the vehicle. The dealer nor manufacturer were not notified. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who inspected the vehicle and confirmed that there was a hole in the top of the fuel tank and the fuel gauge was faulty. No repairs were performed. The current and failure mileages were 168,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl-the driver owns a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. While having the vehicle examined by an independent mechanic he was informed the fuel tank and undercarriage of the vehicle was severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. He also stated the fuel gauge stopped functioning. He repaired that failure himself. The failure and current mileages were 77,000. The VIN was unavailable. Sm.
Fuel sending unit defective. Apparently a manufacturing problem after reading other posts. I have evacuated 3 times due to recent hurricanes in florida and have fought huge gas lines only to discover I still had 3/4 of a tank left even though it reads completely empty. I now have to rely on doing the math to determine if I need gas. This needs to be addressed now!!
(1) fuel gauge failed. I note that other owners of this car of similar year have the same problem. (2) stalled in middle of freeway which almost caused crash with cars traveling in adjoining lanes at 65 MPH. (3) replaced fuel pump at $500+ with no resolution of problem. The fuel guage still does not work, and car stalled again on freeway.
Fuel System complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, 7% of the model year's 478 complaints. The component named most often is storage › fuel gauge system (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Isuzu Rodeo fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion system 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.