Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The transmission begin to skate and only stay in use the reverse and the winter drive form. The car was checked and the oil level are in good standing. Later after two days all drive forms stay in blank. I put the car in drive 1 and the car no response in any drive form.
Transmission failure. Cracked output shaft from transmission. Replaced with a new 2 piece transmission shaft. However, even though Isuzu knows about this, hence the recommendation of the new 2 piece shaft, I had to pay for all repairs myself, over 2000 dollars
Applied brakes very hard, vehicle did not stop, resulting in a crash, also the transmission sometimes jerks and makes a distrubing noise when changing during acceleration, car also jers when put in reverse.
The 1998 Isuzu Rodeo was purchased in February 1998 and began to have problems June 22, 1998. The problem was the driveshaft and a worn/loose internal yoke. The symptoms were/and still are the drive shaft slamming foreward and backward at every stopping of the vehicle or forward motion from a stopped position. Many times at sudden stops the vehicle has violently jerked forward and someday May cause an accident. We ahve ahs the vehicle serviced for this problem at falore Lincoln Mercury Isuzu in san jose, california (twice), dismissed as "no problem at all" at chapman Isuzu in tempe, arizona and serviced twice at pitre Isuzu in scottsdale, arizona (the first time they admitted there was a problem and the second time they made adjustments and said there was no problem and that what I was experiencing was just a "normal" characteristic of the 1998 rodeos. …
I emailed Isuzu regarding problem - got form letter saying to contact dealer. Dealer has been no help, and that's why I went to Isuzu in the first place. Hard copy letter being sent to Isuzu, dealership, and NHTSA today. 4-wd repeatedly fails to engage at any speed. Dealership claims they can not reproduce, though I have driven it into the garage twice this winter with it failing. They did tell me that they had trouble above "parking lot speeds" but "meets manufacturer specifications" since they could get it to engage eventually. When I push the button, at any speed, the light just flashes. This happens almost always first thing in the morning, and about 50% of the time otherwise. (the car is kept in a garage overnight so it isn't a temperature thing). They did mention that it has been a problem for other owners. …
We have experienced several problems with this vehicle, the major problems have included the muffler system being replaced, front crank and rear main seals leaking and being replaced, transmission being toally replaced at 57K and now our timing belt has snapped causing $4,000 in damage to the motor. Owner's manual states that timing belt does not need to be checked until 75K the vehicle only has 67K. We lost the transmission and the motor on I-20 in louisiana going at a rate of 70mph, both times being left stranded on the interstate early in the am. Both incidents have put my family in danger and I honestly believe that if either had occurred later in the day it would have resulted in an accident.
2 times vehicle left me & my 6 year old twins stranded on dark dangerous hwys. On 2nd engine- and now possibly 2nd transmission? 1-28-99 incident scary- smoke and burning smell. All of sudden-no warning. SUV rolled to stop on pavement, unable to shift into any gear. Had to allow grade of road to roll me backwards in n off the pavement and into dirt shoulder to safety. SUV out of service to date-23 days. Dealer does not know what is wrong-can't indicate problem. No one hurt, yet.
When traveling and upon making a gradual stop, consumer noticed complete brake failure, resulting in extended stopping distance. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has replaced three brake sensors. Currently, the brake problem still exists, there is an intermittent noise coming from the front wheel hub, and door closure is a problem. Owner is seeking repurchase of vehicle.
The two rear tires were warped and threads were coming apart, and 2 rear rims were bent which May have caused a loss of vehicle control. Every time the vehicle started or stopped, it would jerk forward. Also, won't go out of park position, and brakes were grinding. Please provide further information and VIN#.
Sway bar broke off while consumer was driving. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything. Consumer states vehicle is jerking backwards while driving. Dealer could not find anything, however problem persist. ABS light comes on intermittently. Dealer could not find a problem.
NHTSA investigations
Broken accelerator pedal
Complaints alle that the Honda passport (the Honda passport and Isuzu rodeo are similar vehicles, both manufactured by Isuzu) accelerator pedal separates from the pedal linkage.
Transmission complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, 5% of the model year's 478 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Isuzu Rodeo transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.