Most common 1999 Isuzu Rodeo problems
Share of the 550 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Isuzu Rodeo complaints by model year
Best Rodeo years: 2003, 2004, 2002. Years to avoid: 1999, 1998, 2001, 2000, 1995. Compare all years →
1999 Isuzu Rodeo recalls (3)
Suspension › Rear
Isuzu is recalling certain model year 1998-2002 Isuzu rodeo and model year 2002 Isuzu axiom vehicles, and Honda is recalling certain 1998-2002 Honda passport vehicles, that were originally sold, or are currently registered, in the states of maine, new hampshire, vermont, massachusetts, rhode island, connecticut, new york, new…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound.
Structure › Body
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with the performance requirements of FMVSS no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact."
Remedy: Dealers will modify the interior of your vehicle.
Suspension › Rear
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Paint was applied unevenly on the rear axles, resulting in insufficient paint hardness. Should this occur on the surface that contacts the rear axle lower link bracket bolt head and/or nut, the nut May loosen.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle lower link joint nut and bolt.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo:
Rear suspension lower link failure
During preliminary evaluation pe09-030, Isuzu motors America, inc (Isuzu) noted two primary differences once the rear suspension lower link separation occurs between the alleged defect (separation of the lower link from the frame) of this investigation and a safety defect involving lower link separation from the rear axle addressed by Isuzu in safety recall 00v-058.in the case of the defect condition identified in…
Braking system/ABS
There is no summary currently available
Rear Suspension Lower Link Detachment
On September 22, 2010, Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall 10V-436) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration affecting approximately 120,000 model year (MY) 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport vehicles and MY 2002 Isuzu Axiom vehicles originally sold, or currently operated, in the following states:Connecticut, Delaware, the…
What 1999 Isuzu Rodeo owners say
Brakes all 214 →
I recently was involved in an accident that I could not avoid. 2 weeks prior to the accident I received a recall in the mail for my ABS module and brake system. Although my ABS light was already on I assumed the recall was why. I took it in, they supposedly fixed it. I guess I was wrong. I drove up and told the gentleman that my ABS light was still on, and I asked why he said that that wasn't part of the recall. My question is how can it not be part of the recall when it's part of the module. So I left it and decided to take it back when I can get the money to cover my co-pay. The I get in the accident, keep in mind that they just fixed my ABS system and brakes. It had rained and I tried to stop to keep from hitting someone. It didn't work, I've had vehicles with ABS before, so I know what they are suppose to do, and that didn't happen. I just slid and I mean slid into this guy. …
Dt*: the contact stated a recall letter was received November 2005. The dealership was alerted and explained the parts were not available. The contact attempted multiple times to set up an appointment with the dealership without success. The vehicle was previously taken to the dealership before the recall letter was received and the oxygen sensor was replaced however this did not correct the problem with the ABS intermittently engaging. On March 23, 2006 an accident occurred as a result of the antilock brakes. While driving around a curve on slick road conditions the ABS engaged causing the vehicle to hydroplane and hit a guardrail. No injuries were sustained as a result of the accident. The police were notified. The vehicle was driven away from the accident. …
Fuel & propulsion system all 91 →
I recently was involved in an accident that I could not avoid. 2 weeks prior to the accident I received a recall in the mail for my ABS module and brake system. Although my ABS light was already on I assumed the recall was why. I took it in, they supposedly fixed it. I guess I was wrong. I drove up and told the gentleman that my ABS light was still on, and I asked why he said that that wasn't part of the recall. My question is how can it not be part of the recall when it's part of the module. So I left it and decided to take it back when I can get the money to cover my co-pay. The I get in the accident, keep in mind that they just fixed my ABS system and brakes. It had rained and I tried to stop to keep from hitting someone. It didn't work, I've had vehicles with ABS before, so I know what they are suppose to do, and that didn't happen. I just slid and I mean slid into this guy. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at various speeds, a strong fuel odor was present without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank corroded and the rear driver side of the vehicle was corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
Suspension all 85 →
I had just come off the highway in my Rodeo and come to a slowdown on the entrance ramp to the main road and when I went to take off my torsion bar that holds my rear axle in on the driver side completely broke off from rust and there are several big holes of rust on the frame of this vehicle I have noticed by searching on the internet that this is a major problem with these vehicles which should be recalled and a payment given in fairness to the owners of these vehicles Ford had the same problems with the early 2000s wind stars and I own one of these when it was taken into Ford because I received a letter from Ford they would not release the vehicle back to me and paid me for the vehicle this is only fair that Isuzu does this to get these unsafe vehicles off the road I am so surprised someone has not been killed
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle fishtailed when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact notified the police, but a police report was not filed. The contact believed that NHTSA campaign number: 10V436000 (suspension) should apply to the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer advised the contact that he did not meet the guidelines for the recall. The failure mileage was 169,000.
1999 Isuzu Rodeo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 22 / 20 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo a good car?
Based on 550 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Rodeo rates avoid: 5.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the Rodeo at the same age. It is one of the Rodeo years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo?
The brakes — 214 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (91) and suspension (85).
How many recalls does the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo, the most recent from September 22, 2010 (rear). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Isuzu Rodeo?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2004 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 1998, 2001, 2000 and 1995. See the full Isuzu Rodeo years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 Isuzu Rodeo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 78,000 miles; 22% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.