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 1999 Isuzu Rodeo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated while stopped at a stop light, with the brake pedal depressed. The vehicle suddenly lunged forward and struck the vehicle in front. Prior to the accident the cruise control was being used, but was disengaged by taping the brake. The vehicle stopped only after the gear shift was placed in neutral. All occupants were wearing seatbelts and there were no injuries. The police took a report at the scene. The manufacturer has been alerted, but the vehicle has not been inspected.
The vehicle's rpms revved to 5000 and accelerated forward while at a complete stop. The consumer's vehicle rear ended another motorist due to sudden acceleration. Please provide more information. After the third incident, vehicle was taken to the mechanic. They couldn't find anything wrong. Consumer was then informed something was wrong with his brakes. Upon entering the repair shop, the failure occurred again almost hitting the wall.
My son was driving a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo when he had an accident. Since there were no "brake marks" on the road the accident was considered to be his fault. He stated that he turned left from a stop sign and car began to accelerate on its on, applied brakes and car continued to rev up causing him to lose control, hit a ditch, and Land car on it's side. No injuries except sore wrist. The car has 138,000 miles
I have had this vehicle since August 1999. At various times for no rhyme or reason the vehicle surges and I have had to use 2 feet to try and stop this vehicle. I have taken it to the dealer where I purchased it as well as others to diagnose this problem. They even called Isuzu to try and diagnose it and they couldnt do it because even though they said they fixed it it wasnt. It continues to do it. On June 16 I was coming to a stop at a red light, it surged and I hit a pick up truck in the rear. He had no damage but I did. I took it to the dealer ( maroon Isuzu) and the new service manager told me that he would have to start from square one again even if though I had all the invoices of services performed on this vehicle. He had it for 3 days and told me he couldnt find the problem. I asked him if his wife or daughter was in this car what would he do? …
I purchases a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo lse used in January of 2004. While sitting at a traffic light three dfferent times in February the engine suddenly raced.the RPM's on the tackometer jumped to 6000 and it took both feet standing on the brakes to keep the car from surging forward. Slipping the car into neutral did not help as the back wheels spun and smoked.killing the ignition was the only thing to stop it.I also had it suddenly surge as I was heading into a parking space. The vehicle jumped the parking bumber and nearly crashed into the building, again I was able to kill the ignition before any serious damage was done. Browns Isuzu in fairfax virginia examined the problem and worked on the throttle body. The problem went away for a few weeks but has started again, twice nearly causing me to slam into a car in front of me at a traffic light. …
My son was driving my 1999 Isuzu Rodeo home from school. He was at a red light, stopped to take a right turn and car accelerated on its own went out of control. He tried to get it under control but it wouldn't stop; it just kept going, he went onto the other lane and collided with another driver head on. Fortunately, nobody was hurt. This is the 3rd time the car has revved up and went on its own. The first time it happened to me I thought it was because it wasn't warmed up but it has happened 3 times. I called Isuzu and they said they never heard of any complaint like this although I have spoken with other people who have these cars and they said the same think happened to them. I have reported it to the insurance company. I also called another Isuzu dealer and he said he has heard of this happening, I think this really needs to be addressed.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact was driving approximately 10 MPH, approaching a stop signal and when the brake pedal was engaged the vehicle began to increase acceleration. The brake pedal was applied with force repeatedly and the vehicle eventually came to a complete stop. The failure occurred two times. Nine years ago, the vehicle was repaired under a voluntary recall issued by the manufacturer pertaining to the vehicle speed control. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacuter was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
I have previousley contacted you about my 1999 Isuzu resulting in a crash that totalled my car. On 09/22/00 I was told by a mechanic whose name is jesse carter at campbells auto & body [phone] where my car was taken to be inspected that the mechanic that checked out the car said that the throttle was sticking. He has also told my insurance adjuster kyle @ texas state farmers ins. Co. (817) 831-6201this and the adjuster said that this car will be taken to iaa where the vehicle will be put on hold and go into subregation until further investigated.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. While stopped with the brake pedal depressed, the engine rpms suddenly increased and the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact continued to depress the brake pedal and was able to regain control the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer for diagnostics. The throttle body, intake manifold and the ecr valve was replaced. The failure continued after the repairs and the vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Complaint received via e-mail. I was involved in a crash that was caused by a malfunction within a vehicle that I was driving. I had come to a stop, pulling into a parking space between two vehicles, when suddenly the engine surged, the whole time I was fighting the acceleration with the brakes, but they just made a noise similar to when locking ABS brakes on ice. The vehicle struck a brick pillar that collapsed on top of the vehicle ,almost killing me ,and injuring my lower/middle back in the process.
Acceleration complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo, 7% of the model year's 550 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Isuzu Rodeo acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo, though it has 3 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 1999 Isuzu Rodeo acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 0 fires and 5 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.