Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
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. …
As I was attempting to merge onto a highway exit ramp, I applied the brakes with what was typical force for such conditions. The road was wet and as I was braking, the vehicle went over an expansion joint in the overpass of the road. The brake pedal went to the floor, the wheels locked up, and the vehicle skidded, using excessive braking distance, thus resulting in a low-speed rear-end accident with the vehicle in front of me. Little damage was done to the other vehicle; however, the front bumper of my vehicle, a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo was pushed back. I now find out that Isuzu has issued a safety recall for the ABS, which is responsible for this accident and the resulting damage to my vehicle. The damage has never been repaired. I would like Isuzu, as a part of its recall campaign to repair the damage to the front bumper, free of charge.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. While driving 55 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the ABS engaged, and an abnormal noise was heard. After a few seconds, the vehicle eventually stopped and the ABS warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact of a previous unknown recall. The mechanic diagnosed that the ABS integrator module needed to be replaced. The contact called an unknown dealer located over 200 miles away and was informed that they May be unable to provide the parts due to the age of the vehicle and the manufacturer. The manufacturer was called, but the contact was unable to reach anyone. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. While entering the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. He then noticed that the wiring for the ABS underneath the hood of the vehicle caught fire. He poured water on the wires to extinguish the flames. A certified mechanic stated that a grounded hot wire inside the ABS pump caused the fire. The vehicle is currently at the contact's residence and has not been repaired. The dealer stated that they were not responsible for the failure. The current and failure mileages were 138,420.
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.
When approaching a stop light brake pedal was depressed and it went down to the floor without stopping the vehicle. Then, consumer's vehicle hit the vehicle in front. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop. Insurance company found that vehicle was under recall 021002000 concerning ABS brake failure before the current owner bought the vehicle. Recall repairs were done, but recall repair parts failed which caused the vehicle not to stop.
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
We checked the brakes checked many times, we felt that the braking distances were extended compared to the other 2 cars that we own. Every time the brake pads were checked they were determined to be okay. The anti-lock brakes seem to grab on bumpy or slippery surfaces and then let go at the end. This particular instance resulted in an automobile accident with injury and significant damage to 2 cars.
I have 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. I got the ABS keep running and got a light on problem recently and I got the ABS diagnostic at dealer and they said I have ABS short and need to replace ABS module. I checked the recall on this vehicle and found ABS recall starting 1998 model. I already have three accidents from extended stopping distances before. Is it possible to get mine to get the recall service?
NHTSA investigations
Braking system/ABS
There is no summary currently available
Brake complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 214 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo, 39% of the model year's 550 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (159 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Isuzu Rodeo brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 53 crashes, 4 fires and 16 injuries and 1 death to brakes 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.