Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. While idling at a stop sign, smoke began emanating from the vehicle. The contact noticed that the entire electrical system was melted. The dealer stated that there was a recall on the electrical system for the 1998 model; however, the contact would have to pay $4,200 for the repair since his vehicle was excluded. The vehicle has not been repaired and the manufacturer would not assist. The failure and current mileages were 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. While driving various speeds, the vehicle lost power and the check transmission warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 239,990. The VIN was not available. Updated 11/02/16
I have a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo I keep up with all work that needs to be done due to only having one car besides all the basic truck is thirsty for oil check once a week I noticed the cd player would not shut off cd got stuck I did not think much about it I will replace the radio the following week then my wife went to work on 1/23/09 it was 8:30 am my wife called me up in tears yelling the truck is on fire good thing it was less then a 1/4 mile from my house I ran down and I could smell the smoke of burning wires by the time I got there the fire went out im glad no one got hurt I had towed to the repair shop to find out what happened I was told on the 26th that there was a recall for the same thing on the 1998 model when I called Isuzu they told me I was out of luck that my truck was a 99 not a 98 but I found out from my insurance company my truck was made in 98 and was classified as a 99 I …
This request is being submitted following a fatal accident that occurred this past summer involving a 1999 Rodeo. The circumstances surrounding the accident are suspicious as the driver appeared to be unable to stop his car and traveled across an entire median of an interstate, hit another car head-on and burst into flames upon impact. The driver of the Rodeo was my daughter's father and his cause of death was due to thermal burns. He was trapped in the car and burned to death. Questions: could brake failure have caused this accident? Are there reports of explosions/fires with the Isuzu Rodeo? Crash tests? The driver did not sustain life threatening injuries from the impact of the crash. He died because the vehicle exploded into flames and he was trapped in the vehicle. Have there been another reports filed with your organization with these circumstances? Please help.
I have a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo 2.2l 4 cylinder model truck, and the fuel sending unit, 02 sensors and coolant temperature sensor have all gone bad. I have had to replace other sensors as well. Spent hundreds of dollars trying to fix this truck. Please let Isuzu know that they need to be responsible for their actions, and fix these lemon vehicles. I am a college student and need this vehicle to get from school and back, and I'm not sure how many more fixes I will be able to afford. There are plenty more consumers on forums across the internet complaining of these vehicles, and are generally the same exact problems. Why hasn't anything been done?
Tl- the contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and the key failed to turn in the ignition sporadically. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the starter was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. In addition, the contact mentioned that the suspension was causing the vehicle to sway intermittently. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not included in recall NHTSA campaign id number: 10V436000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. Pam
I have a 99 Rodeo ls w/63K on it. Fuel gauge goes wacky when I fill it up and sometimes when ever it feels like it. I have to use the trip meter to gauge how much fuel I have left. The gauge usually starts to work again when I have 3/4 tank left.starting May take several times. I turn the key and hear a click then nothing. I usually have to press on the brakes or shift into drive and then back into park and it May start. Wiper blades stop in mid windshield when using the intermittent setting. I have printed the other complaints and found them useful. I will bring them to my dealer and complain to get them fixed.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. While the contact was driving approximately 30 MPH,the vehicle stalled completely without warning. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had prior service repair at an independent mechanic with the replacement of the transmission, and ignition coils. The ignition coils were replaced on four separate occasions within a period of three months. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 218,000. The VIN was unavailable.
This car is a lemon. There seem to be major electrical issues. The dash lights are going out, there is a problem with the power shift indicator - the car can be in "drive", yet the indicator will have "neutral" displayed. This causes the car to jerk while shifting. The rear suspension has a vibrating sound no one has figured out......the dealer claims the suspension is fine. In addittion, the rear drum brakes continually go out.
1999 Isuzu Rodeo 6 disc cd changer non-functional. There are currently 6 new cd's stuck in the unit. Isuzu refuses to fix this problem even though the warranty just expired 3 weeks ago. Isuzu wants $300 to send the changer off to have cd's removed. According to dealership, this happens twice a month.
Electrical complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the electrical system of the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo, 5% of the model year's 550 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Isuzu Rodeo electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 130,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 2 injuries and 1 death to electrical 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.