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 1999 Isuzu Rodeo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
As another complainant listed, this car is a lemon! Huge electrical issues with the mode selector shift switch; automatic transmission will be in drive but dash indicator light will say neutral; cost to fix problem was $ including a new transmission because bad switch ruined the transmission! No help from GM/Isuzu owner relations. Told me it was my own fault for not taking care of the vehicle and that I should not have bought a used vehicle. I have record of all maintenance done on vehicle including transmission flushes. Dealer service told me they change at least 5 of these switches a month and as many as 2-3 a week at times but couldn't tell me when this started what my problem was. The transmission had to go bad and be replaced before it was evident to anyone what the problem was. Not acceptable! This should be a recall and a properly designed switch put in. …
I bought a 1999 Rodeo from trader mike's auto sale's. The Rodeo has a rusted out frame which is unsafe for driving. I paid 1,643.75 for the 1999 Rodeo and dealer put 700.00 on title. I've spent over 1,200 in it before I found the frame rusted and broke. I try asking him nicely to refund my money for the 1999 Rodeo VIN-[redacted] and the money I spent on this unsafe 1999 Rodeo. I didn't sign the other as is form from dealership, just the bill of sale"s bill of sale"s give one price and title say"s another. So not only I got hurt in the sale so did the v m b . It"s not the way to do good business. He owes me 2,843.75 for his junk 1999 Rodeo he sold me feb.17th 2014. Not my fault he sold it to me and said it was a good 1999 Rodeo 4x4. As is on bill of sale don't work , the frame is rusted through in places and welds are rusted out holes in the main frame and broke.
Dt: the contact s owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. He received a recall on 10-14-05 regarding the brakes on the vehicle. The contact has not taken the car ito dealer to have the recall repair work done. The contact's vehicle was involved in an accident one year ago. A child ran o in front of vehicle, he swerved to miss the child, hit the brak they did not work, and the vehicle hit a telephone pole. A police report was taken. He felt that the accident caused other damage to the car, such as transmission slipping. He noticed the transmission slipping about five months ago. Had to do a lot of repair work to the front end of the vehicle about five months ago air bags deployed ,and he has not had them installed again.
Dt: there is a problem with the inhibiter switch that is attached to the outside of the transmission. This problem first started on 8-16-05. When the gears are moved there is a clanking sound and the transition from one gear to the other is hard. When she contacted the dealer, they told her that the transmission could go out because of this problem and advised her to park the vehicle. Also,another mechanic told her to park the vehicle. The consumer is concerned that the replacement part is on back order because there is a problem with this in multiple vehicles.
After only having my Rodeo for a few months my ABS went bad but it was replaced by the dealer under warranty. Then shortly after that the warranty ended and gas gauge would read empty but it was full, next I have to add oil to my car every two to three days because it burns oil really bad no leakage or nothing like that. Now I have started adding anti-freeze the same amount of time. There are major tranmission problems with this car and from reading the internet it's not just my car it's Isuzu.
1999 Rodeo shifts hard into all gears and fuses keep blowing that controls the directionals, reverse lights, A/C and cruise control. 5 attemps have been made to repair problem and no success. The car is not safe to drive. Isuzu has not responded to 2 letters I have mailed, 1 letter was mailed containing all documentation of failures and that letter was returned to me, also many phone messages have not been returned. I want Isuzu to take responsibility for this problem and repurchase my car.
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.
The gear shift sticks in the parking mode: I drove up to the drive through atm teller and put the car in park, after getting money out of the machine, and trying to drive off, the gear shift would not come out of the park position. After letting it sit for approx. 10 minutes, I was able to move the shift out of park to the drive position.
Recall 00V058000/rear axle: repairs were done, within a month or less, vehicle surged forward, lost control and skidded across the sidewalk into the median. Front right and rear right tires were damaged. Minor repairs made by road service, and consumer drove to dealer the next day. Dealer cannot duplicate problem.
Transmission complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo, 7% of the model year's 550 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Isuzu Rodeo transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries 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.