Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Isuzu Rodeo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo. While driving between 35-40 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in a side impact collision. The failure occurred without warning. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that due to severe frame corrosion, the frame detached and struck the rear driver wheel, which ultimately caused the crash. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. There were no injuries. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. ...updated 03/08/17
I was driving down a local road (approximate speed 40mph). After hitting an average bump in the road the vehicle went out of control. It thrashed side to side several times before crashing into a ditch and landing onto its side. I had no explanation for the cause of the crash. However, when the tow truck arrived he showed us a large rusted out part that was hanging down in front of the drivers side rear wheel (I took pictures as well as the police).
I purchased a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo from a dealership on December 4, 2014. I got it home only to realize the entire frame is rusted almost completely through. It's worse in the rear end of the vehicle. The frame under the hatchback area is almost completely gone. The dealership won't take it back and I can't afford another vehicle. I have not been able to contact anyone at Isuzu. The SUV is in excellent condition otherwise.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for routine service, the technician diagnosed that the subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was included in a voluntary manufacturer's recall; however, the manufacturer stated that it had expired. The failure mileage was 213,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo. While the vehicle was being serviced for routine maintenance, the contact was informed by the mechanic that the vehicle had excessive corrosion to the subframe. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe and could not be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo. While the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the technician observed that the rear driver side frame was rusted throughout. As a result, the vehicle was unable to repair. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo. While driving various speeds, the contact heard an unusual noise and noticed that the front body frame was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.
The events leading up to the failure are simple. Leaving our driveway and within two tenths of a mile there was a rear suspension lower link failure on our Isuzu Rodeo just as described in NHTSA action pe09030. Here are the actions / moments leading up to the failure. We simply gathered in our Rodeo. Pulled from our driveway on to a rural country road. Single lane and traveling a speed of approximately 10mph (luckily). It is on this road and with in two tenths of a mile from leaving our home the failure occurred. There was no warning whatsoever. When the failure occurred there was a loss of control, the rear end of the vehicle began swerving from left to right in a track about 3 feet from the original line of travel. …
I think the time has come for the NHTSA to seriously consider getting the remaining Isuzu Rodeo's off the road - they are not safe. I like a majority of other Isuzu owners suffer from excessive corrosion all over the frame - I had the recall repair done and this was supposed to be treated but it has progressively gotten worse and now I am at the point where I have a reliable everyday car that starts up right away, runs well and cuts through the snow (4x4) but due to manufacturing errors now has a flaky, brittle hole ridden wheel well frame on both sides that will cause an accident after the wheel goes flipping off the car and causing it to flip over. Isuzu has turned a blind eye and won't take any calls (once you find them). A recall must be issued and make the manufacturer take responsibility for whatever shady processes they used on the assembly line. …
I bought my 2000 Rodeo new and it currently has 37000 actual miles. I recently saw rust in the driveway. I took this car to a Honda body shop to see the underbody. Before putting it on the lift they saw that the frame was excessively rusted. Once in the air they looked at the whole underside and said that the frame and the lower control arm were holed with rust. I asked if any of this was repairable.they said they would not do the work because they would not assume the liability of a serious accident. This vehicle had the fixes prescribed by campaign 10v-436 sb 10-11-s002a completed at sellers truck center in farmington hills, mi on September 9, 2011. This addressed the rear suspension but obviously the corrosion was so pervasive that this campaign was just a band-aid. …
Body complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2000 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 84 complaints about the body & structure of the 2000 Isuzu Rodeo, 31% of the model year's 274 complaints. The component named most often is frame and members (48 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Isuzu Rodeo body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2000 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 2000 Isuzu Rodeo body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles, and 1% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to body & structure 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.