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 2001 Isuzu Rodeo owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the contact stated while the vehicle was at a certified dealership the ABS brakes failed. The mechanic was backing the contact's vehicle out of the garage and the ABS light illuminated. When the ABS light illuminated the mechanic depressed the brake pedal. However, the ABS did not engage. The vehicle crossed the road and ran through a garage door of another business. After the crash the ignition was turned off and restarted. Once the vehicle was restarted the ABS light was not illuminating and the vehicle operated normally. The certified service dealer stated tissues an electrical problem ,and will be performing diagnostic testing on the vehicle. No repairs have been made at this time. A police a report was taken at the scene. Vehicle sustained minimum damage.
When the ABS engaged the vehicle failed to stop and accelerated forward. This occurred on 4 separate occasions, once resulted in the truck hitting a brick wall. There was an ABS recall 02i002000, but it only affected earlier models. Also, grinding noise was observed by consumer. Isuzu was contacted by consumer regarding the incident (case #4029006). Consumer made some research and found out that many consumers have experienced the same problem with Isuzu Rodeo vehicles. Dealer agreed to replace ABS module which was recalled in earlier models.
I purchased my 2001 Isuzu Rodeo used in April 2012, about a week after I had the vehicle it started stalling out while I was driving, loosing complete power for a few moments then would jerk and continue going. I also noticed when I would hit a small bump and try to apply the brakes I heard a grinding noise and it would not stop for a few feet, even with the brake all the way to the floor. Also when I stop I hear a popping noise in the rear, everytime I stop. Now the vehicle is completely dying at random times. It will die when I am on the interstate going a steady speed, or accelerating. Also when I come close to a complete stop to turn the vehicle will die. I put it in neutral and it starts right back up and jerks while speeding up. I have almost t-boned someone due to the car dying and the loss of power steering. …
Various problems with 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. The consumer noticed the vehicle did not stop the brakes were applied. They would slide, then stop. Two small children would be with the consumer when these problems would occur. The dealer suggested that nothing was wrong with the vehicle and that the brakes were working properly. There was an incident where the vehicle was going down a hill approaching a stop sign and the brakes did not respond. The vehicle sounded as if the engine was raised and the vehicle almost slid into traffic. The dealer suggested that the sliding was the ABS kicking in. The problem was intermittent. The consumer also found that the vehicle need a master cylinder cap and diaphragm for the brake fluid. The consumer also experienced jerking and felt that something was wrong with the transmission, but that wasn't the case. The consumer requested compensation for these issues.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. While braking at low speeds, the ABS sporadically engages and causes the vehicle to dramatically accelerate forward. The failure is accompanied by a loud grinding noise with excessive vibration. After the vehicle moves forward for approximately 5 feet, it stops. She took the vehicle to a local mechanic and they replaced all the wheel sensors. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 02i002000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock), even though the failures were identical. The contact would have to repair the vehicle at her own expense, which could cost more than $1,000. The failure mileage was 38 and current mileage is 90,000. Updated 03-04-08
Recently purchased a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo in October 2006. On November 3, 2006, my husband and daughter were in the car and while pulling in to park the car at a local park, the vehicle took off by itself and would not stop using the break. It seemed like spontaneous acceleration. Since we purchased the car so that my 16 year old daughter could use the vehicle to learn to drive, we are concerned that the incident might reoccur and cause a serious accident. The vehicle is currently being fixed in a body shop since a front piece of the fender and the passenger door panel need to be replaced. When the vehicle took off by itself, my husband hit a cement fence. A police report is on file for the accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the brakes would not respond. The ABS warning light illuminated and there was a clicking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated that the master cylinder, rear calipers, front and rear brakes, and the rotors would have to be replaced. After the repair the failure continued. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
When braking at low speeds, brake pedal drops, feels like it won't stop and there is a loud, rumbling noise coming from the brakes. Happens intermittently. I have taken it to several different dealers and they all say they can't fix the problem if they can't duplicate it. The diagnosis test always shows there is nothing wrong.
After having my Rodeo for a little over 2 years, I've been having braking problems which no one seems to believe. While making an emergency brake, the car shakes very badly and instead of stopping, will slide. The brake released instead of stopping after the slide.
While driving at any speed vehicle vibrated when brakes were applied. Also, extended stopping distance. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, and they replaced the four rotors and pads. Vehicle had only 12,500 miles.
Brake complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo, 6% of the model year's 389 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Isuzu Rodeo brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo, though it has 4 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 2001 Isuzu Rodeo brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.