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 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.
We purchased a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo on November 23 2012 we did not drive the vehicle very much and December 14 2012 I turned a corner and the reduced power light came on and I could not go over 40 MPH the code showed up for the throttle position sensor and the agr valve we replaced both and this did not correct the problem I looked up online about the problem and found out that there is a known wiring issue and we found the known area (diagram)online and we did find were someone had tried to fix the wires after moving the wires around slightly the reduced power light went off. The car was unusable for the month of December we were able to use it in jan. …
I own a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. I noticed the check engine light was on a few days after purchase. Dealer sent us to his mechanic who fixed it. A few weeks later it happened again, he fixed again many times. Eventually he said there was probably a problem with the sensor and not to worry about it, so I didn't. The ABS light came on about a year later and I had it addresses when I had my brakes checked. The guy that did my brakes told me I could have it fixed or just ignore it, that it was not important. The next thing that went out was my air conditioning and heating system. I ended up paying 1300 to get fixed in the summer of 2014. The next thing was the rear wiper stopped working. I still have not replaced that. Shortly after the wiper stopped working I noticed the cruise control & the brake lights would not work when the lights were on, I no longer drive at night. …
On 12/27/2005, our 2001 Isuzu Rodeo stalled in the middle of an intersection. After towing it to crest Isuzu in plano, tx, the service representative informed me there was a short in the wiring harness. The cost of repair (labor included) is $1,300. After speaking with the repair technician (mechanic), he informed me this is a common problem with isuzus and they have yet placed a recall. He informed me the wiring harness controls the electronic throttle control, which tells the engine how much gas/acceleration is needed. In other words, the throttle control can tell the engine to "gun it" when the driver is braking. According to alldatapro.com, bulletin #ib00-04-s006 refers to the electronic throttle control, however, with no mention of the wiring harness. …
I purchased my 2001 Isuzu Rodeo in March 2002. Several months after purchasing it, I noticed that my gas light would show empty even after a complete fill up. The only way I had to determine if I needed fuel was by resetting my tripometer each time I filled up. I was okay with doing that for years until in 2006 when I needed to renew by registration, I could not pass emissions because of the check engine light being on. When they determined what the cause was, it was something to do with the fuel line. I took it in for an estimate of repair. I had no choice in the matter and had to pay over $800.00 to have a new fuel sending unit put in my vehicle. I have recently learned that this has been an case for large numbers of 2001 Isuzu Rodeo owners. I do not understand why this was never a recall issue. …
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. …
My 2001 Isuzu Rodeo that I have had for 9 years has never really given me any problems until this year. This exact incident has occurred on three different occasions now. I will be driving, the speed does not matter, sometimes it is 30, 50, or 80 MPH, and the car will just start losing power. First the dash and all my gauges will go out, then the motor will start to sound funny and start losing power. Then as I make it to the side (thankfully every time) it just stops running and everything shuts off. I try to re-crank it and it won't turn over. I will turn my flashers on and even then they run at an extremely reduced rate and sometimes not at all. I have replaced my battery, the wiring to my alternator, my alternator, and my EGR valve. …
Was trying to get car through inspection but couldn't get the check engine light and fuel light off. I explained to my mechanic and he said you need a new fuel pump. I made an appointment and when he put the car on the lift he said the frame is totally rusted out and the car should not be on the road. I then called Isuzu and they told me there was a recall on it. They gave me the name of a dealer near me they said the car can not be fixed. They said if the car is hit from behind it would just fold or the suspension will just give out and you will not be able to control the car. Its been two weeks and I'm getting the run around from the dealer and Isuzu. I am now out of a car. If the gas gauge didn't break I would not have even known about this and could have killed someone on the road. Isuzu should be standing behind these cars!!!!
Tl contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that while driving at any speed the vehicle would loose power and stall, especially while driving over a bump in the road. The cruise light and the transmission light started blinking when the failure occurred. The dealer could not determine what caused the failure to occur and stated that he should consider changing the wiring harness. The vehicle was taken a local mechanic where the wiring harness was repaired at the owners expense for $3,000. The contact also stated that recently he heard a noise in the rear of the vehicle. The local mechanic stated that the rear end was corroded and covered with rust which was the source of the noise. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000. The current mileage was approximately 96,000.
The instrument panel lights go off, corrosion in 6 months time in odd places and under car, key gets stuck in ignition, key has to to be juggled to start car, emission issues, smell of insecticides, computer issues, if you lay a towel on the dash, or park in front of a mirrored window, or leave the headlights on for less then a minute when the car is off, the car won't start (kills battery). Something appears to be draining the power. Sometimes the car will start back up on it's own, but mostly needs a jump. The battery has tested fine. Fuel gage quit working, check engine light used to go off when you fill the gas tank up, but now it just stays on. The car runs rich when it's down to half a tank. Rear view mirror light would not turn off, had to yank the wire out of it. Help!
Electrical complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo, 5% of the model year's 389 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Isuzu Rodeo electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.