Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Tl contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. While driving 10 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, slowed down, and attempted to stall. The contact noticed something bouncing underneath the vehicle and then observed flames under the hood. She pulled to the side of the road. The police and fire departments were called to extinguish the fire and a report was filed. The cause of the fire was unknown. There were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were less than 125,000.
Fuel delivery went out killing vehicle. Frame completely rusted rear links completely gone. Engine randomly loses power. While traveling to work vehicle began to sway, started ticking then engine shut off. Won't start. Battery tests good alternator just replaced a week ago. 2001 3.2l Rodeo
I have a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo that I purchased new on February 21, 2001. In May of 2003, it was running rough and I took it to the dealer who diagnosed and repaired a problem with the EGR valve. At the beginning of February 2004, the car was running rough again. I took it back to the dealer who said the EGR valve had broken and needed to be replaced. The service technician said it had something to do with the type of reformulated gas that we use here in wisconsin and with the placement of the EGR valve. However, because the vehicle had 53222 miles, the dealer (russ darrow Kia/Isuzu, 7676 n. 76th st., milwaukee, wi. 53224; phone: [phone]) and the manufacturer would not cover the repair, which cost $555.38 (including sales tax). I asked what I could do to prevent this from happening again, and the technician said the only thing I could do would be to have the EGR tube cleaned every year. …
I bought the car a year ago brand new from manual olds/Isuzu in north richland hills, texas. I have taken it in several times for the same complaint, each time telling me they could not find the problem. When the A/C is on, the compressor turns on and off and is very loud. When the compressor turns on there is a terrible rattling in my dashboard. I even had the general manager ride with me and he heard the noise and told me that was normal. I have owned 2 other brand new vehicles and when the A/C was on, #1 you couldn't hear the compressor constantly shutting on and off and #2 when the compressor did turn on, I did not hear any rattling noise or any noise for that matter. This is not normal and I have not heard other cars do this, especially a new vehicle. This problem started when I had 4,000 miles on my car. …
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. …
Stationary at park driveway, woke up early morning to go to work as I go to my car my key remote will not work I have to manually key in car to open door.put the key and start the car nothing happened. Found out battery was dead, buy new one still not starting found out the alternator nor working and the main fuse was blown. Replaced new fuse and alternator and try to start, 15amp fuse blown on my panel cluster gauge not working although car start and the battery was not charging. Everytime I put a new 15amp fuse for panel it will blown. I guess there must be something an electrical short or ground that blow fuse on panel and also not charging the batteries. Any help on recall I had my car for 15 years I never been to any recall on this car.
Pushrod and crank damage to vehicle with only 62,566 miles. This vehicle has been properly maintained in accordance with origianl warranty guidelines. Due to the fact this vehicle was a previous daily rental , Isuzu reduced original warrantly coverage from 10years/120,000 miles to 5years / 60,000 miles. It seems quite unusual that when purchasing the new motor for this vehicle, the dealer selling the motor said he's sold thousands of these - all were replacements for 98 and up rodeos with the same problem (rods and crank )
At a little over 36,000 miles I started having problems with the gas gauge. It drops from full within 30 miles, once it hits a half tank it sporadically drops to empty, the gas light comes on along with the check engine light. It will go back up but then drop again. When I fill the tank at a reading of 1/4 tank I get an average of 8 gallons before the pump shuts off. Yet according to the book it is an 18 gallon tank. Now at 40,000 its getting worse. I registered a 1/2 tank at the pump shut off at 2 gallons.
1. Rear shocks went bad at 30,000 miles cost 500.00 to replace. 2. Multiple problems with small components breaking. 3. 6 disk changer broke at 50,000 mile 4. Check engine light on at 45,000 miles- 2 codes for EGR valve stuck. 5. Car stalled several times while in motion and finally just died. Needed new fuel sending unit at 55,000 miles, cost $1,300.00 6. Air conditioner broke at 60,000 miles, needs new compressor and condenser, received estimate for $1,200.00.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. While driving at an unknown speed, the reduced power and check engine lights illuminated. The vehicle sputtered and decelerated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer several times for the failures, but they could not determine the cause. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 70,135 and failure mileage was 70,130.
Engine complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo, 7% of the model year's 389 complaints. The component named most often is engine (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Isuzu Rodeo engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.