Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
I drive a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. It has approximately 111,000 miles on it and is in great shape. It is garaged year-round in south bend, indiana. I started hearing a grinding noise and pulled over to the side of the road. Upon looking under my vehicle I was shocked to find the shield that covers the plastic gas tank was rotted through. The entire bottom of the gas tank is now visible and the shield is the part that holds it in place. I went to a mechanic immediately and had the car looked at. When the mechanic put the car on the lift he saw extensive rust and some rot under the vehicle on the frame. He stated that I would need to replace the shield. As of right now it is unsafe to drive due to the gas tanks shield being rotted out. The mechanic tried to order me a replacement but his supplier said the parts are no longer being made. …
2001 Isuzu Rodeo, with no prior damage, was warming up and caught fire. Apparently , a fuel line leak in the engine compartment was the cause. No warning whatsoever, and no prior mechanical work performed in the engine compartment relating to fuel lines. Apparently Isuzu had a recall on fuel lines, but I'm told it doesn't apply to this vehicle. Nm
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 drive a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo 4x4. It has approximately 111,000 miles on it and is in great shape. It is garaged year-round in taunton massachusetts. On Monday June 21, 2010 I was driving home from work on route 44 in rehoboth massachusetts. I started hearing a grinding noise and pulled over to the side of the road. Upon looking under my vehicle I was shocked to find the shield that covers the plastic gas tank was rotted through. The entire bottom of the gas tank is now visible and the shield is the part that holds it in place. I went to a mechanic immediately and had the car looked at. When the mechanic put the car on the lift he saw extensive rust and some rot under the vehicle on the frame. He stated that I would be lucky to get 2 more years of use out of the Rodeo before it would be totally rotted out. As of right now it is unsafe to drive due to the gas tanks shield being rotted out. …
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. …
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 drive a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo 4x4. It has approximately 100,000 miles on it. Upon taking the Rodeo in for recall inspection on NHTSA 10v-436 (rear suspension) the shop noticed that my fuel tank protector was 90% rusted and rotted away. The shop told me this shield (OEM part number 8-97226-445-4) also supports the fuel tank from falling off the vehicle (hence this safety complaint). I told the shop to order a replacement and repair it at the same time they were doing the suspension recall work. Weeks later the shop told me the fuel tank shield is no longer manufactured and is not available anywhere in their dealer network within the USA. I'm still trying to find a replacement at a junk yard. I don't appear to be the only consumer in this situation as I found another complaint that describes the same situation at this web address: http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2001/Isuzu/Rodeo/10339599.aspx
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!!!!
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!
I own a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. At about 50,000 miles, which was around July 2005, the gas started going back and forth after about of quarter of a tank of gas was used, which caused the check engine light to come on. It thought itwas empty when I actually was about 8 more gallons of gas in the tank. Also, about the same time the vehicle started idling very roughly and sometimes shutting off. It has gotten worse. Also, it a idled very high at times, and sometimes the idling fluctuated back and forth between high and low, almost like I was pressing on the accelerator. I am writing this because I have looked on line and saw several people with the same two problems. Thank you for your consideration.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. During the manufacture of certain fuel return hoses, incorrect rubber material for the outer layer was used.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to determine if the vehicle was equipped with an incorrect hose. If it is incorrect, dealers will replace it.
NHTSA investigations
Fuel Tank Retention Failure
On April 10, 2018, NHTSA received a petition from Mr. Kevin Byrne (the Petitioner) requesting that the Agency ?undertake a defects investigation? of ?rust-related detachment of Isuzu Rodeo fuel tanks? (NHTSA ID 11091788). The Petitioner experienced a partial fuel tank detachment in his model year (MY) 2004 Isuzu Rodeo in July 2017.
Fuel System complaints in other Rodeo years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo, 7% of the model year's 389 complaints. The component named most often is storage › fuel gauge system (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Isuzu Rodeo fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-298 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Oct 5, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Isuzu Rodeo fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion 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.