Most common 2003 Isuzu Rodeo problems
Share of the 16 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Isuzu Rodeo complaints by model year
Best Rodeo years: 2003, 2004, 2002. Years to avoid: 1999, 1998, 2001, 2000, 1995. Compare all years →
2003 Isuzu Rodeo recalls (3)
Suspension › Rear
Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,…
Remedy: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Certain sport utility vehicles that have been exposed to fuel contaminated with silicon May develop small pin holes in the fuel pump feed port. Silicon has been identified in the fuel systems of affected vehicles and in certain fuel available in the region of tyler, texas.
Remedy: For vehicles registered in the states identified above, dealers will provide a new cover over the existing feed port on the fuel pump or, if the existing feed port has already been damaged, dealers will install a new…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Brake fluid low warning › Lamp
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101, "controls and displays." the brake warning lamp would not illuminate in the event of decreased brake fluid volume.
Remedy: The diodes have been replaced. All vehicles have been repaired.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo:
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.
What 2003 Isuzu Rodeo owners say
Engine & cooling
03 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2l burning excessive amount of oil. Takes a quart every 250 miles. Done everything recommended at the recommended intervals, oil changes, EGR valve, pcv valve, ect. I am very good about changing recommended parts when needed. This engine should not be taking oil. I do not tow or rev over 5,000 RPM, ever! Other Isuzu owners have also expressed concerns about this to me, this seems to be a fairly common problem with the Isuzu engine. I now need to replace the engine at a cost of 3,000 plus installation labor charges. This is the third Rodeo I have had, good luck with the other two, but not this one. If this cannot be resolved, I will purchase another model in the future.
2003 Rodeo engine failue at 48K. Isuzu refuses to repair under warranty and blaming me for damage because I cannot produce all of my oil change reciepts. My 2000 Rodeo engine failed at 35K and Isuzu replaced under warranty. I am amazed at how many complaints and "oil usage" post I am finding on the web from other Isuzu owners.
Body & structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Isuzu Rodeo. The stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning, causing the contact to crash into a guard rail. There were no injuries. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was advised that the frame rail was rotten and caused the axle to detach from the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage and VIN was not available.
2003 Isuzu Rodeo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 22 / 19 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 20 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo a good car?
Based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Rodeo rates better than average: 91% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Rodeo at the same age. It is one of the best Rodeo years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the body & structure (4) and brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo, the most recent from October 31, 2013 (rear). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Isuzu Rodeo?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 2004 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 1998, 2001, 2000 and 1995. See the full Isuzu Rodeo years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Isuzu Rodeo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 40,000 miles; 71% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.