Most common 2004 Isuzu Rodeo problems
Share of the 39 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 →
2004 Isuzu Rodeo recalls (2)
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…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2004 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 2004 Isuzu Rodeo owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
My car continues to smell like gas despite fuel pump and lines having been replaced. The smell is very strong. Don't see any type of leakage
We purchased the vehicle on March 12, 2014. After purchase , Saturday March 15 we drove tbe Isuzu at highway speed. The vehicle began to shake loudly and vibrate. We pulled over. Returned to home at 65 to 45 MPH without shaking. Monday I reported this frightening event to the dealership. I requested repair or replacement. The salesman promised repairs. A pre-purchase disclosure was that the fuel gauge did not work. Sales staff assured me this had been, or would be fixed by the dealership. Prior to the first scheduled repair visit, I reported that the horn does not work and that the air bag was uncovered. The dealership covered the air bag but told me afterwards they had no way to verify if the air bag is functional. There is no air bag icon on the dash. I repeatedly reported these safety issues to sales staff and general manager [redacted]. …
Engine & cooling
In Florida, I purchased my 2004 Isuzu Rodeo March 2005 at 134 miles. I've always had issues, but didn't know how to articulate the issues. My truck sits/leans to the right and low in the back. It is uneven as if the shocks or struts are off. Driving one night, the truck slams down/drops low out of no where while driving. When I am driving and need to brake, I have to brake then brake again. I dare not make any sharp turns by parking or anything it's like the truck will slip or axels bend. I am have trouble with the engine currently(September 2022). Oil is leaking but you can't see from where. The engine is making loud rambling sounds. The exhaust sounds muffled. My car parts are not exact because my Rodeo is built like a demo, seemingly. Power Reduced & check engine light happens randomly usually while on the expressway. It slows the vehicle down in the middle of flowing traffic. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the check engine and the vehicle reduced power warning lights illuminated. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The contact also stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the high pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,880.
Suspension
In Florida, I purchased my 2004 Isuzu Rodeo March 2005 at 134 miles. I've always had issues, but didn't know how to articulate the issues. My truck sits/leans to the right and low in the back. It is uneven as if the shocks or struts are off. Driving one night, the truck slams down/drops low out of no where while driving. When I am driving and need to brake, I have to brake then brake again. I dare not make any sharp turns by parking or anything it's like the truck will slip or axels bend. I am have trouble with the engine currently(September 2022). Oil is leaking but you can't see from where. The engine is making loud rambling sounds. The exhaust sounds muffled. My car parts are not exact because my Rodeo is built like a demo, seemingly. Power Reduced & check engine light happens randomly usually while on the expressway. It slows the vehicle down in the middle of flowing traffic. …
My vehicle is operated in minnesota where road salts are in constant winter use. On August 21, 2019 my mechanic hoisted my SUV and we watched with surprise as some flat rust slabs fell to his shop floor. He looked above the fall location: the spare tire is attached just below a well, and within the spare-tire wheel-gaps were additional loose rust slabs that had not yet fallen. They were removed. The mechanic then pondered a likely cause: he reasoned the metal plate (and/or the areas alongside it) that helps secure the spare tire might be excessively rusty. To see it he had to insert his head up into the well, but which did not give him enough of clear view to assess the matter adequately (nor could I manage to get much of a look). …
2004 Isuzu Rodeo engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 20 / 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 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo a good car?
Based on 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Rodeo rates better than average: 81% 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 2004 Isuzu Rodeo?
The fuel & propulsion system — 8 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › fuel gauge system. Next are the engine & cooling (8) and suspension (8).
How many recalls does the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Isuzu Rodeo problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 39% 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.