Body complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH over an uneven road surface, the vehicle became unstable. The failure recurred when driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated that there was corrosion and holes throughout the frame. The bracket on the rear driver's side frame was detached from the vehicle. The mechanic advised the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Rear of the frame is rotted and crumbling, so there are holes in the frame that are keeping it from being safe, and thus will not pass state safety inspection. The areas affected support such things as the panhard/track bar, body, bumper, spare tire, EVAP components, rear tow point, as well as others items.
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.
The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact recently became aware of severe corrosion on the frame of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V436000 (Suspension) approximately 10 years ago. The contact believed that the recall repair should have covered more than just the rear suspension and that the entire subframe should have been included. The vehicle was taken to two independent Collision Centers and was advised that the cost of repair exceeded the value of the vehicle, and the vehicle was declined to be repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,819.
Daughter was driving call and steering suddenly seemed "funny". Pulled over, had car towed and was told the mounting bracket for the rear driver side sway bar rusted from the mainframe of the car and the car cannot be driven. Researched on web and Isuzu had a recall on this issue. Called Honda and they suggested we tow the car over 110 miles to the nearest dealership. If at that time they inspected it and determine Isuzu is at fault the May or May not offer any compensation. I feel it is unreasonable to require me to tow the car 110 miles. I examined receipts from the previous owner and Isuzu issued a recall on this car. The car was inspected on 11/10/11 and this was typed on the receipt: cau inspect found stage 1. Treat per recall. Complete operates as design. Labeled a stage 1 fix. Obviously, they did not fix the issue. Since Isuzu has recalled this car do I have any options? …
My friend [redacted] and I were returning home from shopping in town. Hit a small pothole on spring street in vernon, ct about 5 pm. Took a left turn down a hill and heard scraping sound outside the car.I pulled over and stopped the vehicle, engaged the emergency brake and examined the wheels. The rear left tire was scraping against the mud guard. I was within .2 mi. From home and drove there slowly and carefully and parked the vehicle. On closer inspection we discovered that the shock/strut had separated from the frame, and that both parts were badly rusted. Since the left rear wheel is not safely connected to the frame, my steering was affected, especially when braking. Thank god this did not happen at high speed on the highway or involve injuries or an accident. My blind wife and I are both disabled on ssd and do not have the means to fix or replace this vehicle. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that while traveling at speeds of 15 MPH, the front wheels folded inward and the vehicle began to turn sideways hitting a guardrail. The contact didn't state if there were any injuries or a police report was filed. The contact stated that the sway bars were rusted and fell off of the vehicle while driving causing the front tires to fold inward. The contact stated that the failure was a safety concern. There were no warnings preceding the failure. The vehicle had not been driven since the failure occurred. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.
Related recalls (1)
Structure › Body
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with the performance requirements of FMVSS no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact."
Remedy: Dealers will modify the interior of your vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Which Isuzu Rodeo years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (214), 2000 (84), 1999 (72), 1998 (69) and 1997 (32) model years. Body complaints make up 55% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Isuzu Rodeo body problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 00V121001 (body, Apr 28, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Isuzu Rodeo body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 123,000 miles; 4% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frame and members (333 mentions), followed by the body (85).
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.