Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
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.
Tl* - the contact stated that she owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. She purchased thevehicle in April 2005. The vehicle had an odometer reading of approximately 16000 miles at the time of purchase, and it currently has 66,000 miles. The contact stated that it is 6000 miles past the warranty. The motor seized on December 15, 2005 while driving at 65 MPH, in cear weather and the road conditions were fine. The contact stated that there were no warning lights or anything that might have suggested that the engine was about to fail. The contact stated that neither Isuzu nor hoffman Ford will pay for the repair work. There have been numerous reports from Isuzu owners with the same failure.
My car stalls in traffic due to a defective intake manifole gasket . I have been left stranded in traffic, unable to restart my vehicle. This is an unsafe condition entirely caused by a manufactoring defect. Isuzu is aware of this defect and has repaired many free of charge under a secret plan that is not known to the public. I had my car dianoised at mike raisor Isuzu imports (lafayette, indiana) and was informed that even though I owned this car from 2005 at 51000 miles Isuzu will apply this service bullition repair.
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
Frequently asked questions
Which Isuzu Rodeo years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (52), 1998 (39), 2000 (37), 2001 (27) and 1995 (20) model years. Engine complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Isuzu Rodeo engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Isuzu Rodeo model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Isuzu Rodeo engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (74 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (63).
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.