Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On the night of the 22nd of March 2005, I went to the potamkin dealership to buy an izusu Rodeo, they told me that the only vehicle they had was on that they were use it as a demonstration, that they will give me a good deal on it, the vehicle had a noise on it but they told me that was nothing that they will make the necessary adjustments. The next day I brought the vehicle back, and I told them that the noise was very bad and that I will bring the vehicle back, the vehicle had 2783 miles on it and the diagnosis was that they sold me a car with a bad transmition, I was 5 days without a car to go to work. …
We bought a 2004 Isuzu Rodeo mid-October, 2004. Within a week of having the car, the rear end was making a very loud humming noise when I took my foot off of the accelerator. It happened when decelerating at about 45-55 MPH. We took the car into the Isuzu dealership and the service department decided they would have to replace the entire rear end - on a week-old car! We tried to get them to give us a new vehicle, but they stood by the fact that all the paperwork that we signed for ownership was for that car and that car only. They would not replace the vehicle, so they replaced the rear end. The noise did not go away with the new rear end, and we have taken it in a few times since then and they have not been able to fix anything. Once they told us that they didn't know what was causing the noise and that we should drive it for another few thousand miles and see if it goes away. …
I have a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo ls with a six cylinder engine and a 2 wheel drive automatic transmission. The transmission is sealed and the owner's manual requires service at 120,000 miles. I have never driven the vehicle under extreme conditions, and I have never towed anything behind the vehicle. Nonetheless, my transmission recently started to shudder and lurch when the vehicle initially accelerated from low to second gear. When this problem began, the vehicle had about 55,500. The problem grew progressively worse, and I took it for service at about 56,000. The dealership to which I took the car advised me that a part in the transmission had gone bad and that they had seen similar problems with similar vehicles and that Isuzu had a replacement part to correct this problem. If it is indeed a defective part, I think a recall May be warranted for safety reasons. …
Vehicle's automatic transmission unpredictably and uncontrollably, on more than one occasion while driving on the highway at 60 MPH, shifted out of "drive" and into "park" on the control panel indicator, while the stick shift was still engaged in "drive." this resulted in a very alarming jerking feeling and loss of forward velocity. The only way to stop this situation and return to normal was to brake, pull over into the highway's shoulder, put the gear shift into "park," turn off the vehicle's ignition, wait a few seconds, and then turn the vehicle back on. After this occurred two or three times, I became concerned that this could lead to a serious safety problem and potential accident so I took the vehicle to an Isuzu dealer for repairs and they replaced the transmission mode switch and cleared the code for a total cost of $350. …
Original owner of 2001 Rodeo. Received a recall notice for rear suspension lower link bracket. Drivers side required installation of a bracket, passenger side was sprayed with wax. Recall repair was completed circa 01/2011. Took the car to an independent mechanic for brakes last week and was told that the frame is so rusted that it is not worth doing the brakes. Mechanic stated that the vehicle would not pass its inspection as the frame is softened due to rusting and is unsafe (don't go on any long drives and think about a new car in the next couple of weeks). Contacted Isuzu and was told they have no further responsibility as they did everything they were supposed to under the recall agreement. …
I purchased my 2001 Isuzu Rodeo used in April 2012, about a week after I had the vehicle it started stalling out while I was driving, loosing complete power for a few moments then would jerk and continue going. I also noticed when I would hit a small bump and try to apply the brakes I heard a grinding noise and it would not stop for a few feet, even with the brake all the way to the floor. Also when I stop I hear a popping noise in the rear, everytime I stop. Now the vehicle is completely dying at random times. It will die when I am on the interstate going a steady speed, or accelerating. Also when I come close to a complete stop to turn the vehicle will die. I put it in neutral and it starts right back up and jerks while speeding up. I have almost t-boned someone due to the car dying and the loss of power steering. …
Dt: the vehicle was parked with the gear shifter in the park position and the key was not in the ignition. Consumer's son, who was 2 years old, was sitting in the back seat. Child was not restrained in a child safety seat. Consumer went inside the house for a minute and when he returned the car rolled and crashed at the end of consumer's neighbor's yard, striking a tree. There was a moderate incline in the driveway about 45 degree angle. There was substantial damage to vehicle. Upon inspection of the vehicle it was noted that the gear shift was in the third position. Did refer to the owner's manual. Called dealer , who referred consumer to customer service of isuzui. They offered no assistance. At this time, no repairs were made. Consumer had vehicle towed to a local mechanic shop.
Vehicle accelerated while coasting causing vehicle to fish-tail and spin out. Once vehicle corrected brakes/ABS did not engage (no pulse in brake pedal no squealing tires) resulting in vehicle careening of the road.
NHTSA investigations
Broken accelerator pedal
Complaints alle that the Honda passport (the Honda passport and Isuzu rodeo are similar vehicles, both manufactured by Isuzu) accelerator pedal separates from the pedal linkage.
Frequently asked questions
Which Isuzu Rodeo years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (37), 1998 (22), 2000 (18), 2001 (18) and 2002 (18) model years. Transmission complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for Isuzu Rodeo transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (66 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (15).
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.