2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Suspension933.3%
- Body & structure622.2%
- Engine311.1%
- Visibility27.4%
- Electrical27.4%
- Fuel system13.7%
- Seat belts13.7%
- Driver assistance13.7%
- Transmission13.7%
- Heating & air conditioning13.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. UPON RECEIVING AN INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS PREMATURE RUST, CORROSION, AND HOLES NEAR THE TRAILING ARMS, CLOSE TO THE FRAME AND IN THE REAR NEAR THE STABILIZER BAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V436000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
AT LAST INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT THERE IS A LOT OF REAR FRAME RUST ON MY VEHICLE, AND IT MAY NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE AS THE RUST PROGRESSES. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE. I BOUGHT MY 2002 ISUZU IN SEPT. OF 2012. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE, AND I WOULD NEVER SELL IT IN THE CONDITION IT IS, I BELIEVE IT'S NOT SAFE. I NEED A REMEDY FROM ISUZU. NHTSA HAD A CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V306000. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, WITH NO RESULTS YET. MY COMPLAINT NUMBER IS 10898314. I ALSO NOTICED SOME FRAME RUST IN THE FRAME IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. UPON RECEIVING AN INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS PREMATURE RUST, CORROSION, AND HOLES NEAR THE TRAILING ARMS, CLOSE TO THE FRAME AND IN THE REAR NEAR THE STABILIZER BAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V436000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE WELL RUSTED AND CAUSED THE SPARE TIRE TO DETACH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TWICE ON THIS VEHICLE WITHIN 3 YEAR TIME FRAME. I CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE PART AND WAS ADVISED SINCE I WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, ITS NO THEIR PROBLEM BUT MIND. I ADVISED THE REPRESENTATIVE I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE TO PAY THE COST FOR THE REPAIRS BUT WANTED TO KNOW WAS THIS A DEFECTIVE PART. I ALSO ADVISED THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT I NOTICE, A LOT OF CONSUMER'S REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. SHE ADVISED ME SINCE ITS NOT UNDER WARRANT IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM. IF THIS HAS HAPPEN TO MORE THAN 10 CONSUMER'S I THINK IT IS THEIR PROBLEM, BECAUSE I THING IT'S A DEFECTIVE PART. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME. *TR
SUV WILL STALL WHEN YOU GIVE IT GAS, IT WILL START TO SHAKE AND THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ALL COME ON, THEN THE VEHICLE GOES DEAD. SOMETIMES IF YOU HIT A BUMP IT WILL JUST TURN OFF. THIS HAPPENS ON AN ALMOST DAILY BASES, AND THE DEALER STATES THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, I HAVE CHANGED MULTIPLE PARTS AT THERE PROMPTING TO FIX THIS, THEY HAVE ALL FAILED, THEY CONTINUE TO TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD BE FATAL TO MY SON WHO DRIVES THIS VEHICLE. IT STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED FOR NO APPARENT REASON THE BACK WINDOW CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOTHING HIT THE WINDOW. THE DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED THE CONTACT TAKE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO GLASS REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT SHOWED LITTLE CONCERN OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
I HAVE HAD MY RODEO SPORT FOR A LITTLE OVER 2YEARS. MY CD PLAYER HAS BEEN ACTING UP FOR APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS NOW. IT FREQUENTLY DISPLAYS ERR1. MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ALSO STOP DURING INTERMITTENT SETTING AND II HAVE TO BE SURE TO TURN THEM OFF WHILE THEY ARE AT BOTTOM OF WINDSHIELD OR THEY WILL STOP WHERE THEY ARE AT THE TIME. I TOOK MY CAR IN AND WAS TOLD THE CD PLAYER NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED AND IT NEEDS AN NEW WIPER MODULE. THESE TWO THINGS COMBINED WILL COST ME APPROX. $600.00. I FIND IT HARD TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS COULD NOT BE RELATED TO A DEFECT SINCE MY CAR IS JUST OVER 2YRS OLD.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUV WILL STALL WHEN YOU GIVE IT GAS, IT WILL START TO SHAKE AND THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ALL COME ON, THEN THE VEHICLE GOES DEAD. SOMETIMES IF YOU HIT A BUMP IT WILL JUST TURN OFF. THIS HAPPENS ON AN ALMOST DAILY BASES, AND THE DEALER STATES THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, I HAVE CHANGED MULTIPLE PARTS AT THERE PROMPTING TO FIX THIS, THEY HAVE ALL FAILED, THEY CONTINUE TO TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD BE FATAL TO MY SON WHO DRIVES THIS VEHICLE. IT STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. *NM
I HAVE HAD MY RODEO SPORT FOR A LITTLE OVER 2YEARS. MY CD PLAYER HAS BEEN ACTING UP FOR APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS NOW. IT FREQUENTLY DISPLAYS ERR1. MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ALSO STOP DURING INTERMITTENT SETTING AND II HAVE TO BE SURE TO TURN THEM OFF WHILE THEY ARE AT BOTTOM OF WINDSHIELD OR THEY WILL STOP WHERE THEY ARE AT THE TIME. I TOOK MY CAR IN AND WAS TOLD THE CD PLAYER NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED AND IT NEEDS AN NEW WIPER MODULE. THESE TWO THINGS COMBINED WILL COST ME APPROX. $600.00. I FIND IT HARD TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS COULD NOT BE RELATED TO A DEFECT SINCE MY CAR IS JUST OVER 2YRS OLD.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I CONTACTED THE PLACE OF BUSINESS ABOUT MY DISPUTE TO THEIR WARRANTY COVERAGE. I CALLED ISUZU WARRANY HOTLINE ABOUT THE ISSUE AND RECEIVED SAME DENIAL. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN ON 03/06 ABOUT A FUEL COMPLIANT. TURNS OUT THIS TIME(8/31/07) THEY FOUND THE GAS TANK TO BE FAULTY AND SO FAR IT APPEARS THAT THE TANK HAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. ISUZU WILL NOT COVER THE TANK. ACCORDING TO ONLINE FORUMS THEIR HAVE BEEN MANY ISSUES WITH FUEL SYSTEMS ON THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. THERE WAS GAS LEAKING FROM THE TANK FOR A LONG TIME AND SPRAYING UNDER THE CAR. UNFORTUNATES THEIR IS NO WAY TO TELL HOW LONG. I AM CURRENTLY GETTING A PRESSURE TEST ON THE TANK TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK. I AM TRYING TO GET THE OWNER, ISUZU, TO REPAIR THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE TANK IS LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER AND SEEMS DANGEROUS .... ESPECIALLY IF IT IS LEAKING GAS EVERYWHERE. I HOPE NOT TO MANY MORE PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM BUT I THINK IT MAY BE AN ISSUE ALL ACROSS THE BOARD WITH THEIR VEHICLES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT GETS TIGHTER EVERY TIME PASSENGER MOVES. DEALER STATED IT WAS DESIGNED TO HOLD A SAFETY SEAT. THERE WAS NOTHING HE COULD DO. *MR CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNNECESSARY SINCE A CHILD SEAT SHOULDN'T GO IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE PASSENGER HAS TO CONSTANTLY UNLATCH THE SEAT BELT TO KEEP FROM BEING CHOKED WHICH POSSES A SAFETY HAZARD. *PH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
GAS PEDAL ON 2002 ISUZU RODEO, STUCK TO THE FLOOR WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE BUT I AM AFRAID TO "FLOOR" THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN. THERE WAS NO WAY TO RELEASE THE PEDAL, IT WAS NOT CAUSED BY FLOOR MATS OR OTHER OBSTRUCTION, IT WAS MECHANICAL. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE VERY HARD AND SHUT OFF ENGINE AND THEN COAST TO A STOP. THIS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE, BUT AS I SAID I NEVER FLOORED THE PEDAL AGAIN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUV WILL STALL WHEN YOU GIVE IT GAS, IT WILL START TO SHAKE AND THE CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT AND THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ALL COME ON, THEN THE VEHICLE GOES DEAD. SOMETIMES IF YOU HIT A BUMP IT WILL JUST TURN OFF. THIS HAPPENS ON AN ALMOST DAILY BASES, AND THE DEALER STATES THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, I HAVE CHANGED MULTIPLE PARTS AT THERE PROMPTING TO FIX THIS, THEY HAVE ALL FAILED, THEY CONTINUE TO TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD BE FATAL TO MY SON WHO DRIVES THIS VEHICLE. IT STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S AIR CONDITIONING UNIT OVERHEATED TO THE POINT THAT IT FRACTURED THE AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL UNIT AND MELTED THE WIRES. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE UNIT ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .