1994 Isuzu Rodeo 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 1994 Isuzu Rodeo, 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
- Electrical1412.4%
- Engine1412.4%
- Transmission119.7%
- Brakes119.7%
- Other / unspecified108.8%
- Driver assistance87.1%
- Interior & seats87.1%
- Visibility76.2%
- Steering65.3%
- Body & structure65.3%
- Tires & wheels65.3%
- Suspension43.5%
- Fuel system32.7%
- Seat belts21.8%
- Powertrain (other)21.8%
- Exterior lighting10.9%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WIRE HARNESS DETERIORATED DO TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, ROUTED TO CLOSE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO SHIFT AND DISABLING BOTH TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 78K MILES ON IT AND WIRE COVERING/INSULATION SHOULD NOT BE LITERALLY BURNED AWAY WITH SUCH LOW MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
ABOUT TWO DAYS AGO THE POWER WINDOWS ON MY RODEO SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING SO WE TOOK THE CONTROL OUT THINKING THAT MAYBE THE WIRES VIBRATED LOOSE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. WHEN WE REMOVED THE CONTROL THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CONTROL OR THE WIRING THAT WE COULD SEE BY JUST LOOKING AT IT SO WE OPENED THE FUSE BOX THAT IS UNDER THE DASH AND FOUND THE FUSE THAT CONTROLLED THE WINDOWS. THE POWER WINDOW FUSE IS A LARGE BOX LOOKING THING(NOT A REGULAR FUSE) WITH A RED BUTTON IN THE MIDDLE THAT WAS POPPED OUT SO WE PUSHED THE BUTTON BACK IN AND THE WINDOWS BEGAN WORKING AGAIN. AFTER USING THEM FOUR OR FIVE TIME JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY WORKED WE TURNED OF THE IGNITION AND DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT. TODAY WHEN WE STARTED THE TRUCK EVERYTHING WAS FINE THEN AFTER LETTING IT RUN FOR 5-10 MINUTES I WENT TO GET INTO IT AND THE INSIDE WAS FULL OF SMOKE WE IMMEDIATELY TURN OFF THE TRUCK AND THEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL ON THE DOOR WE REMOVED THE CONTROL AND THE WIRES WERE MELTED PRETTY BAD. WE THEN LOOKED IN THE FUSE BOX TO SEE IF THE FUSE HAD POPPED AGAIN AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FUSE HAD STARTED BURNING AND WAS MELTED INTO THE FUSE BOX. WE TRIED TO REMOVE THE FUSE AND BECAUSE IT WAS SO BADLY MELTED INTO THE FUSE BOX IT CRUMBLED WHEN WE TRIED TO REMOVE IT. WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO TAKE IT TO ANYONE TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED BECAUSE IT IS SATURDAY AND THE DEALER ISN'T OPEN TODAY. *NM
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE CAMSHAFT SEAL END PLUG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE COMPONENT UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 94V132000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,600 UPDATED 10/21/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE CAM SHAFT SEAL PLUG CAME OUT AGAIN CAUSING OIL TO LEAK ON THE EXHAUST, WHICH CAUSED SMOKE TO EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 11/02/11
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING OIL. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V132000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE). HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN THE ONLY OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND THE REPAIR WAS NEVER PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WIRE HARNESS DETERIORATED DO TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, ROUTED TO CLOSE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO SHIFT AND DISABLING BOTH TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 78K MILES ON IT AND WIRE COVERING/INSULATION SHOULD NOT BE LITERALLY BURNED AWAY WITH SUCH LOW MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED TO WORK. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE TRANSMISSION CHECKED. WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED ONCE BEFORE. *AK
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED SINCE WINTER OF 1998 WHEN I FIRST MOVED FROM CALIFORNIA TO COLDER NEBRASKA AND NOW IN KENTUCKY. IT ONLY HAPPENS IN WINTER TIME AFTER A COLD START (NEVER GOT COLD ENOUGH IN CALIFORNIA). THE BRAKES ARE FROZEN FOR A FEW MINUTES UNTIL THE ENGINE WARMS UP AND THEN FINALLY GIVE SLOWLY. OVER THE YEARS I HAVE LEARNED TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE BY LETTING THE CAR WARM IDLE. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW INSTANCES AS IN THIS LAST WINTER WHERE I WAS IN A HURRY AND FORGOT TO LET IT WARM UP WITH THE RESULT OF GOING DOWNHILL AND NOT BEING ABLE TO BREAK AT WILL. I HAVE CHECKED WITH VARIOUS MECHANICS AND NONE HAD HEARD OF SUCH A CONDITION. AS I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DROP OFF THE CAR SO FAR LONG ENOUGH TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, I REALLY NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. IF THERE HAS BEEN A DIAGNOSIS, SINCE I HAVE SEEN ANOTHER IDENTICAL COMPLAINT FROM SOMEONE FROM ALASKA ON THIS SITE, PLEASE ADVISE.*AK
MOTOR STAYS OVERHEATED.*AK THE WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND BYPASS HOSE HAVE BEEN REPLACED, HOWEVER PROBLEM CONTINUES, VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCES HESITATION. CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF NOISY BRAKES, ROTORS WERE GLAZED, ROTORS, PADS, AND SEALS WERE REPLACED, BRAKES CONTINUE TO MAKE NOISE. BATTERY CABLE WAS CORRODED. VEHICLE LURCHES INTO REVERSE, FUEL INJECTOR WAS LEAKING AND CAUSED LONG CRANK, ALL INJECTORS WERE REPLACED. REAR DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE DUE TO LATCH STICKING. *SLC ALSO THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER WAS INOPERATIVE.*JB
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
ANY TIME I HAVE TIRES TAKEN OFF CAR , THE LUGS: NUTS: STUDS BREAK OFF. I HAVE HAD EVERY SERVICE PLACE TO TELL ME THEY DON'T LIKE WORKING ON ANY ISUZU BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. AT THIS POINT, I HAVE SPENT $500.00 REPLACING STUDS ON MY CAR. I WANT TO KNOW IF OTHERS HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO WONDER HOW SAFE THESE CARS CAN BE. HAVE THERE BEEN REPPORT. *AK
THE MANUFACTURER SUPPLIED "STUDS" ARE MADE FROM AN INFERIOR METAL WHICH, OVER TIME WILL "SNAP OFF" WHILE DRIVING AND/OR SERVICING THE VEHICLE. MOREOVER, WHEN I REPLACED THE STUDS, I COULD ONLY USE THE SAME INFERIOR ISUZU STUDS TO REPLACE THE OLD ONES, BECAUSE I AM RESTRICTED TO ONLY USE THE ISUZU PARTS (NO OTHER PARTS WILL WORK DUE TO AN INHERANT DESIGN). I HAD TWO STUDS SNAP OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY 2 MINOR CHILDREN IN THE CAR CAUSING ME TO TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.*AK
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 BECOMES STUCK AND ACCELERATION CONTINUES. ACCELERATOR CABLE FROM PEDAL TO THROTTLE IS BECOMES STUCK OFTEN. I HAVE TO SLAM ON THE GAS PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES TO GET IT TO FREE UP. *TR
THROTTLE CABLE WAS CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO STAY ENGAGED AFTER RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. CONSUMERTHOUGHT IT WAS A DESIGN DEFECT. *AK *TC
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S DOORS BEING HARD TO OPEN. THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THAT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY THE OCCUPANTS WILL BE TRAPPED INSIDE. *MR THE REAR DOOR'S FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE. (THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS WERE NOT ENGAGED) *SC *JB
POWER LOCKS DO NOT STAY IN ADJUSTMENT. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND REAR TAILGATE LATCHES. THEY HAVE BOTH BEEN ADJUSTED BY THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY EXHIBIT THE PROBLEMS AGAIN INTERMITTENTLY. THE TAILGATE LATCH RELEASES THE REAR WINDOW WHILE DRIVING USUALLY WHEN HITTING A BUMP BUT SOMETIMES OUT OF THE BLUE. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE LATCH IS OPENED LAST USING THE KEY ON THE TAILGATE. WHEN THE LATCH IS OPENED ELECTRONICALLY I DO NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR EITHER DOES NOT UNLOCK OR DOES NOT LOCK ( ABOUT 30-50% OF THE TIME ) EVEN AFTER BEING READJUSTED BY THE DEALER. THE HOOD LATCH IS A LOOSE FIT AND ALLOWS THE HOOD TO VIBRATE AND BOUNCE WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS.*AK
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABOUT TWO DAYS AGO THE POWER WINDOWS ON MY RODEO SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING SO WE TOOK THE CONTROL OUT THINKING THAT MAYBE THE WIRES VIBRATED LOOSE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. WHEN WE REMOVED THE CONTROL THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CONTROL OR THE WIRING THAT WE COULD SEE BY JUST LOOKING AT IT SO WE OPENED THE FUSE BOX THAT IS UNDER THE DASH AND FOUND THE FUSE THAT CONTROLLED THE WINDOWS. THE POWER WINDOW FUSE IS A LARGE BOX LOOKING THING(NOT A REGULAR FUSE) WITH A RED BUTTON IN THE MIDDLE THAT WAS POPPED OUT SO WE PUSHED THE BUTTON BACK IN AND THE WINDOWS BEGAN WORKING AGAIN. AFTER USING THEM FOUR OR FIVE TIME JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY WORKED WE TURNED OF THE IGNITION AND DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT. TODAY WHEN WE STARTED THE TRUCK EVERYTHING WAS FINE THEN AFTER LETTING IT RUN FOR 5-10 MINUTES I WENT TO GET INTO IT AND THE INSIDE WAS FULL OF SMOKE WE IMMEDIATELY TURN OFF THE TRUCK AND THEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL ON THE DOOR WE REMOVED THE CONTROL AND THE WIRES WERE MELTED PRETTY BAD. WE THEN LOOKED IN THE FUSE BOX TO SEE IF THE FUSE HAD POPPED AGAIN AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FUSE HAD STARTED BURNING AND WAS MELTED INTO THE FUSE BOX. WE TRIED TO REMOVE THE FUSE AND BECAUSE IT WAS SO BADLY MELTED INTO THE FUSE BOX IT CRUMBLED WHEN WE TRIED TO REMOVE IT. WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO TAKE IT TO ANYONE TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED BECAUSE IT IS SATURDAY AND THE DEALER ISN'T OPEN TODAY. *NM
REAR DOOR LOCKS LOCK OR UNLOCK AT TIMES. WHEN CONSUMER FIRST BOUGHT VEHICLE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK. BUT CURRENTLY, BOTH DOORS DO NOT LOCK. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WAS WILLING TO FIX IT. CONSUMER HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. *AK ALSO, THE WINDOWS DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. *YH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
A MALFUNCTION IN THE STEERING BOX CAUSED THE STEERING TO LOCK UP WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIE ROD BROKE; LOST TOTAL CONTROL; BACKEND SPUN AROUND, CAUSED ACCIDENT. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE RUSTING ON THE BASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
FRAME RUSTED THROUGH ,UNINSPECTABLE, MOUNTS ON FRAME ARE VERY WEAK. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
REAR DRIVERSIDE TIRE (BF GOODRICH RADIAL LONG TRAIL T/A) ON AN ISUZU RODEO RAPIDLY SEPARATED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER 1-1/4 TIMES. ROOF OF THE VEHICLE CAVED IN AS WELL AS THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING HEAD INJURIES TO ONE OCCUPANT OF 5 IN THE VEHICLE. ALL 5 OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED INJURIES AND 2 REQUIRED HOSPITALIZED. *TR
TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 1994 MITSUBISHI 3000 GTVR4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSFER CASE BLEW UP ON THE HIGH WAY DUE TO LACK OF OIL. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED NY A LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED A HALF AN HOUR AFTER HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. IT WAS A RAINY DAY AND HE WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS COMPONENT IS UNDER SAFETY RECALL NUMBER 02V143001, AND THAT HE WOULD LIKE HIS VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL AT NO COST TO HIMSELF. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE SHAKES AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 60MPH, ALONG WITH ANNOYING SOUNDS, REPLACE CLUTCH CYLINDER, NO PRIOR WARNING.
REAR OF VEHICLE LOST CONTROL TWICE WHILE TURNING, ONCE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURY.
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
STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE REAR OF VEHICLE FROM 1997 TO PRESENT. DEALER COULD NEVER LOCATE SOURCE. *TR
MOTOR STAYS OVERHEATED.*AK THE WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND BYPASS HOSE HAVE BEEN REPLACED, HOWEVER PROBLEM CONTINUES, VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCES HESITATION. CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF NOISY BRAKES, ROTORS WERE GLAZED, ROTORS, PADS, AND SEALS WERE REPLACED, BRAKES CONTINUE TO MAKE NOISE. BATTERY CABLE WAS CORRODED. VEHICLE LURCHES INTO REVERSE, FUEL INJECTOR WAS LEAKING AND CAUSED LONG CRANK, ALL INJECTORS WERE REPLACED. REAR DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE DUE TO LATCH STICKING. *SLC ALSO THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER WAS INOPERATIVE.*JB
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
NO PARTS; TAKATA SEAT BELT RECALL, NHTSA #96V170002, MANUFACTURER'S #SB96; DEALER: VISTA FORD, WOODLEND HILLS, CA, PHONE: 818-884-7600. *AK
SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD DRIVER IN A HEAD ON COLLISION, CAUSED DRIVER TO GO INTO WINDSHIELD. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
SPEEDOMETER WILL NOT REGISTER , ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WILL INTERMITTENLEY COME ON, VEHICLE WILL ALSO STALL, CAUSING POSSIBLE ACCIDENT. *AK
THERE IS A VIBRATION COME DRIVE TRAIN. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHT SWITCH MELTED AND FUSED ITSELF INTERNALLY BECOMING MECHANICALLY AND ELECTRICALLY INOPERATIVE. USE OF THE HEADLIGHTS WAS NO LONGER POSSIBLE AND 10 AMP FUSE (FUSE 1) DID NOT BLOW. IT MUST HAVE HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN OPERATION OR THE LAST TIME THE LIGHTS WERE TURNED OFF SINCE WE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM UNTIL FIRST TRYING TO ACTIVATE THE LIGHTS THAT NIGHT. WE DID HEAR OR SMELL THE FAILURE WHEN IT TOOK PLACE. SEEMS LIKE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.*AK
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 .