RoadVitals

1998 Isuzu Rodeo

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
478
Latest Jul 22, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest Sep 22, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
5
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
83
31 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 478 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, most frequently naming the brakes, body & structure and suspension categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 85 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:REAR

Sep 22, 2010
149,992 units potentially affected
The defect: ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2002 ISUZU RODEO AND MODEL YEAR 2002 ISUZU AXIOM VEHICLES, AND HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1998-2002 HONDA PASSPORT VEHICLES, THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN THE STATES OF MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, AND KENTUCKY. VEHICLES THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED SUSTAINED EXPOSURE TO HIGHLY CORROSIVE MATERIALS USED IN SOME JURISDICTIONS FOR ROAD DEICING PURPOSES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN THE VICINITY OF THE FORWARD MOUNTING POINT BRACKET FOR THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK PRIOR TO THE TIME THAT SUCH CORROSION WOULD NORMALLY BE EXPECTED.
The risk: EXCESSIVE CORROSION MAY RESULT IN THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET AREA. FOR VEHICLES IN WHICH LITTLE OR NO CORROSION IS FOUND, THE AREA WILL BE TREATED WITH AN ANTI-CORROSIVE COMPOUND. FOR VEHICLES IN WHICH CORROSION HAS DAMAGED THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET AND AFFECTED ITS CONNECTION TO THE VEHICLE FRAME, A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET WILL BE INSTALLED. IN THE RARE EVENT THE CORROSION IS SO SEVERE THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET REMEDY WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE, A REPURCHASE OFFER WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE VEHICLE'S OWNER. ALL INSPECTIONS AND REMEDIES WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE 10 YEARS OLD OR LESS. FOR VEHICLES OLDER THAN 10 YEARS, ISUZU WILL OFFER A FREE REMEDY, BUT ONLY IF THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN ISUZU SERVICE FACILITY, OR HONDA DEALER (AS APPLICABLE), DEALER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF WHEN OWNER NOTIFICATIONS WERE ISSUED. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 10, 2010. ISUZU OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727. HONDA OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
ISUZU MANUFACTURING SERVICES OF AMERICAView on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Jun 3, 2002
161,927 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS), THE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES IN CERTAIN TYPES OF BRAKING EVENTS.
The risk: EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT COMPUTER ALGORITHM FOR THE ABS THAT IS BASED ON THE ALGORITHM USED IN ISUZU'S MY 2000 AND 2001 VEHICLES, WHICH HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM. THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES, WITH THE MY 1998 2WD VEHICLES COVERED FIRST, SINCE THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE MOST PROBLEMS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 20, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-643-4070.
ISUZU MOTORS LIMITEDView on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

May 29, 2001
The defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1998-2000 RODEO (UE) AND AMIGO (UA) MODELS EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L 4-CYLINDER ENGINES. THE TIMING BELT COULD BREAK BEFORE THE RECOMMENDED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO CRANK BUT WILL NOT START OR THE ENGINE COULD STALL WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT RESTART.
The remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE THE CONDITION OF THE TIMING BELT AND TENSIONER. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TIMING BELT. DEPENDING ON THE CONDITION OR MODEL OF THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER, THE TENSIONER MAY ALSO BE REPLACED. ISUZU HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE TIMING BELT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 22, 2001. OWNERS CAN CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-643-4070, EXT. 426, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
ISUZU MOTORS LIMITEDView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA09018ClosedEngineering Analysis

Rear Suspension Lower Link Detachment

Opened Dec 7, 2009
Closed Oct 15, 2010

On September 22, 2010, Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall 10V-436) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration affecting approximately 120,000 model year (MY) 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport vehicles and MY 2002 Isuzu Axiom vehicles originally sold, or currently operated, in the following states:Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. All vehicle owners will receive the recall notification.Vehicles 10 years of age or younger will be provided with a free remedy.For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy provided the vehicle is presented to an Isuzu service facility or a Honda dealer (as applicable) no later than twelve (12) months after the date of mailing of the notification letter to the owner.The report describes a condition where vehicles operated in states using certain road deicing materials may exhibit excessive corrosion which may result in the left or right rear suspension lower link bracket becoming detached from the frame.According to Isuzu a detached lower link may affect vehicle handling and potentially cause a crash.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data and found that 114 of the 115 (99%) alleged complete lower link separations from the frame occurred in vehicles originally sold or operated in a state covered by the recall. Of these complaints 2 involved alleged crashes and 21 involved alleged loss of control incidents.The alleged crashes and loss of control incidents all occurred in vehicles operated in a state covered by the safety recall.Isuzu's recall instructs dealers to inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area to determine if corrosion is present.For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the lower link bracket area and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed.For vehicles with no visible signs of corrosion, dealers with apply anti-corrosion material to reduce the likelihood of corrosion developing in the future. Based on Isuzu's safety recall, this Engineering Analysis is closed.A copy of the recall may be assessed on NHTSA's website using the reference number above.

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 10V436000
PE09030ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK FAILURE

Opened Jun 16, 2009
Closed Dec 8, 2009

DURING PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE09-030, ISUZU MOTORS AMERICA, INC (ISUZU) NOTED TWO PRIMARY DIFFERENCES ONCE THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK SEPARATION OCCURS BETWEEN THE ALLEGED DEFECT (SEPARATION OF THE LOWER LINK FROM THE FRAME) OF THIS INVESTIGATION AND A SAFETY DEFECT INVOLVING LOWER LINK SEPARATION FROM THE REAR AXLE ADDRESSED BY ISUZU IN SAFETY RECALL 00V-058.IN THE CASE OF THE DEFECT CONDITION IDENTIFIED IN RECALL 00V-058, ISUZU STATED THAT THE ATTACHMENT BOLT COULD DETACH FULLY, CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE LOWER LINK FROM THE REAR AXLE POSSIBLY CREATING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. ISUZU ALSO STATED THAT THIS CONDITION OCCURS EARLY IN THE SERVICE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.IN THIS INVESTIGATION ISUZU NOTED LOWER LINK SEPARATION FROM THE FRAME IS A PROGRESSIVE CORROSION ISSUE WITH PRIOR WARNING TO CONSUMERS.ISUZU ALSO STATED THAT IN THE EVENT OF A LOWER LINK SEPARATION FROM THE FRAME, THE VEHICLE IS STILL CONTROLLABLE AND CAN BE SAFELY STOPPED. THE OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATION (ODI) ANALYZED COMPLAINT DATA PROVIDED BY ISUZU AND AMERICA HONDA MOTOR COMPANY, INC (HONDA), AS WELL AS VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES SUBMITTED TO ODI FROM CONSUMERS.IN TOTAL, THERE WERE 60 UNIQUE REPORTS OF LOWER LINK SEPARATIONS FROM THE FRAME INCLUDING 1 ALLEGED CRASH AND 7 LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCIDENTS THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.MOST OF THESE COMPLAINTS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THE LINK SEPARATION.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA09-018) TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 10V436000
EA99008ClosedEngineering Analysis

BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS

Opened Mar 31, 1999
Closed Jul 31, 2002

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICLed to recall 02I002000
PE98054ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

BROKEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL

Opened Oct 9, 1998
Closed Feb 18, 1999

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.

POWER TRAIN

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Jul 22, 2019

4S2CM58W0W4[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

NHTSA ID
11233897
Incident
Sep 1, 2003
Suspension
Filed Feb 15, 2019

RUSTED SUSPENSION. BROKE OFF FROM FRAME

NHTSA ID
11180206
Incident
Feb 13, 2019
Mileage
170,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 3, 2016

SUDDEN UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION AT STOP OR MOVING SLOW IN TOWN. EXTREME DANGER !!AND HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES.

NHTSA ID
10839623
Incident
Feb 26, 2016
Mileage
120,000 mi
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Feb 24, 2016

MY AIR BAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF...HAD CODES CHECKED AND CLEARED BUT THE LIGHT COME BACK ON....BRAKES HAS BEEN REPLACED...BUT BREAKING DISTANCE IS EXTENDED

NHTSA ID
10838076
Incident
Jan 5, 2015
Body & structure
Filed Dec 18, 2015

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY HIT A POTHOLE AND HEARD A LOUD THUMP FROM REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT TILL THE NEXT DAY WHEN I DROVE TO WORK. IT SEEMED EVERY BUMP I GOT THE SAME NOISE. GOT TO WORK,LOOKED UNDER CAR, ALL SEEMED FINE. JUST HAPPENED TO LOOK IN REAR CARGO ARE AND SAW LUMP IN CARPET. THE SPRING WAS POKING UP THRU THE REAR FLOOR !!!! HOW IS THIS NOT A RECALL? AFTER SEEING THE POSTS ONLINE I REALIZE THIS IS COMMON. I NEVER KNEW, BEEN DRIVING VEHICLE FOR 10 YEARS WITH NO ISSUES.

NHTSA ID
10811206
Incident
Dec 5, 2015
Mileage
168,000 mi
Filed Sep 17, 2015

IS THE IGNITION SWITCH IN MY ISUZU THE SAME AS THE ONE RECALLED BY G.M.? IT LOOKS EXACTLY LIKE IT.

NHTSA ID
10764679
Incident
Sep 17, 2015
Body & structure
Filed Jul 21, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STAY IN POSITION. THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY STEER THE VEHICLE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUB FRAME ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WAS CORRODED AND FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10735422
Incident
Jul 16, 2015
Mileage
230,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Dec 5, 2014

REAREND CAME LOOSE DRIVING WENT TO GET CHECK OUT,BAD NEWS CLAMPS HOLDING REAREND TO FRAME CAME APART BECAUSE FRAME RUSTED OUT AND THEIR IS NOTING TO HOLD ON TO BECAUSE FRAME GONE.SO WANT DO I DO NEXT? *TR

NHTSA ID
10662446
Incident
Dec 3, 2014

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

IB13-R-001G

This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this bulletin is repaired under warranty and may also be used for radio and component repairs not covered under warranty. Contact Alpine directly for pricing and payment methods applicable to radio and component repairs not covered under warranty.

WB13-X-001B

EQUIPMENT

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts Warranty claim payments and/or claim chargeback. This bulletin was revised to add a Parts Warranty Form

WB13-X-001A

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts Warranty claim payments and/or claim chargeback.

IB09-X-004C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

The Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) Service Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides diagnostic support to Isuzu dealer technicians repairing Isuzu vehicles in and out of vehicle warranty. A TAC case number will be issued solely for information tracking purposes and future contact reference.

IB09-X-002B

EQUIPMENT

The following is a list of the Isuzu-recommended Threebond product part numbers identified in the various Isuzu Workshop Manuals and bulletins. If a Threebond product is unavailable, we recommend that you utilize the chart below to find equivalent of similar products (when available) from Loctite and Permatex.

05-06-04-035D

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Isuzu Rodeo by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2008100
2004392148.3
2003163153.3
20021012359.0
20013894358.1
20002744258.6
19995505363.9
1998Viewing4786566.6
19971181046.8
1996971047.9
19951762157.2
1994825258.4
1993342051.2
1992801155.3
1991422164.6
1990001
1989000

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.