1999 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 1999 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
- Brakes21430.8%
- Fuel system9113.1%
- Suspension8512.2%
- Body & structure7310.5%
- Engine527.5%
- Driver assistance415.9%
- Transmission273.9%
- Electrical233.3%
- Visibility142.0%
- Airbags131.9%
- Tires & wheels121.7%
- Powertrain (other)111.6%
- Other / unspecified111.6%
- Steering81.2%
- Interior & seats71.0%
- Seat belts60.9%
- Heating & air conditioning50.7%
- Exterior lighting20.3%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ABS ENGAGED, AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED AND THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A PREVIOUS UNKNOWN RECALL. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS INTEGRATOR MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER LOCATED OVER 200 MILES AWAY AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY MAY BE UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE PARTS DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REACH ANYONE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.
MY SON WAS DRIVING A 1999 ISUZU RODEO WHEN HE HAD AN ACCIDENT. SINCE THERE WERE NO "BRAKE MARKS" ON THE ROAD THE ACCIDENT WAS CONSIDERED TO BE HIS FAULT. HE STATED THAT HE TURNED LEFT FROM A STOP SIGN AND CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS ON, APPLIED BRAKES AND CAR CONTINUED TO REV UP CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL, HIT A DITCH, AND LAND CAR ON IT'S SIDE. NO INJURIES EXCEPT SORE WRIST. THE CAR HAS 138,000 MILES *TR
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK CORRODED AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 198,000.
I HAVE A 1999 ISUZU RODEO 2.2L 4 CYLINDER MODEL TRUCK, AND THE FUEL SENDING UNIT, 02 SENSORS AND COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR HAVE ALL GONE BAD. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE OTHER SENSORS AS WELL. SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO FIX THIS TRUCK. PLEASE LET ISUZU KNOW THAT THEY NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS, AND FIX THESE LEMON VEHICLES. I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT AND NEED THIS VEHICLE TO GET FROM SCHOOL AND BACK, AND I'M NOT SURE HOW MANY MORE FIXES I WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD. THERE ARE PLENTY MORE CONSUMERS ON FORUMS ACROSS THE INTERNET COMPLAINING OF THESE VEHICLES, AND ARE GENERALLY THE SAME EXACT PROBLEMS. WHY HASN'T ANYTHING BEEN DONE? *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE FRAME. IN ADDITION, THE CONTROL ARMS ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME CONDITION. THE DEALER (MANCARI'S CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP, RAM, 708-423-0910, LOCATED AT 4630 W 95TH STREET, OAK LAWN, IL 60453) WAS CONTACTED AND INDICATED THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER AUTHORIZED TO SERVICE ISUZU VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO RECEIVE A RECOMMENDED DEALER TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
I HAD JUST COME OFF THE HIGHWAY IN MY RODEO AND COME TO A SLOWDOWN ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP TO THE MAIN ROAD AND WHEN I WENT TO TAKE OFF MY TORSION BAR THAT HOLDS MY REAR AXLE IN ON THE DRIVER SIDE COMPLETELY BROKE OFF FROM RUST AND THERE ARE SEVERAL BIG HOLES OF RUST ON THE FRAME OF THIS VEHICLE I HAVE NOTICED BY SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES WHICH SHOULD BE RECALLED AND A PAYMENT GIVEN IN FAIRNESS TO THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES FORD HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE EARLY 2000S WIND STARS AND I OWN ONE OF THESE WHEN IT WAS TAKEN INTO FORD BECAUSE I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD THEY WOULD NOT RELEASE THE VEHICLE BACK TO ME AND PAID ME FOR THE VEHICLE THIS IS ONLY FAIR THAT ISUZU DOES THIS TO GET THESE UNSAFE VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD I AM SO SURPRISED SOMEONE HAS NOT BEEN KILLED
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE FRAME. IN ADDITION, THE CONTROL ARMS ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME CONDITION. THE DEALER (MANCARI'S CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP, RAM, 708-423-0910, LOCATED AT 4630 W 95TH STREET, OAK LAWN, IL 60453) WAS CONTACTED AND INDICATED THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER AUTHORIZED TO SERVICE ISUZU VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO RECEIVE A RECOMMENDED DEALER TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK CORRODED AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 198,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE ENGINE BLEW UP. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AFTER THANKSGIVING 07. STARTED COLLEGE IN JAN. 08, SECOND WEEK IN TRAVILING DOWN ALONG HILL THE ENGINE BLEW UP. IT HAD ONLY BEEN 7 WEEKS SINCE LAST OIL CHANGE. *TR
COMING TO A STOP LIGHT WITH A SPEED OF 10 - 15 MILES, I START PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE CAR, INSTEAD STOPPING THE RPM CAME DOWN TO 1000 AND SUDDENLY THE PEDAL DOES NOT GO DOWN AND IS NOT STOPPING AND STARTS ACCELERATING AND INCREASING THE SPEED AND RPM JUMPS TO OVER 8000. I LEFT THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS TO THE DEALER ( SHAVER AUTO CENTER ) SAN BERNARDINO, CA AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE MY STORY. ON OCTOBER 29, 2002, I DID SEND THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER, I PAID FOR THE TRANSPORTATION, I CALLED YOUR ORGANIZATION ( CLAIM # 2301038 OCT. 28, 2002 ) AND ISUZU AND I DECLINED TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR NOT INJURING MYSELF OR ANYONE ELSE. IN ONE WEEK IT WAS A RECALL AND THE CAR WAS FIXED. (I HAVE A COPY OF THE TOWING COMPANY SIGNED BY THE DRIVER.) -TWO MONTH AGO, APRIL 2012, MY CAR HAS DONE ALMOST THE SAME THINK. ON JUNE 04, 2012, I DID EXPERIENCE THE SAME THINK AS IN 2000. I CALLED A DEALER AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO LIVE THE CAR OVER THERE TO SEE IF THEY COULD DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT COULD BE DUPLICATED OR ...MAYBE NEVER AGAIN, BUT THE PROBLEM IS THERE AND IS A BOMB READY TO EXPLODE. I CALLED YOUR OFFICE AND I RECEIVED A VERY DISTURBING COMMENTS AND VERY UNPROFESSIONAL REMARKS FROM; [XXX] AND SUPERVISOR [XXX] AND FINALLY I DID FILE A COMPLAIN. SINCE YOUR OFFICE WAS VERY ETHNIC AGAINST ME I DO NOT TRUST MY COMPLAIN WAS REGISTERED EVEN IF I HAVE RECEIVED A CLAIM NUMBER. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO WAIT 4-6 WEEKS TO RECEIVE YOUR FILE, TO LOOK OVER AND TO SEE WHAT ELSE I NEED TO ADD ON. IN THE MEAN TIME NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG AND NO ONE BELIEVES THAT ACCELERATION OF THE CAR IS UNSTOPPABLE AND COULD ENDANGER MY LIFE AND OTHER PEOPLE AROUND. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE SOLVED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY SON WAS DRIVING A 1999 ISUZU RODEO WHEN HE HAD AN ACCIDENT. SINCE THERE WERE NO "BRAKE MARKS" ON THE ROAD THE ACCIDENT WAS CONSIDERED TO BE HIS FAULT. HE STATED THAT HE TURNED LEFT FROM A STOP SIGN AND CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS ON, APPLIED BRAKES AND CAR CONTINUED TO REV UP CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL, HIT A DITCH, AND LAND CAR ON IT'S SIDE. NO INJURIES EXCEPT SORE WRIST. THE CAR HAS 138,000 MILES *TR
WITH FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE RODEO INCREASED IN SPEED ON IT'S OWN. SPEED CLIMBED FROM STOP POSITION TO 35 MPH AND HAD TO APPLY BRAKES BACK HOME. LUCKILY, WAS ONLY 2 BLOCKS AWAY FROM HOME. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRAME RUST. *TR
AFTER ONLY HAVING MY RODEO FOR A FEW MONTHS MY ABS WENT BAD BUT IT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER UNDER WARRANTY. THEN SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE WARRANTY ENDED AND GAS GAUGE WOULD READ EMPTY BUT IT WAS FULL, NEXT I HAVE TO ADD OIL TO MY CAR EVERY TWO TO THREE DAYS BECAUSE IT BURNS OIL REALLY BAD NO LEAKAGE OR NOTHING LIKE THAT. NOW I HAVE STARTED ADDING ANTI-FREEZE THE SAME AMOUNT OF TIME. THERE ARE MAJOR TRANMISSION PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND FROM READING THE INTERNET IT'S NOT JUST MY CAR IT'S ISUZU. *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE CHECK TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 239,990. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/02/16*LJ *TR
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE KEY FAILED TO TURN IN THE IGNITION SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWAY INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V436000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. PAM
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
1999 IZUSU RODEO WITH MULTIPLE PROBLEMS: IE: ABS BRAKE LIGHT WON'T GO OUT. HAVE HAD VEHICLE SERVICED HOWEVER WHEN COMING TO A STOP, VEHICLE SLIDES. GAS GAUGE LIGHT WON'T GO OUT...TANK IS FULL...REPAIR PRICE-CRAZY. HIGH IDLE-FOOT ON BRAKE AND VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD. WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE PICKS UP SPEED QUICKLY. WINDSHIELD WIPERS ERRATIC-SOMETIMES THEY WORK, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T AND SOMETIMES THEY JUST STOP RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDOW. ALL OF THESE ARE SAFETY ISSUES. I'M FINDING THAT SOME OWNERS FELL UNDER A RECALL TO FIX THESE ITEMS BUT I DON'T. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT. DO I HAVE TO KILL OR BE KILLED FIRST ESPECIALLY WITH THE BREAKING ISSUES? *JB UPDATED 10/23/07 *TR
FUEL SENDING UNIT/GAS GAUGE LIGHT FLASHING EMPTY WHEN CAR IS FULL OF GAS. ABS LIGHT NEVER GOES OUT ...HAD RECALL REPAIRED DASH LIGHTS..CAR IS IN PARK BUT LIGHT ON DASH IS IN (N)..LIGHT ON GEAR SHIFT IS DEAD REAR WINSHIELD WIPER JUST STOPPED WORKING RUBBER SEAL AROUND REAR HATCHBACK WINDOW DRY ROTTED CAUSING WINDOW TO SHATTER AND BREAK WHILE CAR WAS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. THIS IS DANGEROUS. CAR SLIDING THROUGH STOP LIGHT WHEN APPLYING BRAKES TO STOP OR WHEN SITTING STILL CAR WILL IDLE AND CAUSE CAR TO MOVE WHILE FOOT IS ON BRAKES. HUMMING/RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERCARRIAGE OF THESE COMPLAINTS ARE POSTED ON SEVERAL COMPLAINT WEBSITES AND THEY ALL PERTAIN TO MY 1999 RODEO AS WELL AS THOUSANDS OF OTHERS. MY RODEO WAS PURCHASED IN 2003 AND I WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALLS EXCEPT FOR THE ABS ONE AND I LEARNED ABOUT THAT FROM A RELATIVE WHO HAS THE SAME VEHICLE. IF SOMETHING BREAKS DOWN OR STOPS WORKING ON HERS I CAN EXPECT IT TO OCCUR WITH MINE OR VISA VERSA. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE..I WILL NEVER RECOMMEND ANYONE TO PURCHASE AN ISIZU RODEO IF MY LIFE DEPENDED ON IT. EVERYTIME I TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC THERE IS A RODEO IN THE GARAGE WAITING TO BE WORKED ON. THE MECHANIC SHAKES HIS HEAD.. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that after he started the vehicle, the horn started to sound independently. The contact stated that he had to temporarily remove the fuse for the horn from the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the air bag needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU RODEO, AND STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SLAMMED THE BRAKES SUDDENLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO DO THE SAME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SEVERE DAMAGE IN THE FRONT. UPON IMPAQCT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS CONCERNING THE AIRBAGS BEFORE AND SUBSEQUENT TO THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT COULD PROVIDE PICTURE IF NEEDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,371 MILES. *AK
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I NOTICED AS I WENT TO INFLATE MY TIRES ON MY VEHICLE. THAT MY BRIDGSTONE, DUELLER II, D684Z, DOT#7X-9L-POA-0603, P245/70/R16. THAT THE TIRE HAS CRACKS AND APPEARS TO HAVE TREAD SEPARATION. *TR
WHILE DRIVING THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS REAR TIRE BLEW OUT ONE WEEK APART. CONSUMER FEELS THE TIRE ARE DEFECTED. *NLM
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE CHECK TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 239,990. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/02/16*LJ *TR
I BOUGHT A 1999 RODEO FROM TRADER MIKE'S AUTO SALE'S. THE RODEO HAS A RUSTED OUT FRAME WHICH IS UNSAFE FOR DRIVING. I PAID 1,643.75 FOR THE 1999 RODEO AND DEALER PUT 700.00 ON TITLE. I'VE SPENT OVER 1,200 IN IT BEFORE I FOUND THE FRAME RUSTED AND BROKE. I TRY ASKING HIM NICELY TO REFUND MY MONEY FOR THE 1999 RODEO VIN-[XXX] AND THE MONEY I SPENT ON THIS UNSAFE 1999 RODEO. I DIDN'T SIGN THE OTHER AS IS FORM FROM DEALERSHIP, JUST THE BILL OF SALE"S BILL OF SALE"S GIVE ONE PRICE AND TITLE SAY"S ANOTHER. SO NOT ONLY I GOT HURT IN THE SALE SO DID THE V M B . IT"S NOT THE WAY TO DO GOOD BUSINESS. HE OWES ME 2,843.75 FOR HIS JUNK 1999 RODEO HE SOLD ME FEB.17TH 2014. NOT MY FAULT HE SOLD IT TO ME AND SAID IT WAS A GOOD 1999 RODEO 4X4. AS IS ON BILL OF SALE DON'T WORK , THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH IN PLACES AND WELDS ARE RUSTED OUT HOLES IN THE MAIN FRAME AND BROKE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION ARM THAT CONNECTS TO THE FRAME ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BECAME UNATTACHED FROM THE FRAME CAUSING THE VEHICLE LOSE CONTROL AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT A VERY SLOWLY TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ISUZU WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 114,500.
1999 ISUZU RODEO RIGHT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF. *TS THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE STRIKING A GUARD RAIL END, STRIKING THE DITCH IN THE MEDIAN AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. *JB
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
2 DAYS AFTER LEAVING GATLINBURG,TENNESSEE TO BOONEVILLE KY THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS REAR END BROKE AWAY FROM FRAME ON DRIVERS SIDE ALMOST CAUSING A BAD ACCIDENT. CAUSED STEERING AND HANDLING TO BE UNCONTROLLABLE. LUCKILY WE WERE ONLY GOING 30 MPH AT TIME. IF IT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED COMING BACK FROM TENN ON INTERSTATE [I DROVE 95MPH HOME]ME AND MY CHILDREN WOULD MOST LIKELY NOT SURVIVED. ISUZU STATED THAT IN FACT THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2010 BUT I NEEDED TO CONTACT THEM THEN. I GAVE 3500 FOR THIS TRUCK ON OCTOBER 21,2010 AND WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY SAFETY ISSUES. TRUCK HAS GREAT BODY,CLEAN INTERIOR, NO OIL ANYWHERE ON ENGINE, LOOKS AS GOOD AS NEW. NEVER WOULD THINK THE FRAME WAS ALMOST RUSTED INTO ON IN. FROM BRACKET INFRONT OF REAR TIRE THRU TILL BEHIND FRONT TIRE IS RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. I HAD JUST PURCHASED 425.00 NEW TIRES AND PUT ON IT. NOW ITS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
RECEIVED A RECALL FOR REAR SUSPENSION BRACKETS. WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ISUZU SERVICE CENTER , WAS TOLD THE FRAME WAS SO RUSTED THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPAIR THE REAR BRACKETS AND IT WAS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
ISUZU'S LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 4, 2010 ([XXX], VEHICLE COMPLIANCE) FOR ISUZU RODEO RECALL 10V-436 APPEARS TO ERRONEOUSLY OMIT MY VEHICLE'S VIN WHICH WAS MANUFACTURED ON 1/13/1998 AND SHIPPED TO ORIGINAL DEALER IN MASSACHUSETTS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
THERE ARE THREE PROBLEMS WITH MY 1999 ISUZU RODEO. 1) THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON ALMOST CONTINUALLY. IT WAS CHECKED AT ROYALL ISUZU IN RICHMOND, VA, WHERE THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM IS THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. ONE OTHER CUSTOMER WAS THERE AT THE SAME TIME WITH THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM ON HER 1999 RODEO. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE IS SEEING AN INCREASING NUMBER OF RODEOS WITH THIS PROBLEM. HOW AM I TO KNOW IF A TRUE PROBLEM POPS UP WITH THE VEHICLE OR IF THE LIGHT IS ONLY ON FOR THE SAME? 2) ONE BY ONE, THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE FAILING. IT STARTED WITH THE CLOCK LIGHT AND HAS NOW GONE TO THE RADIO LIGHT. 3) IN JULY 2001, THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE (34,000 MILES AT TIME OF USED PURCHASE) THE CLUTCH STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY. THE CLUTCH FLUID RESERVOIR WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. WHITTEN ISUZU IN RICHMOND, VA, TOOK THREE SEPARATE SERVICE TRIPS TO TRY TO FIX IT. AFTER THE SO-CALLED REPAIR, THE PROBLEM SEEMED BETTER. FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, THE FLUID LEVEL SLOWLY BUT STEADILY DECREASES SO I CONTINUALLY ADD CLUTCH FLUID. NOW THE CLUTCH SLIPS WHEN ACCELERATING IN FIFTH GEAR. STEADY DRIVING IN FIFTH DOES NOT POSE A PROBLEM BUT INCREASING SPEED SUCH AS UPHILL OR TO PASS ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSES A SUDDEN RISE IN RPM AS THE CLUTCH SLIPS. BECAUSE I PURCHASED IT USED, THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 50,000 MILES, SO THAT'S GONE. IT SEEMS AS IF A PROBLEM ADDRESSED UNDER WARRANTY SHOULD STILL BE REPAIRED. I HAVE GIVEN UP ON CALLING ISUZU CUSTOMER SERVICE AS THE CALLS ARE EITHER NOT RETURNED FROM VOICE MAIL OR I AM GIVEN A VERY BRUSQUE DENIAL OF EVEN CONSIDERING THE PROBLEMS. I LOVE THIS VEHICLE AND REALLY ENJOY IT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE PROBLEMS ADDRESSED ABOVE. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER AND HAVE KEPT IT COMPLETELY ON SCHEDULE WITH OIL CHANGES, ETC. I SEE ON YOUR COMPLAINT SEARCH THAT THERE ARE QUITE A FEW COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT, SO WHY DOES ISUZU ACT AS IF THEY KNOW OF NO OTHERS? THE FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT REGISTER CORRECTLY DUE TO THE SENDING UNIT.*AK
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
THE FUEL GAUGE ON OUR 1999 ISUZU RODEO BEGAN FLASHING ONE DAY AND THEN JUST QUIT WORKING. THE DEALER TOLD US THAT ISUZU WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE 99 MODEL BUT WOULD NOT ISSUE A RECALL BECAUSE IT WAS EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. THIS HAS SINCE CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. WE HAVE TO USE THE TRIP ODOMETER TO TRY AND ESTIMATE HOW MUCH FUEL WE HAVE IN THE TANK. YOU WOULD THINK IT WOULD BE LESS EXPENSIVE TO LOSE CUSTOMERS OVER SOMETHING THEY KNOW IS DEFECTIVE. *JB
FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, LOCKED CD CHANGER, REAR WIPER DEFECT, PASSENGER SEAT BELT DEFECT. *AK
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
ENGINE LIGHT SPORADICALLY CAME ON, BUT WOULD ALWAYS GO OFF BEFORE WE COULD GET THE CAR TO A SHOP. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSIS, BUT COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. TOOK CAR AGAIN TO SAME DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE A/C THERMOSTAT SWITCH. 3 MONTHS LATER AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED BY 2 MONTHS, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON PERMANENTLY. ON-BOARD DIAGNOSITIC CODE OF P1404 SAYS THE EGR VALVE IS STUCK OPEN. *AK
ORIGINAL AC COMPRESSOR FAILED IN DEC 2000 AT 35,000 MILES AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. REPLACEMENT AC COMPRESSOR FAILED IN SEP 2000 AFTER APPROXIMATELY 35,000 MILES. AMERICAN ISUZU AND ITS LOCAL DEALER TOLD ME THIS WAS NORMAL FOR THE AC COMPRESSOR TO FAIL AT 35,000 MILES. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME THAT AC COMPRESSOR FAILURE AT 35,000 IS NOT NORMAL. FURTHERMORE I WAS TOLD THAT OTHER PARTS BESIDES THE COMPRESSOR SHOULD BE CHANGE AFTER A COMPRESSOR FAILURE TO ENSURE THE REPLACEMENT COMPRESSOR DOES NOT FAIL PREMATURELY. MR
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
TO START WITH, I HAVE HAD CONTINOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, WHICH SQUEAL LOUDLY WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THEY MOAN & CREEK ON THE INSIDE THEN FORCEFULLY PUSHES MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL-- THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN A REAL PROBLEM. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THESE HEADLIGHTS 4 TIMES NOW, 2 OF WHICH WERE DONE MYSELF. I CANNOT GO THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE FREEWAYS, BARELY EVEN UP TO IT, AS THE VEHICLE SHAKES & VIBRATES SO VIOLENTLY, IT FEELS LIKE ITS BEING PULLED APART IN EVERY DIRECTION, TAKING ME WITH IT. I CAN ONLY GET TO ABOUT 46 MPH BEFORE THE SHAKING & VIBRATIONS START IN. THE STEERING WHEEL I HAVE TO GRIP TIGHTLY WITH BOTH HANDS JUST TO STAY ON THE ROAD, IT SHAKES SO MUCH. THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT IF I HAVE TO TAKE MY HANDS OFF THE WHEEL EVEN FOR A SECOND. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW & DOOR PANEL RATTLES WHEN THE WINDOW IS ROLLED DOWN AT ANY LENGTH, I CAN PHYSICALLY MOVE THE WINDOW. THERE IS A CONTINUED BUZZING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SPEAKER WHEN THE RADIO IS ON, EVEN TURNING OFF THE BASS DOESN'T HELP. IT'S NOT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER CHARGED ME $1300 FOR AN EXTENDED 'WARRANTY' AT A $100 DEDUCTIBLE, BUT HAS REFUSED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED THE SMOG CERTIFICATE, BUT WAS CHARGED FOR THE SMOG. THE DEALER WHO SOLD THIS PIECE OF JUNK TO ME HAS COMPLETELY WIPED HIS HANDS OF IT AS SOON AS IT WAS DROPPED OFF ON HIS LOT. SAID HE WASN'T 'RESPONSIBLE' FOR ANYTHING THIS VEHICLE NEEDED. I'M OUT SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS ON THIS VEHICLE. I WASN'T LOOKING TO GET A VEHICLE THAT NEEDED SO MUCH WORK DONE TO IT RIGHT FROM THE START. IT HAS BEEN & CONTINUES TO BE A LIVING NIGHTMARE! I HAVE CONTACTED SEVERAL AGENCIES, ONLY TO HAVE THEM SHUT THERE DOOR IN MY FACE, BECAUSE THIS IS A USED VEHICLE. MY HANDS ARE LITERALLY UP IN THE AIR, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE-- WHAT IS MY LEGAL RECOURSE?? *AK
1999 RODEO SHIFTS HARD INTO ALL GEARS AND FUSES KEEP BLOWING THAT CONTROLS THE DIRECTIONALS, REVERSE LIGHTS, A/C AND CRUISE CONTROL. 5 ATTEMPS HAVE BEEN MADE TO REPAIR PROBLEM AND NO SUCCESS. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. ISUZU HAS NOT RESPONDED TO 2 LETTERS I HAVE MAILED, 1 LETTER WAS MAILED CONTAINING ALL DOCUMENTATION OF FAILURES AND THAT LETTER WAS RETURNED TO ME, ALSO MANY PHONE MESSAGES HAVE NOT BEEN RETURNED. I WANT ISUZU TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM AND REPURCHASE MY CAR.*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 .