RoadVitals

2004 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.
39
Latest Jan 31, 2024
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.
2
Latest Oct 31, 2013
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.
1
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.
4
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 39 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo, most frequently naming the suspension, engine and fuel system categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 53 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

  • Engine813.6%
  • Electrical610.2%
  • Driver assistance58.5%
  • Brakes46.8%
  • Body & structure35.1%
  • Powertrain (other)35.1%

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

2 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

Oct 31, 2013
8,816 units potentially affected
The defect: Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, 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, Kentucky and Missouri. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion near the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link.
The risk: The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Isuzu will notify owners, and 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 event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be sufficient, Isuzu will offer to repurchase the vehicle for an amount based on the Kelley Blue Book "Private Party" price. 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 dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued, after that time owners will be charged for the repairs. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2013. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
Isuzu Manufacturing Services of AmericaManufacturer number DET-13-173View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Oct 7, 2005
15,515 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES AND IN CERTAIN FUEL AVAILABLE IN THE REGION OF TYLER, TEXAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN TEXAS AND THE FOUR SURROUNDING STATES: OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO AND LOUISIANA.
The risk: A FUEL LEAK COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
The remedy: FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES IDENTIFIED ABOVE, DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW COVER OVER THE EXISTING FEED PORT ON THE FUEL PUMP OR, IF THE EXISTING FEED PORT HAS ALREADY BEEN DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW COVER. THE NEW COVER WILL BE MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
ISUZU MANUFACTURING SERVICES OF AMERICAView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

DP18001ClosedDefect Petition

Fuel Tank Retention Failure

Opened May 23, 2018
Closed Mar 5, 2020

On April 10, 2018, NHTSA received a petition from Mr. Kevin Byrne (the Petitioner) requesting that the Agency ?undertake a defects investigation? of ?rust-related detachment of Isuzu Rodeo fuel tanks? (NHTSA ID 11091788). The Petitioner experienced a partial fuel tank detachment in his model year (MY) 2004 Isuzu Rodeo in July 2017. On May 23, 2018, ODI opened DP18-001 to evaluate the Petitioner?s request for a defect investigation. ODI sent information request letters to Isuzu and Honda requesting production, design history and field data related to fuel tank retention failures in MY 2001-2004 Isuzu Rodeo, MY 2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom and MY 2001-2002 Honda Passport vehicles equipped with the same fuel tank shield part number as the Petitioner?s vehicle (the ?subject vehicles?). ODI notes that Isuzu manufactured the subject Passport vehicles for Honda. Isuzu implemented a change to the tank shield corrosion protection system as a running change in early MY 2002 production. Isuzu and Honda sold approximately 172,000 subject vehicles in the United States. Fifty-eight (58) percent of the subject vehicles were produced prior to the shield change (99,000) and 42 percent after the change (73,000).ODI?s analysis of field data identified 19 incidents of partial fuel tank detachments in the subject vehicles. The incidents all occurred in states with high road salt usage in winter months (Salt States) and involved older vehicles beyond 10-years in service. On average, the failures occurred in the vehicle?s 13th year-in-service. Evidence of severe general corrosion in multiple undercarriage components was also noted in 13 of the 19 vehicles that experienced partial fuel tank detachments. None of the incidents resulted in fuel leakage or fire. Aside from the petitioner?s vehicle, ODI has not identified any other incidents of complete or partial fuel tank detachment in the MY 2002-2004 subject vehicles equipped with the modified retention shield.In addition, ODI reviewed 24 NHTSA complaints alleging corrosion concerns with the fuel tank retention system in the subject vehicles that did not result in fuel tank detachment. Twenty-three (23) of these complaints involve subject vehicles built prior to the shield change. Like the vehicles reporting fuel tank detachments, these vehicles are also all from Salt States and, in most cases (20 of the 24 complaints), the vehicles also experienced severe corrosion concerns in other undercarriage components. Half (12 of the 24 complaints) of the vehicles show prior accident damage in their service histories.Based on these analyses, ODI has not identified evidence of a defect trend for premature corrosion-related fuel tank detachments in the MY 2004 Isuzu Rodeo or similarly equipped vehicles. The damage that may result in tank retention concerns appears to occur progressively over many years with ample opportunity for detection and repair. Furthermore, ODI has not identified any crashes, fires, injuries, or fuel leaks associated with fuel tank retention failures in a population of vehicles that currently range from 16 to 19 years old.Accordingly, the Agency is denying the petition.A summary of ODI?s analysis of this petition will be published in the Federal Register and is also available in the investigative file for this action.The NHTSA consumer complaints counted in the closing resume for DP18-001 can be reviewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers (VOQs in parentheses denote duplicate records): Allegations of fuel tank retention failure: 11084098 (11091788), 10532845, 10486109. Allegations of fuel tank retention component corrosion: 11138931, 10992150, 10845523,

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

Recent owner complaints

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

Fuel system
Filed Jan 31, 2024

My car continues to smell like gas despite fuel pump and lines having been replaced. The smell is very strong. Don’t see any type of leakage

NHTSA ID
11569134
Incident
Nov 30, 2023
BrakesEngineSuspension
Filed May 27, 2023

In Florida, I purchased my 2004 Isuzu Rodeo March 2005 at 134 miles. I've always had issues, but didn't know how to articulate the issues. My truck sits/leans to the right and low in the back. It is uneven as if the shocks or struts are off. Driving one night, the truck slams down/drops low out of no where while driving. When I am driving and need to brake, I have to brake then brake again. I dare not make any sharp turns by parking or anything it's like the truck will slip or axels bend. I am have trouble with the engine currently(September 2022). Oil is leaking but you can't see from where. The engine is making loud rambling sounds. The exhaust sounds muffled. My car parts are not exact because my Rodeo is built like a demo, seemingly. Power Reduced & check engine light happens randomly usually while on the expressway. It slows the vehicle down in the middle of flowing traffic. I have to try to pull over turn car off then back on to try & reset the vehicle. The car now vibrates but don't know from where or cause. How can I get my car repaired?

NHTSA ID
11524166
Incident
Sep 1, 2022
Suspension
Filed Nov 20, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZI RODEO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V547000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED GREAT DIFFICULTY HAVING HIS VEHICLE SERVICED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ISUZU SENT THE REMEDY PARTS TO LUPIENT BUICK GMC (7100 WAYZATA BLVD, GOLDEN VALLEY, MN 55426, (763) 546-2222) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A SECOND INSPECTION IN ORDER TO BE REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
11281393
Incident
May 23, 2019
Other / unspecifiedSuspensionTires & wheels
Filed Sep 6, 2019

MY VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN MINNESOTA WHERE ROAD SALTS ARE IN CONSTANT WINTER USE. ON AUGUST 21, 2019 MY MECHANIC HOISTED MY SUV AND WE WATCHED WITH SURPRISE AS SOME FLAT RUST SLABS FELL TO HIS SHOP FLOOR. HE LOOKED ABOVE THE FALL LOCATION: THE SPARE TIRE IS ATTACHED JUST BELOW A WELL, AND WITHIN THE SPARE-TIRE WHEEL-GAPS WERE ADDITIONAL LOOSE RUST SLABS THAT HAD NOT YET FALLEN. THEY WERE REMOVED. THE MECHANIC THEN PONDERED A LIKELY CAUSE: HE REASONED THE METAL PLATE (AND/OR THE AREAS ALONGSIDE IT) THAT HELPS SECURE THE SPARE TIRE MIGHT BE EXCESSIVELY RUSTY. TO SEE IT HE HAD TO INSERT HIS HEAD UP INTO THE WELL, BUT WHICH DID NOT GIVE HIM ENOUGH OF CLEAR VIEW TO ASSESS THE MATTER ADEQUATELY (NOR COULD I MANAGE TO GET MUCH OF A LOOK). HE REASONED THAT MINNESOTA WINTER-SALT ROAD-SPRAY CAN REACH THE WELL (HE SAID THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING THERE CALLED A CARRIER ASSEMBLY OF PARTS) AND CORRODE THE PLATE, MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR THE SPARE TIRE TO COME LOOSE WHILE MY SUV IS MOTION, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD. WE DID PHOTOGRAPHY BUT DID NOT HAVE A FLEXIBLE-NECK CAMERA TO INSERT UP INTO THE WELL. SO ALL WE HAVE ARE SNAPS OF 1) MANY OF FLAT RUST SLABS THAT FELL DOWN DURING THE MECHANICS INSPECTION (SHOWN AS A PILE ON THE FLOOR JUST BELOW THE SPARE TIRE?S WELL LOCATION) IN ONE PHOTO, AND 2) AN UPWARD SHOT AT THE SPARE TIRE WITH SOME RUST SLABS THAT HAD NOT YET FALLEN, WHICH ALSO OFFERS A GENERAL LOOK OF WHEEL AND WELL RUST CONDITIONS THAT WE SAW. LASTLY, I DECIDED TO VISIT NHTSAS WEBSITE TO LOOK FOR SIMILAR INCIDENTS THAT MIGHT PERTAIN TO MY VEHICLE. I CAME UP WITH ID #10649039. IT OFFERS A SOMEWHAT SIMILAR TEXTUAL NARRATIVE DESCRIBING REAR FRAME RUST CONDITIONS THAT MAKES MENTION OF A SPARE TIRE. I CREATED A PDF OF PHOTOS AND INCIDENT ID #10649039, WHICH I WILL UPLOAD AFTER THIS PDF. IT WILL BE TITLED PART2_IJN5-55344_ISUZURODEO2004TIRESUPPORTFAILUREVIN[XXX].PDF. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11254932
Incident
Aug 21, 2019
Mileage
171,000 mi
Body & structureFuel system
Filed Apr 10, 2018

2004 ISUZU RODEO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUSTED METAL BRACKET STRAPS, BOLTS AND HORIZONTAL JACKET. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO RUST THE FUEL TANK DROPPED BELOW THE CAR FRAME AT AN UNSAFE ANGLE, VERY CLOSE TO COMPLETE DETACHMENT. *JS

NHTSA ID
11084098
Incident
Jul 1, 2017
Brakes
Filed May 20, 2017
Crash reported

BRAKES PEDAL PULSES LIKE CRAZY BUT THE BRAKES DON'T WORK WHEN APPLIED.

NHTSA ID
10990702
Incident
Apr 1, 2015
Mileage
70,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Aug 17, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE REDUCED POWER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,880.

NHTSA ID
10896547
Incident
Aug 16, 2016
Mileage
158,880 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Oct 21, 2014

REAR OF THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND CRUMBLING, SO THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME THAT ARE KEEPING IT FROM BEING SAFE, AND THUS WILL NOT PASS STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. THE AREAS AFFECTED SUPPORT SUCH THINGS AS THE PANHARD/TRACK BAR, BODY, BUMPER, SPARE TIRE, EVAP COMPONENTS, REAR TOW POINT, AS WELL AS OTHERS ITEMS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10649039
Incident
Oct 16, 2014
Mileage
89,231 mi

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-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.

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.

22NA009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:FILTER/SCREEN

This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.

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
2004Viewing392148.3
2003163153.3
20021012359.0
20013894358.1
20002744258.6
19995505363.9
19984786566.6
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.