Owners have filed 167 complaints
about the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo with NHTSA between 1997 and 2023.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 32
Against the median year of the Isuzu Rodeo. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 83
16.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 17
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
510.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
612.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1020.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1326.0%
150,000+ miles
1632.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1997peak 12Mar 2023
Recalls on the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E065000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 130,000 milesDallas, TX1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I STARTED THE CAR AND NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS SURGING. I THOUGHT IF I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, I COULD QUELL THE ENGINE. THE CAR BOLTED IN REVERSE OUT OF MY GARAGE, ACROSS THE BACK ALLEY, DOWN A DRAINAGE DITCH EMBANKMENT BEHIND BY HOUSE AND UP THE OTHER SIDE. I ENDED UP IN THE FIELD BEHIND MY HOUSE. I WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND TURN OFF THE IGNITION WHEN THE CAR SLOWED IN THE MUDDY FIELD.
NHTSA complaint #10141436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbiia, SCCrash1 injured
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
ON APRIL 4, 2005, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 1997 ISUZU RODEO ON INTERSTATE 24 IN MARION COUNTY, TENNESSEE WHEN LEFT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A TREAD SEPARATION, AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER THREE TIMES. MIRACULOUSLY, SHE SURVIVED. I WANT TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRE, SO THAT OTHER MOTORISTS MAY BE APPRAISED OF THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS. BRIDGESTONE DUELER 684, TIRE SIZE P245/70 R16 106S. THE TIRE WAS PURCHASED IN COLUMBIA, S.C. ON JANUARY 13, 2005 FROM A FIRESTONE STORE. THE STATE TROOPER WHO INVESTIGATED THE ACCIDENT LISTED THE TREAD SEPARATION AS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE TIRE DID NOT DEFLATE. THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO FISH TAIL, AND MY DAUGHTER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT THEN TURNED OVER THREE TIMES. I HAVE THE TIRE. *AK THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP AND PLEASE INFORM ME OF THE RESULTS OF YOUR INVESTIGATION. DENNIS BOLT
NHTSA complaint #10118035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nampa, IDCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HIT AN EMBANKMENT HEAD ON, FLIPPED OVER TWICE AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10011181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Mill, SCCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HIT AT 35 MPH IN THE FRONT CENTER OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR
NHTSA complaint #8022645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomfield, NMCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I WAS IN ANA ACCIDENT ON SEPT. 4, 2002. I COULD NOT STOP IN TIME FOR THE WRECK THAT HAPPENED 1/4 MILE IN FRONT OF US SO I PROCEEDED TO SLAM INTO THE REAR-END OF THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME. ALTHOUGH I WAS NOT INJURED THE SHERIF SAID THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BUT IT DID NOT! I COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED AND THAT COULD HAVE SAVED MY LIFE BUT IT DID NOT WORK! THANK YOU FOR CARING ENOUGH FOR PEOPLE AND LETTING THEM FILL THIS FORM OUT.
NHTSA complaint #766750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pinebrook, FLCrash
SEATS
WHILE SITTING AT A INTERSECTION ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE FROM THE BACK, AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT/ PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BROKE FROM FLOOR. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8017618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Maricopa, AZ
SEATS
This specific car with this VIN number is missing the back window and just a piece of wood is covering where the window should be. Grocery bags and rags are sticking out of the wood. A 10 month old child travels in this car in freezing cold weather conditions. Back seat rests were also missing from this vehicle so child is very unsafe in this vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11512624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maricopa, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This specific car with this VIN number is missing the back window and just a piece of wood is covering where the window should be. Grocery bags and rags are sticking out of the wood. A 10 month old child travels in this car in freezing cold weather conditions. Back seat rests were also missing from this vehicle so child is very unsafe in this vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11512624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maricopa, AZ
VISIBILITY/WIPER
This specific car with this VIN number is missing the back window and just a piece of wood is covering where the window should be. Grocery bags and rags are sticking out of the wood. A 10 month old child travels in this car in freezing cold weather conditions. Back seat rests were also missing from this vehicle so child is very unsafe in this vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11512624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Idaho Falls, ID
SUSPENSION
THE TRUCK IS ERODING AWAY THE UNDER CARRIAGE AND HAS STATED TO COME THROUGH INTERIOR EFFECTING THE BOLTS AND THE SUPPORTS HOLDING SEAT DOWN. ALSO THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. BLOWN KNOCKING ENGINE
NHTSA complaint #11115238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Idaho Falls, ID
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE TRUCK IS ERODING AWAY THE UNDER CARRIAGE AND HAS STATED TO COME THROUGH INTERIOR EFFECTING THE BOLTS AND THE SUPPORTS HOLDING SEAT DOWN. ALSO THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. BLOWN KNOCKING ENGINE
NHTSA complaint #11115238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesAshland, KY
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A ROUTINE SERVICE, THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME ON THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10716711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesNottingham, MD
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE UNDERBODY AND THE BRAKE LINES. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BEING FULL OF RUST AND THE RISK OF FRACTURING AT ANY TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #10703584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesNottingham, MD
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE BEING INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THERE WAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE UNDERBODY AND THE BRAKE LINES. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE COMPONENTS BEING FULL OF RUST AND THE RISK OF FRACTURING AT ANY TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #10703584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesBurlington, VT
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
I SENT IN A COMPLETE ALREADY I HAVE NEVER HEARD BACK I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO KNOW THE 96 AND 98 WERE RECALLED FOR FRAME PROBLEMS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM YOU FOR THE 97 I AM IN A TIGHT SPOT I CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THIS CAR I HAVE GOOD CREDIT BUT BECAUSE I DO NOT HAVE COSIGNER I CAN NOT REPLACE THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10596798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesBurlington, VT
SUSPENSION
WENT TO GO GET INSPECTED WAS TOLD IT WOULD NOT PASS FRAME ROTTED IN 2 SPOTS ON RIGHT SIDE OF CAR ALSO NOT SURE IF THE YEAR IS RIGHT OR NOT.
NHTSA complaint #10594380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesBurlington, VT
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
WENT TO GO GET INSPECTED WAS TOLD IT WOULD NOT PASS FRAME ROTTED IN 2 SPOTS ON RIGHT SIDE OF CAR ALSO NOT SURE IF THE YEAR IS RIGHT OR NOT.
NHTSA complaint #10594380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,418 milesWarren, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FRAME AND STATED THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE EXTREME RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,418.
NHTSA complaint #10486318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesCharlottesville, VA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
I HAVE A 1997 ISUZU RODEO WHICH I HAVE OWNED FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS AND WANT TO SELL IT. IT IS PHYSICALLY AND MECHANICALLY IN EXCELLENT CONDITION EXCEPT FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL AMOUNT OF RUST TO THE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE. UNBEKNOWNST TO ME, ISUZU HAD A RECALL ON MANY OF THESE VEHICLES WHICH I WAS NOT AWARE OF, EVEN THOUGH I HAD BOUGHT THIS USED VEHICLE FROM AN ISUZU DEALER. UPON CONTACTING THE DEALER AND ASKING WHY I WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL, HE SAID ALL VEHICLES WERE NOT SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. UPON LOOKING UP MY VIN, HE SAID MY VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED!!! I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY AS, AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ONLINE, MY VEHICLE HAS ALL THE SAME SYMPTOMS OF THE VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND I AM AFRAID IT MAY BE UNSAFE TO SELL!. I REALIZE THE RECALL ENDED IN DECEMBER AND ISUZU IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS BUT I FEEL I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL AND GIVEN THE OPTION TO CHOOSE WHETHER OR NOT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE RECALL OFFER.IS THERE ANY RESOLUTION TO THIS OR WILL I BE STUCK WITH A VEHICLE I AM AFRAID TO SELL?
NHTSA complaint #10470077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesPrinceton, MO
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNDERBODY OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #10442721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, CT
SUSPENSION
MY VEHICLE IS 1997 AND IT IS SAME ISSUE WITH 10V-436 RECALL NOTICE. I AM WONDERING WHY MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL AS I SEE THE SAME ISSUE WITH MINE. THERE WERE 2 OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10436837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, CT
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
MY VEHICLE IS 1997 AND IT IS SAME ISSUE WITH 10V-436 RECALL NOTICE. I AM WONDERING WHY MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL AS I SEE THE SAME ISSUE WITH MINE. THERE WERE 2 OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10436837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesThornton, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE SERVICE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER MAIN FRAME RAIL WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGES WERE BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10429476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesMadison, WI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
1997 ISUZU RODEO - INFORMED BY AUTO MECHANIC THAT VEHICLE FRAME IS EXTREMELY RUSTED OUT AND VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO OPERATE. PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BODY MOUNT PUSHED THROUGH RUSTED FRAME SO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE NOW RESTS ON THE FRAME NO LONGER SECURING THE VEHICLE BODY TO THE FRAME AT THAT MOUNTING LOCATION. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT A HALF INCH LOWER THAN THE DRIVER SIDE AS THE BODY MOUNT PUSHED THROUGH THE RUSTED FRAME. FRAME HAS EXTENSIVE, PREMATURE HEAVY RUST AND IS RUSTED THROUGH IN A NUMBER OF LOCATIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10419646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesDallas, TX
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
ACCELERATED CHASSIS TRAILING ARM RUST UNDERNEATH THE AUTO.
NHTSA complaint #10419739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,333 milesAmana, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNDER FRAME HAS RUSTED AND CORRODED SO BADLY WE ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE.
NHTSA complaint #10406404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverview, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I AM FILING THIS FOR MY 1997 ISUZU RODEO THAT MAY HAD A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10395190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,700 milesChugiak, AK
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
BAD FRAME ROT ON MY 1997 ISUZU RODEO WAS CHANGING OUT MY U-JOINTS AND INSPECTING THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICES SEVERAL SPOTS WHERE THE FRAME WAS RUSTED THROUGH. I BEGAN CLEANING THE FRAME AND SOME SPOTS DISINTEGRATED WHEN I HIT THEM WITH A WIRE WHEEL. WELDED ANY CRACKS I FOUND FILLED IN SMALLER HOLES AND WELDED PLATES AND SUPPORTS INTO THE BAD SPOTS. AT FIRST I THOUGHT THIS WAS A ONE OFF INCIDENT BUT AFTER A QUICK SEARCH ONLINE IT SEEMS FAIRLY COMMON.
NHTSA complaint #10378370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesCleves, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
FRAME RUSTING AWAY FROM UNDERNEATH OUR 1997 ISUZU RODEO. FILED A COMPLAINT OVER A YEAR AGO WITH NHTSA INCLUDING PICTURES, PIECES OF THE METAL FROM THE FRAME AND DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED FOR THE RECALL ON RODEO'S AND PASSPORTS. (MY ODI #10299607) AS YOU WILL SEE THE INFORMATIONWAS TAKEN DOWN INCORRECTLY AN STATES A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. THAT IS HOW WE FOUND OUT THE FRAME WAS BAD IS WHEN WE TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR. THERE ARE MANY ISUZU AND PASSPORT OWNERS WHO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND THEY ARE UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE FRAMES ARE ROTTING OUT AND CAUSE COMPONENTS TO LET GO FROM THE FRAME WHICH COULD CAUSE AND ACCIDENT. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL TO TRY TO FIX THE LOWER BRACKETS BUT MOST ARE NOT FIXABLE BECAUSE THE FRAMES ARE SO GONE. WE WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL BECAUSE ISUZU AT THEIR DISCRETION ONLY CHOOSE A FIVE YEAR PERIOD FROM 1998-2002. WE SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS WELL AS OTHERS BECAUSE THEY ARE JUST TRYING TO LIMIT THEIR EXPOSURE AND KEEP COST DOWN WHILE IN THE MEANTIME SOMEONE COULD GET HURT. THE RECALL SHOULD GO BACK TO THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FRAMES WHICH SOMEONE ON THE BLOG FOUND OUT IT HAS BEEN DETERMINE TO BE THE DANA CORP. WHO ALSO MADE THE BAD FRAME ON TOYOTA TICUMSA. THE RECALL NEED TO BE FROM MANUFACTURE DATE OF THE FRAMES MADE FOR ALL ISUZU AND PASSPORTS. THIS RECALL IS NOT BEING HANDLE CORRECTLY AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10378444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Groveland, MA
SUSPENSION:REAR
1999 ISUZU RODEO. CONSUMER IS QUESTIONING WHY HER VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 10V436000.
NHTSA complaint #10375758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesWeymouth, MA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY TO HAVE THE EXHAUST PIPE REPLACED WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE FRAME AND SUB FRAME WERE EXCESSIVELY CORRODED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE SUB FRAME COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED BUT WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #10372105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.