Model year record

1991 Isuzu Rodeo recalls & problems

The 1991 Isuzu Rodeo has 2 safety recalls and 42 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (13 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints42filed by owners

Crashes · fires2 · 15reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths4 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E0650003,593 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

Power trainJul 12, 1991

Automatic transmission

Recall 91V1180003,023 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL GAUGES (DIP STICKS) INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT TO DESIGNED SPECIFICATIONS. THE GAUGE INDICATES THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID SHOULD BE ADDED WHEN IT IS AT THE CORRECT LEVEL.
Risk: ADDING MORE TRANSMISSION FLUID THAN REQUIRED WILL CAUSETHE FLUID TO LEAK THROUGH THE FLUID LEVEL GAUGE TUBE ONTO THE MANIFOLD AS THEENGINE TEMPERATURE RISES. THIS CREATES A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Fix: REPLACE OIL LEVEL GAUGE AND NOTIFY OWNERS TO USE ONLY THE SPECIFIED AMOUNT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1991 Isuzu Rodeo 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Rodeo 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Rodeo 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Rodeo 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Rodeo 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Rodeo 4WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.1 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Axle assembly › Axle shaft	13	0	5	2	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	12	0	6	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	7	1	0	0	—
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; Ignition	6	0	4	0	—
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly	5	0	0	0	—
StructureFrame and members; Body › Door	4	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal	2	0	0	0	—
VisibilityWindshield	2	0	0	0	—
SuspensionFront	2	1	0	2	—
Fuel system, otherDelivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	2	0	2	0	—
Unknown or other	2	0	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineCarburetor system; Delivery › Fuel pump	2	0	2	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Frame and members
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT WENT TO GET AN EXHAUST AT A MUFFLER SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FRAME WAS RUSTED. SHE NOTICED THAT THE TUBULAR STEP USED TO ENTER THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND FELL OFF. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.
Jun 8, 2007 · 109,000 miles
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
DRIVERS SEAT BELT POPS OUT OF LOCKING MECHANISM AT WILL. ALSO,SEAT BELT HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM LOCKING MECHANISM BY DRIVER'S ELBOW UNINTENTIONALLY WHILE DRIVING. *AK
May 1, 2007
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooling unit and linesFire
DT: VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED IN A FIRE. TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON, AND DRIVER PULLED OVER AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE HAD A RECALL BUT CALLERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER, BUT CALLER COULDN'T REACH ANYONE.*AK
May 29, 2005 · 180,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light
AT LEAST SIX (6) TIMES THE ANTI-LOCK AND BRAKE LIGHTS STAYS ON. IT GIVES A FALSE INDICATION THAT THERE IS A BRAKE PROBLEM, WHEN IN FACT THE BRAKES ARE FINE. IN EVERY CASE THE PROBLEM IS THE SPEED SENSOR MUST BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT SHORTED OUT. IT BECOMES A VERY COSTLY BILL TO REPLACE THIS SENSOR EVERY OTHER YEAR. *JB
Aug 6, 1991
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 95V103009 NOTICE CONCERNING SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY FAILURE. AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE SEAT BELT BECAME UNDONE WHILE DRIVING ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO INSTALLED A GUIDE KIT, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK DEALER ONLY INSTALLED A GUIDE KIT INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, WHICH LED TO THE SEAT BELT CONTINUE TO UNBUCKLE BY THEMSELVES. *LA
Mar 5, 2004
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhoodFire
COMING OFF OF THE INTWERSTATE, THE EMGINE COUGHT ON FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. A FIRE TRUCK HAD TO PUT THE FLAMES OUT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED.
Jun 8, 2000 · 140,460 miles
Unknown or other
NP SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK (TIRESIZE: R15LT MS)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: R15LT MS )
Oct 3, 2000
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › GasolineFire
POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *MJS
Jul 29, 2000

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILUREClosedLed to recall 95V103009
There is no summary currently available
EA95009 · opened Mar 10, 1995 · closed Aug 2, 1995