Model year record

1994 Isuzu Rodeo recalls & problems

The 1994 Isuzu Rodeo has 5 safety recalls and 82 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (16 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints82filed by owners

Crashes · fires6 · 1reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths13 · 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.

Seat beltsOct 15, 2002

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 02V28100014,449 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS, THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MID-DECEMBER 2002. 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.

Electrical systemMar 7, 1997

Alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 97V034001118,485 vehicles

Problem: AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITHIN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR CAN CONTAIN MANUFACTURING ERRORS.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CHARGING OF THE VEHICLE'S ALTERNATOR, RESULTING IN ENGINE CONTROL MALFUNCTION, AND/OR EVENTUAL ENGINE STALL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR WITH A NEW REGULATOR.

Seat beltsSep 17, 1996

Front › Buckle assembly

Recall 96V17000236,075 vehicles

Problem: THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE.

Engine and engine coolingJul 19, 1994

Engine

Recall 94V132000122,297 vehicles

Problem: CONSTANT EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSES THE CAMSHAFT SEAL END PLUG CAN BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. THIS ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE CAMSHAFT.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE FROM OIL LEAKING ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL CAMSHAFT END SEAL PLUG RETAINER PLATES.

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

1994 Isuzu Rodeo 4-DR 4x4

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

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Rodeo 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Rodeo 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Rodeo 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

Rodeo 4WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/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; Clutch assembly	16	2	0	4	89,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	15	0	0	0	145,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Alternator/generator/regulator	13	0	1	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	10	0	0	0	—
WheelsLugs/nuts/bolts/studs; Multi piece	10	0	0	0	—
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch; Hatchback/liftgate › Lock	9	0	0	0	10,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cables	8	0	0	0	—
VisibilityGlass, side/rear; Defroster/defogger/hvac system	8	0	1	0	—
StructureBody › Door; Body › Bumpers	7	0	0	0	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages	6	2	0	0	—
SuspensionFront; Rear	4	0	0	3	—
TiresTread/belt	4	1	0	5	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE RUSTING ON THE BASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Feb 7, 2012 · 150,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE CAMSHAFT SEAL END PLUG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE COMPONENT UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 94V132000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,600 UPDATED 10/21/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE CAM SHAFT SEAL PLUG CAME OUT AGAIN CAUSING OIL TO LEAK ON THE EXHAUST, WHICH CAUSED…
Jan 26, 2011 · 168,600 miles
Fuel system, gasoline
STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE REAR OF VEHICLE FROM 1997 TO PRESENT. DEALER COULD NEVER LOCATE SOURCE. *TR
Mar 24, 1997 · 30,000 miles
Vehicle speed control
GAS PEDAL BECOMES STUCK AND ACCELERATION CONTINUES. ACCELERATOR CABLE FROM PEDAL TO THROTTLE IS BECOMES STUCK OFTEN. I HAVE TO SLAM ON THE GAS PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES TO GET IT TO FREE UP. *TR
May 20, 2010 · 73,000 miles
Power train › Automatic transmission
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WIRE HARNESS DETERIORATED DO TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, ROUTED TO CLOSE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO SHIFT AND DISABLING BOTH TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHTS. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 78K MILES ON IT AND WIRE COVERING/INSULATION SHOULD NOT BE LITERALLY BURNED AWAY WITH SUCH LOW MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
Jun 7, 2010 · 78,000 miles
Structure › Frame and members
FRAME RUSTED THROUGH ,UNINSPECTABLE, MOUNTS ON FRAME ARE VERY WEAK. *TR
Mar 10, 2010 · 145,000 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING OIL. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V132000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE). HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN THE ONLY OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND THE REPAIR WAS NEVER PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
Nov 17, 2008 · 158,000 miles
TiresCrash5 injuries
REAR DRIVERSIDE TIRE (BF GOODRICH RADIAL LONG TRAIL T/A) ON AN ISUZU RODEO RAPIDLY SEPARATED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER 1-1/4 TIMES. ROOF OF THE VEHICLE CAVED IN AS WELL AS THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING HEAD INJURIES TO ONE OCCUPANT OF 5 IN THE VEHICLE. ALL 5 OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED INJURIES AND 2 REQUIRED HOSPITALIZED. *TR
Mar 22, 2008

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

SEAT BELT LATCH FAILURESClosedLed to recall 02V125000
TAKATA/NISSAN/ISUZU HAVE DETERMINED THAT DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN (96V-170), SOME VEHICLES THAT CONTAIN DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT BUCKLES WERE INADVERTENTLY OMITTED FROM THE CAMPAIGN. NISSAN WILL RECALL 92,500 MY1994 PATHFINDER AND D21 PICKUP TRUCKS (02V-125).ISUZU WILL RECALL 13,831 MY1994/1995 RODEO, AMIGO, TF AND PICKUP TRUCKS (02V-281) .ISUZU IS ALSO RECALLING 618 MY 1994 HONDA PASSPORT VEHICLES UNDER RECALL 02V-281 (THE HONDA PASSPORT IS MANUFACTURED BY ISUZU FOR HONDA AND IS SIMILAR TO THE ISUZU RODEO VEHICLE). THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
RQ02009 · opened Apr 11, 2002 · closed Dec 17, 2002
BRUSH/GRILLE GUARD CAMPAIGNOpen
ADDITION INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE NATURE AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE SUBJECT BULLETIN.LOSS OF AN ITEM THIS SIZE WOULD HAVE SAFETY COSEQUENCES.THIS SQ IS OPENED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
SQ96009 · opened Jan 10, 1996