Model year record

1999 Isuzu Rodeo recalls & problems

The 1999 Isuzu Rodeo has 3 safety recalls and 550 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (199 complaints).

Recalls3safety recalls

Complaints550filed by owners

Crashes · fires76 · 8reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths34 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SuspensionSep 22, 2010

Rear

Recall 10V436000149,992 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2002 ISUZU RODEO AND MODEL YEAR 2002 ISUZU AXIOM VEHICLES, AND HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1998-2002 HONDA PASSPORT VEHICLES, THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN THE STATES OF 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, MISSOURI, AND KENTUCKY. VEHICLES THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED SUSTAINED EXPOSURE TO HIGHLY CORROSIVE MATERIALS USED IN SOME JURISDICTIONS FOR ROAD DEICING PURPOSES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN THE VICINITY OF THE FORWARD MOUNTING POINT BRACKET FOR THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK PRIOR TO THE TIME THAT SUCH CORROSION WOULD NORMALLY BE EXPECTED.
Risk: EXCESSIVE CORROSION MAY RESULT IN THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH.
Fix: 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 RARE EVENT THE CORROSION IS SO SEVERE THAT THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKET REMEDY WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE, A REPURCHASE OFFER WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE VEHICLE'S OWNER. 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, OR HONDA DEALER (AS APPLICABLE), DEALER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF WHEN OWNER NOTIFICATIONS WERE ISSUED. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 10, 2010. ISUZU OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727. HONDA OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

StructureApr 28, 2000

Body

Recall 00V12100145,252 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE INTERIOR OF YOUR VEHICLE.

SuspensionMar 2, 2000

Rear

Recall 00V058000213,736 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. PAINT WAS APPLIED UNEVENLY ON THE REAR AXLES, RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT PAINT HARDNESS. SHOULD THIS OCCUR ON THE SURFACE THAT CONTACTS THE REAR AXLE LOWER LINK BRACKET BOLT HEAD AND/OR NUT, THE NUT MAY LOOSEN.
Risk: THE BOLT COULD DETACH FULLY, CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE LOWER LINK FROM THE REAR AXLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE LOWER LINK JOINT NUT AND BOLT.

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

1999 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

20mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Rodeo 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Rodeo 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Rodeo 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

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

Rodeo 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/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*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	199	50	3	14	52,000 mi
SuspensionRear; Front	86	2	0	3	135,000 mi
StructureFrame and members; Body	74	1	0	1	135,293 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline	58	0	1	0	60,800 mi
Fuel system, otherStorage › Fuel gauge system	56	0	0	0	64,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control; Linkages	41	12	0	5	72,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Axle assembly	40	4	0	3	55,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Delivery	35	2	0	0	60,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring › Interior/under dash	29	1	4	2	130,000 mi
Service brakes, airAntilock; Antilock › Abs warning light	21	4	1	2	39,500 mi
VisibilityRear window wiper/washer; Windshield wiper/washer › Motor	15	0	0	0	57,100 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Driver clockspring/spiral cassette	14	10	0	4	120,000 mi

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

Recent owner complaints

Air bags
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.
May 1, 2023 · 200,000 miles
Structure › Body
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.
Oct 4, 2018
Suspension
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…
Apr 4, 2018 · 201,000 miles
Service brakes
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…
Aug 10, 2017 · 154,000 miles
Suspension › Rear
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE POLICE, BUT A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V436000 (SUSPENSION) SHOULD APPLY TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE DID NOT MEET THE GUIDELINES FOR THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
Mar 31, 2017 · 169,000 miles
Power train
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
Jun 30, 2016 · 239,990 miles
Suspension
FRAME IS DANGEROUSLY RUSTED COMPLETELY.
Jun 22, 2016
Structure › Body
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.
May 18, 2016 · 198,000 miles

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

Rear Suspension Lower Link DetachmentClosedLed to recall 10V436000
On September 22, 2010, Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall 10V-436) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration affecting approximately 120,000 model year (MY) 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport vehicles and MY 2002 Isuzu Axiom vehicles originally sold, or currently operated, in the following states:Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. All vehicle owners will receive the recall notification.Vehicles 10 years of age or younger will be provided with a free remedy.For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy provided the vehicle is presented to an Isuzu service facility…
EA09018 · opened Dec 7, 2009 · closed Oct 15, 2010
REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK FAILUREClosedLed to recall 10V436000
DURING PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE09-030, ISUZU MOTORS AMERICA, INC (ISUZU) NOTED TWO PRIMARY DIFFERENCES ONCE THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK SEPARATION OCCURS BETWEEN THE ALLEGED DEFECT (SEPARATION OF THE LOWER LINK FROM THE FRAME) OF THIS INVESTIGATION AND A SAFETY DEFECT INVOLVING LOWER LINK SEPARATION FROM THE REAR AXLE ADDRESSED BY ISUZU IN SAFETY RECALL 00V-058.IN THE CASE OF THE DEFECT CONDITION IDENTIFIED IN RECALL 00V-058, ISUZU STATED THAT THE ATTACHMENT BOLT COULD DETACH FULLY, CAUSING SEPARATION OF THE LOWER LINK FROM THE REAR AXLE POSSIBLY CREATING A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. ISUZU ALSO STATED THAT THIS CONDITION OCCURS EARLY IN THE SERVICE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.IN THIS INVESTIGATION ISUZU NOTED LOWER LINK SEPARATION FROM THE FRAME IS A PROGRESSIVE CORROSION ISSUE WITH PRIOR WARNING TO CONSUMERS.ISUZU ALSO STATED THAT IN THE EVENT OF A LOWER LINK SEPARATION FROM THE FRAME, THE…
PE09030 · opened Jun 16, 2009 · closed Dec 8, 2009
BRAKING SYSTEM/ABSClosedLed to recall 02I002000
There is no summary currently available
EA99008 · opened Mar 31, 1999 · closed Jul 31, 2002