The 2004 Isuzu Rodeo has 2 safety recalls and 39 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (11 complaints).
Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints39filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Suspension › Rear
NHTSA recall 13V547000 · Oct 31, 2013 · 8,816 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
NHTSA recall 05V466000 · Oct 7, 2005 · 15,515 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: A FUEL LEAK COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: 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.
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
2004 Isuzu Rodeo 4-DR.
Overall
Not 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
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
Rodeo 2WD
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 22 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
Rodeo 2WD
17mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 20 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
15 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel
Rodeo 4WD
17mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 20 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 4WD
17mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 20 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/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*
Suspension Rear; Front › Shock absorber
11
0
0
0
55,935 mi
Electrical system Wiring; Instrument cluster/panel
6
0
0
0
89,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Exhaust system
5
0
0
0
71,500 mi
Equipment Appliance › Air conditioner; Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
4
1
1
0
13,500 mi
Power train Manual transmission › Column shift assembly; Driveline › Differential unit
4
0
0
0
900 mi
Fuel system, gasoline Storage › Tank assembly
4
0
0
0
—
Vehicle speed control Accelerator pedal
4
0
0
0
88,000 mi
Fuel system, other Storage › Fuel gauge system; Fuel injection system
3
0
0
0
40,489 mi
Tires
3
0
0
0
—
Unknown or other
3
0
0
0
89,231 mi
Engine
3
0
0
0
—
Structure Body
3
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Nov 30, 2023Fuel/propulsion system My car continues to smell like gas despite fuel pump and lines having been replaced. The smell is very strong. Donât see any type of leakage
Sep 1, 2022Engine 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…
May 23, 2019Suspension 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.
Aug 21, 2019 · 171,000 milesTires 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…
Jul 1, 2017Structure 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
Apr 1, 2015 · 70,000 miles · crashService brakes BRAKES PEDAL PULSES LIKE CRAZY BUT THE BRAKES DON'T WORK WHEN APPLIED.
Aug 16, 2016 · 158,880 milesEngine 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.
Oct 16, 2014 · 89,231 milesUnknown or other 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
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
DP18001 · opened May 23, 2018 · closed Mar 5, 2020Fuel Tank Retention Failure 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…