1997 Isuzu Rodeo

Routine

Owners filed 118 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the Isuzu Rodeo years to avoid. Which Isuzu Rodeo years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
125,000 milesMedian miles at failure

41 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000–200,000 miles.

Most common 1997 Isuzu Rodeo problems

27 of the 118 complaints (23%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame17
000
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs13
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags10
1006
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration8
102
Unknown or Other5
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine5
000
Structure › Body · body and frame4
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes4
000
Tires › Tread/Belt3
101
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields · body and frame3
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting06E065000
Filed Jul 17, 20063,593 vehiclesAj Motorsport

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seats
Filed Mar 19, 2023AZ

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

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 1, 2018ID

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

Structure › Body
Filed May 15, 2015125,000 milesKY

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.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 3, 201588,000 milesMD

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.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Jun 7, 2014144,000 milesVT

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. *TR

Suspension
Filed May 27, 2014156,000 milesVT

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. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 28, 2012118,418 milesMI

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.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Aug 10, 2012162,000 milesVA

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? *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 6, 2012190,000 milesMO

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.

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Nov 23, 2011CT

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. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 11, 2011125,000 milesIL

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.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 16, 2011162,000 milesWI

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. *KB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 16, 2011145,000 milesTX

ACCELERATED CHASSIS TRAILING ARM RUST UNDERNEATH THE AUTO. *KB

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 8, 2011123,333 milesIA

UNDER FRAME HAS RUSTED AND CORRODED SO BADLY WE ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 7, 2011FL

I AM FILING THIS FOR MY 1997 ISUZU RODEO THAT MAY HAD A RECALL. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 24, 2011169,700 milesAK

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. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 24, 2011150,000 milesOH

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. *TR

Suspension › Rear
Filed Jan 12, 2011MA

1999 ISUZU RODEO. CONSUMER IS QUESTIONING WHY HER VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 10V436000. *KB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 22, 2010136,000 milesMA

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.

Structure
Filed Dec 15, 2010195,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS SERIOUS CORROSION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED HER NOT TO DRIVE IT. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST BECAUSE THE 1997 VEHICLES WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 195,000.

Suspension › Rear
Filed Oct 28, 2010100,500 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A ROUTINE OIL AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SPRING MOUNTS WERE SEVERELY RUSTED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ISSUE WAS A SAFETY CONCERN AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 100,500. UPDATED 01/04/118LJ UPDATED 01/10/11*JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Oct 4, 201094,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE CHANGING THE OIL, HE NOTICED EXCESSIVE FRAME RUST UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED TWO LOCAL WELDERS AND THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE FRAME. THE LOCAL WELDERS STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE UNKNOWN RECALL AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO LATER MODELS BECAUSE THIS OF THE KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 12, 2010125,000 milesMA

1997 RODEO TOOK IT IN TO GET AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME IS RUSTED THRU AND HOLES EXIST IN A NUMBER OF AREAS. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 2, 2010PA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING INSPECTED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR FACILITY WHEN THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED AND CORRODED. THE FRAME WAS WELDED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS INFORMED EVERY YEAR WHILE HAVING THE STATE INSPECTION PERFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT WOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO HER INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EACH YEAR TO HAVE THE FRAME RE-WELDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 5, 2010190,000 milesVA

THE FRAME OF MY 1997 ISUZU RODEO HAS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT IT HAS BROKEN IN HALF. I CAN PULL CHUNKS OUT OF THE FRAME WITH MY BARE HANDS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I CAN NO LONGER DRIVE IT. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 18, 2010126,500 milesKY

I OWN A 1997 ISUZU RODEO; I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. THE FRAME OF MY RODEO IS RUSTING AWAY. I SAW A REPORT ON THE NEWS LAST NIGHT REGARDING RODEOS AND PASSPORTS AND THE SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVED WITH THESE RUSTING FRAMES. THE NEWS REPORTED A NHTSA STUDY ON THIS ISSUE. THE REPORT SUGGESTED THAT A COMPLAINT BE FILED WITH NHTSA. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 11, 2010139,481 milesNH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A THUMPING SOUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION AS THE ENTIRE FRAME HAD RUSTED UNDERNEATH. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED AND THE CONTACT REFUSED TO DRIVE IT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 139,481. UPDATED 07/14/2010.*LJ RECEIVED PICTURES OF FRAME. UPDATED 09/13/10

Electrical System
Filed May 2, 201010,000 milesID

2006 I PURCHASED 1997 ISUZU RODEO. NOT LONG AFTER WE NOTICED ENGINE MADE A TICKING SOUND BROUGHT IT TO SHOP AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS NO OIL PRESSURE. WE HAD TO HAVE ENGINE REPLACED IT TOOK ABOUT 2 MONTHS. THEY HAD TO REPLACE ENGINE 2. FIRST ONE THEY INSTALLED WAS ALSO BLOWN. ENGINE STILL TICKS. THERE IS ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE SUV WANTING TO ACCELERATE WHILE AT A STOP. SOMETIMES NOT EVEN HOLDING THE BREAK FIRM STOPS IT FROM ROLLING. THE HEATER CORE STARTED LEAKING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE VEHICLE. THE REPLACEMENT FEE JUST FOR THE PART IS 400.00. I HAVE READ MANY REPORTS OF AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jan 19, 2010150,000 milesMO

1997 ISUZU RODEO FRAME IS RUSTING. THERE ARE SEVERAL PLACES WHERE IT HAS RUSTED COMPLETELY THROUGH. IT HAS NOT FAILED YET, BUT LOOKS LIKE IT IS FLEXING BADLY IN THESE SPOTS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jan 13, 2010150,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN DETECTED THAT THE MAIN FRAME EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST CORROSION. THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO A SAFETY HAZARD. THERE WERE CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISKS INVOLVED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 2/1/10 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE FUEL PUMP HAD TO REPLACED. UPDATED 02/02/10.*JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 20, 2009150,000 milesNH

REGULAR FRAME REPAIR TO 1997 RODEO. JULY IS MY INSPECTION MONTH AND FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS IT HAS BECOME FRAME REPAIR TIME, IT NEVER ENDS. IS ANYTHING BEING DONE ABOUT A RECALL ON RODEO & PASSPORT FRAMES? *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 16, 200884,000 milesPA

FAILED INSPECTION DUE TO A RUSTED OUT FRAME. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 11, 2008157,000 milesMI

I HAVE A '97 ISUZU RODEO. I HAVE KEPT IT IN GOOD SHAPE. THE FRAME OF THE CAR HAS CORRODED TO THE POINT WHERE THE FRAME HAS BROKEN. I AM SO GLAD THIS WAS DISCOVERED BY MY TECHNICIAN. IF THIS HAD FULLY COME APART ON THE ROAD IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I AM SURE OURS IS NOT THE ONLY RODEO TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THESE THINGS ARE TIMEBOMBS ON THE ROAD! SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO COMPENSATE OWNERS OF THESE CARS. THE FRAME OF THE CAR SHOULD NOT JUST COME APART! THIS WILL KILL PEOPLE ON THE ROADS. *TR

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 2, 200659,000 milesMD

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT 18,000 MILES, ALL ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT A LOCAL SERVICE STATION; THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE. AN INDEPENDENT BODY SPECIALIST INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE FRAME WAS BEYOND REPAIR. THE CONTACT WROTE TO THE MANUFACTURER, BUT A RESPONSE HAD NOT BEEN RECEIVED. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOT ALERTED. *AK UPDATED 12/01/06. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 4, 2006180,000 milesPA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS IN THE CITY, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

Vehicle Speed Control1 injured
Filed Nov 1, 2005130,000 milesTX

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. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jun 4, 200590,000 milesIN

ENGINE QUITS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, WHEN ENGINE COLD OR HOT, IN DIFFERENT SEASONS AND WEATHER. TIMES BETWEEN EVENTS RANGES FROM A FEW MINUTES TO A FEW MONTHS, NO DISCERNABLE PATTERNS. ENGINE GENERALLY RESTARTS EASILY BUT NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AFTER STARTING. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER AND INDEPENDENT GARAGE WITH NO RESULTS; PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 17, 200582,381 milesNV

DT: TWO WEEKS AFTER BUYING A USED CAR, IT STARTED MAKING A NOISE AND ON THE WAY TO THE MECHANIC THE FAN BELT BROKE. AFTER THEY FIXED THE FAN BELT (ABOUT A WEEK AFTER) THE ENGINE FROZE. THE USED CAR LOT THAT THE CONSUMER BOUGHT THE CAR FROM SAID SHE COULD NOT BRING THE CAR TO THEM BECAUSE SHE DID NOT HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND THEY DID NOT OFFER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE WILL NOT HELP. SHE HAS NO MONEY TO GET IT FIXED AND SHE CAN' T TAKE HER FATHER TO THE DOCTOR. *JB

Tires › Tread/BeltCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 18, 2005SC

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

Tires
Filed Nov 30, 2004167,430 milesFL

DEAR SIR/MADAM: I OWN A 1997 ISUZU RODEO AND THE TIRES I HAVE ON THIS VEHICLE ARE THE BF GOODRICH LONTRAIL T/A . THE PROBLEM IS THAT IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS I HAVE EXPERIENCE TWO BLOWOUTS AND AM AFRAID THAT THERE MIGHT BE SOME SORT OF MANUFACTURING PROBLEMS WITH THIS BRAND OF TIRE. BOTH TIRES WERE RELATIVELY NEW, APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS OLD AND I SEE NO REASON WHY THE TIRES WOULD EXPERIENCE THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS BACK IN MAY 2004 THE TIRE BLEW OUT (LEFT FRONT) AND THE TREADS LITERALLY FELL APART. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS ON THE MORNING OF 19 NOV 2004, AGAIN I HAD A BLOW OUT (RIGHT REAR) AND THE SIDEWALLS FELL APART. I CONTACTED BF GOODRICH ABOUT THIS SINCE AND WAS TOLD TO CONTACT MICHELIN TIRES WHO NOW OWN BF GOODRICH, THEY IN TURN HAD ME CONTACT SEARS AND HAVE ONE OF THEIR TECHNICIANS INPECT THE TIRE. THE SEARS TECH TOLD ME THAT IT WAS DUE TO ROAD HAZARD, WHICH I SAID WAS IMPOSIBLE SINCE I WAS ON A VERY CLEAN ROAD (JULIA TUTTLE CAUSEWAY) IN MIAMI AND I DID NOT HIT OR RUN OVER ANY OBSTRUCTION OR FOREIGN OBJECT. WHEN YOU INSPECT THE TIRE YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE THAT THE TIRE BLEW OUT, AND NOT DUE TO ANY ROAD HAZARD. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT IN BOTH CASES I WAS NOT TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, AND WAS ABLE TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE. CAN YOU PLEASE INFORM ME IF YOU HAVE HAD ANY OTHER REPORTS OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS BRAND OF TIRE AND IF SO WHAT IS MICHELIN DOING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE CONTACT ME EITHER BY PHONE OR E-MAIL. MY WORK NUMBER IS (305) 437-2976, C

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Oct 15, 2004FL

THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE LUGS:NUTS/BOLTS BROKE WHILE SERVICING THE TIRES. THE LUGS:NUTS:BOLTS WERE REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONSUMER WOULD BE CONTACTING THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *AK *SC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Sep 7, 200477,019 milesWI

THE FLEX PIPE ON THE 1999 ISUZU RODEO DEVELOPED A LEAK.*MR THE FLEX PIPE IS A PART OF THE VEHICLE'S CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH IS COVERED BY AN 8 YEAR 80000 MILE FEDERAL EMISSION WARRANTY. SINCE THE FLEX PIPE IS NOT SOLD SEPARATELY THE CONSUMER BELIEVES IT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARRANTY. *NM

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Aug 12, 2004CA

WHILE DRIVING A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. CONSUMER CALLED FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. CONSUMER COULD NOT CHANGE THE TIRE BECAUSE LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS WERE ON TIGHTLY. CONSUMER TRIED AGAIN AND DRIVER SIDE LUGS/NUTS SHEARED OFF. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE LUGS/NUTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS IS WAS THE SECOND SET OF LUGS/NUTS THAT WERE REPLACED. *AK THE VEHICLE'S LUG NUTS HAVE ALSO BROKEN DURING ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Aug 12, 200476,700 milesWI

THE CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE WHEN DRIVING, AFTER LOOKING UNDER THE VEHICLE, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT A LEAK WAS BEHIND A PIPE IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND ZONE A MANAGER WHO STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER FELT IF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WERE TO FAIL IT SHOULD BE COVERED, HOWEVER SINCE IT WAS THE PIPE THEY WILL NOT COVER THE FAILURE. *JB *SC *JB

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Jul 31, 2004TX

WHILE CHANGING OUT A FLAT TIRE, THE LUGS: NUTS STRIPPED THE BOLTS WHICH FASTEN TO IT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED. EVEN WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF TIRE ROTATION AND BALANCING, THE SERVICE FACILITIES STRIP THE LUGNUTS. ISUZU DEALERSHIP INDICATES IT IS THE SERVICE FACILITIES TORQUING OFF THE LUGNUTS AT MAXIMUM PSI, HOWEVER, ALL FACILITIES INDICATE VERY POOR QUALITY IN METAL OF LUGS: NUTS. *AK

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Jul 28, 2004CT

TOOK CAR IN FOR MAINTENANCE AND BRAKE CHECK...ISUZU CERTIFIED TECH WOULD NOT REMOVE TIRES AS STUDS WOULD BREAK.BRAKES NOW SQUEALING AND NOW AFRAID THAT MORE STUDS WILL BREAK.CONTACTED ISUZU 1-800 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO INCORRECT TORQUE FROM OTHER REPAIRS TOLD BY GARAGE IT WAS DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT WHICH FUSED THE TWO TOGETHER COMMON DEFECT ON 97 RODEOS. *AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jul 28, 200478,260 milesCA

I HAVE HAD 2 BRIDGESTONE P245/70R16 TIRE HAVE THE TREAD COME OFF WHILE I WAS DRUIVING 65 MPH. 1ST IN MARCH 2004 AND 2ND LAST WEEK ON 7/23/2004, BOTH CAUSED FENDER DAMAGE - LEFT REAR AND FRONT RIGHT.*AK

Structure
Filed Jun 1, 2004FL

THE PAINT/CLEAR COAT ON MY VEHICLE HAS OXIDIZED. IT STARTED ON THE HOOD AND HAS PROGRESSED TO TOP AS WELL.*AK

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Dec 22, 200369,000 milesVA

WHILE REPLACING A FLAT TIRE ONE OF THE ALUMINUM LUGS NUTS BROKE. PREVIOUS TO THIS INCIDENT TWO LUGS NUTS BROKE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 8, 200360,000 milesAZ

ENGINE IDLES AT 2,000 RPMS. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 118, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20081000Routine
200439210Routine
200316300Routine
2002101210Routine
2001389430Above average
2000274470Above average
1999550581Fatalities reported
1998478620High concern
1997 — this page118100Routine
199697121Fatalities reported
1995176213Fatalities reported
199482510Routine
199334231Fatalities reported
1992801163Fatalities reported
1991422150Routine

Compare every Rodeo year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 17, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.