The Daihatsu Rocky spans 1989–2026 with 5 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1992, 1990, 2026 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1989, 1991, 1993. It delivers up to 21 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Daihatsu Rocky is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1989 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Daihatsu Rocky VIN — every digit explained
Every Daihatsu Rocky carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Daihatsu and the country it was built in (real Daihatsu codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Rocky.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- JapanJD1 · JD2
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Rocky, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Daihatsu Rocky have?
The Daihatsu Rocky has 5 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1989–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1992 Daihatsu Rocky recalls 1
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
What's wrong. Daihatsu is recalling certain model year 1990-1992 rocky sport utility vehicles. The check valve in the fuel vapor evaporative emission control system might develop a crack in long-term vehicle usage due to insufficient durability under some environmental or operational circumstances.
Risk. A leak of fuel evaporative gas vapor into the vehicle cabin may occur, potentially resulting in a fire.
Fix. Daihatsu will have the old check valve replaced with a new check valve of improved construction. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 31, 2010. Owner may contact daihatsu at 626-968-6764 or daihatsu help website url: http://www.daihatsu-help.com/index.htm or daihatsu help e-mail address: [email protected].
1991 Daihatsu Rocky recalls 2
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
What's wrong. Daihatsu is recalling certain model year 1990-1992 rocky sport utility vehicles. The check valve in the fuel vapor evaporative emission control system might develop a crack in long-term vehicle usage due to insufficient durability under some environmental or operational circumstances.
Risk. A leak of fuel evaporative gas vapor into the vehicle cabin may occur, potentially resulting in a fire.
Fix. Daihatsu will have the old check valve replaced with a new check valve of improved construction. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 31, 2010. Owner may contact daihatsu at 626-968-6764 or daihatsu help website url: http://www.daihatsu-help.com/index.htm or daihatsu help e-mail address: [email protected].
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
What's wrong. The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
Risk. The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure that latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. If you do not live near a daihatsu dealer, contact daihatsu directly and arrangements will be made at a repair facility of your choice, also free of charge.
1990 Daihatsu Rocky recalls 2
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
What's wrong. Daihatsu is recalling certain model year 1990-1992 rocky sport utility vehicles. The check valve in the fuel vapor evaporative emission control system might develop a crack in long-term vehicle usage due to insufficient durability under some environmental or operational circumstances.
Risk. A leak of fuel evaporative gas vapor into the vehicle cabin may occur, potentially resulting in a fire.
Fix. Daihatsu will have the old check valve replaced with a new check valve of improved construction. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on march 31, 2010. Owner may contact daihatsu at 626-968-6764 or daihatsu help website url: http://www.daihatsu-help.com/index.htm or daihatsu help e-mail address: [email protected].
Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
What's wrong. The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
Risk. The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.
Fix. Owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. They should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure that latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. The latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. If either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. If you do not live near a daihatsu dealer, contact daihatsu directly and arrangements will be made at a repair facility of your choice, also free of charge.
Best and worst years for the Daihatsu Rocky
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 38 tracked years, the worst years are 1992, 1990, 2026 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1989, 1991, 1993.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 Rocky | — | Best | |
| 1990 Rocky | Seat Belts | Avoid | |
| 1991 Rocky | — | Best | |
| 1992 Rocky | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1993 Rocky | — | Best | |
| 1994 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 1995 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 1996 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 1997 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 1998 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 1999 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2000 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2001 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2002 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2003 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2004 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2005 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2006 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2007 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2008 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2009 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2010 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2011 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2012 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2013 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2014 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2015 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2016 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2017 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2018 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2019 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2020 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2021 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2022 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2023 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2024 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2025 Rocky | — | Average | |
| 2026 Rocky | — | Avoid |
What are the most common Daihatsu Rocky problems?
The most-reported Daihatsu Rocky problems are Seat Belts (1 reports), Fuel/propulsion System (1 reports) and Engine And Engine Cooling (1 reports) — out of 3 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Engine And Engine Cooling 1 Read
Tl* the contact owns a 1992 daihatsu rocky. The contact stated that the radiator failed causing a strong odor to enter the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the fuel emissions kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 02/18/15*lj updated 4/4/2016*js updated 9/8/2017*cn
Fuel/propulsion System 1 Read
Tl* the contact owns a 1992 daihatsu rocky. The contact stated that while in the vehicle, he would smell gasoline abnormally. The contact later discovered a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic for inspection where they advised that the esc needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign id number: 10v083000 (engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control) but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 170,000. The vin was unavailable.
Seat Belts 1 Read
Passenger seat belt failed prior to recall, causing injury.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Daihatsu Rocky specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Daihatsu Rocky. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Daihatsu Rocky window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Daihatsu Rocky cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Rocky holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Daihatsu Rocky tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Daihatsu Rocky get?
The Daihatsu Rocky returns up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,950/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1992 Daihatsu Rocky (1.6L 4-cyl) gets 20 mpg combined and costs about $3,100/yr to fuel, emitting 444 g/mi CO₂ — about $4,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 Rocky | 20 | 21 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 Rocky | 20 | 21 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 Rocky | 20 | 22 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 1.6L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Rocky stacks up against the most fuel-efficient cars, or calculate this Rocky's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Daihatsu Rocky have? Power & range
The Daihatsu Rocky is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.6L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.6L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Daihatsu Rocky cost to own?
A Daihatsu Rocky depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used Rocky is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Rocky loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $14,750 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Rocky ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Daihatsu Rocky safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Rocky yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
Tired of ads? Go Pro.
- Zero ads — clean, fast pages
- Exact mileage-adjusted car values
- Full research reports + PDF
- Market charts & price-drop alerts
- …and much more
How many miles does a Daihatsu Rocky last?
A well-maintained Daihatsu Rocky typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Daihatsu Rocky’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Rocky’s VIN free →All Daihatsu Rocky model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Daihatsu Rocky — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2025 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2024 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2023 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2022 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2021 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2020 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2019 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2018 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2017 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2016 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2015 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2014 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2013 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2012 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2011 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2010 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2009 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2008 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2007 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2006 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2005 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2004 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2003 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2002 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2001 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 2000 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 1999 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 1998 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 1997 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 1996 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 1995 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 1994 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 1993 Rocky | 0 | — | |
| 1992 Rocky | 1 recall | — | |
| 1991 Rocky | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1990 Rocky | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1989 Rocky | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Rocky?
By owner-complaint volume, 1992, 1990, 2026 drew the most reports. 1989, 1991, 1993 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Rocky have?
5 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1989–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the Rocky get?
Up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Rocky last?
A well-maintained Rocky typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Rocky reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Rocky is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Daihatsu Rocky warranty?
New Daihatsu models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Daihatsu dealer.
Where is the Daihatsu Rocky made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Rocky's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Daihatsu may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Rocky have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.