The Isuzu Rodeo has 17 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1991–2004. On average a defect was admitted 5.63 years after the car was built, the slowest took 15 years. The most recalled system is Suspension (3 campaigns). Owners also filed 1,577 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Isuzu Rodeo
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Suspension 3 Read
What's wrong. 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…
What's wrong. 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…
What's wrong. 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…
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…
Fuel System, Gasoline 2 Read
What's wrong. 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…
What's wrong. 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…
What's wrong. 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…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 2 Read
What's wrong. Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101, "controls and displays." the brake warning lamp would not illuminate in the event of decreased brake fluid volume
Fix. The diodes have been replaced. All vehicles have been repaired
What's wrong. On certain sport utility vehicles that are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), the vehicles can experience extended stopping distances in certain types of braking events
Risk. Extended stopping distance could result, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will provide a replacement computer algorithm for the ABS that is based on the algorithm used in isuzu's my 2000 and 2001 vehicles, which have not had the problem. This campaign will be conducted in phases, with the my 1998 2wd vehicles covered first, since they have experienced the most problems. Owner…
Air Bags 2 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles were built with the inflators in the passenger side air bag modules having the wrong amount of generant
Risk. In the event of a crash that would trigger a passenger air bag deployment, too much generant can cause the inflator module to explode. If the air bag module explodes, metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupants
Fix. Dealers will replace the passenger side air bag unit
What's wrong. On certain sport utility vehicles, the passenger-side air bag inflator modules were manufactured and shipped without a necessary component known as a check valve pin
Risk. In the event of a crash, the air bag will not inflate properly or sufficiently resulting in an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant
Fix. Dealers will replace the passenger side air bag. Owner notification is expected to begin during august or september 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
What's wrong. Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles were built with the inflators in the passenger side air bag modules having the wrong amount of generant
Risk. In the event of a crash that would trigger a passenger air bag deployment, too much generant can cause the inflator module to explode. If the air bag module explodes, metal and plastic debris could cause severe injury to vehicle occupants
Fix. Dealers will replace the passenger side air bag unit
Engine And Engine Cooling 2 Read
What's wrong. This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1998-2000 rodeo (ue) and amigo (ua) models equipped with 2.2l 4-cylinder engines. The timing belt could break before the recommended scheduled maintenance
Risk. This condition could cause the engine to crank but will not start or the engine could stall while driving and will not restart
Fix. Dealer will inspect the vehicle to determine the condition of the timing belt and tensioner. The dealer will replace the timing belt. Depending on the condition or model of the timing belt tensioner, the tensioner may also be replaced. Isuzu has decided to conduct a service campaign to replace the timing belt. Owner…
What's wrong. This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1998-2000 rodeo (ue) and amigo (ua) models equipped with 2.2l 4-cylinder engines. The timing belt could break before the recommended scheduled maintenance
Risk. This condition could cause the engine to crank but will not start or the engine could stall while driving and will not restart
Fix. Dealer will inspect the vehicle to determine the condition of the timing belt and tensioner. The dealer will replace the timing belt. Depending on the condition or model of the timing belt tensioner, the tensioner may also be replaced. Isuzu has decided to conduct a service campaign to replace the timing belt. Owner…
What's wrong. 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
Seat Belts 2 Read
What's wrong. 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…
What's wrong. 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
Structure 1 Read
What's wrong. 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
Exterior Lighting 1 Read
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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
Electrical System 1 Read
What's wrong. 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
What's wrong. 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
Power Train 1 Read
What's wrong. The transmission fluid level gauges (dip sticks) installed in these vehicles are not to designed specifications. The gauge indicates that transmission fluid should be added when it is at the correct level
Risk. Adding more transmission fluid than required will causethe fluid to leak through the fluid level gauge tube onto the manifold as theengine temperature rises. This creates a potential for a fire
Fix. Replace oil level gauge and notify owners to use only the specified amount of automatic transmission fluid
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 5.63 years |
| Slowest campaign | 15 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 46.7% |
| Campaigns on record | 17 |
Which Rodeo years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2003 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | |
| 2002 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2001 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | |
| 1999 | Suspension | |
| 1997 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1996 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1995 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1994 | Seat Belts | |
| 1993 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1992 | Exterior Lighting | |
| 1991 | Exterior Lighting |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
Go deeper
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Isuzu Rodeo have?
17 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1991–2004. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my Rodeo still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 5.63 years, and the slowest campaign came 15 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.