Isuzu Rodeo Reliability and Common Problems

What do you get when you cross a truck with a midsize SUV? You get the Isuzu Rodeo— one of the best-selling sports utility vehicles to come out of Japan. The Rodeo’s large grille, big alloy wheels, and thick bumpers look right at home next to a fleet of light trucks. It also has the performance chops to match its rugged styling. The 2004 Rodeo has a towing capacity of 4,500 kg and an optional 4WD for off-road travel. Its cabin, while not the most elegant in its class, provides comfortable seating for up to five passengers.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly commuter that you can use for your outdoor trips and activities, you’ll find it in the Isuzu Rodeo. The pricing for a used Rodeo depends on its mileage, condition, and options. 

The 2004 Isuzu Rodeo has significantly depreciated from its original price of around $20,000. But now the Rodeo has a positive depreciation rate of 0%, according to AutoPadre. The low upfront costs and stable depreciation makes the Isuzu Rodeo an affordable all-arounder.

How Reliable Is the Isuzu Rodeo?

Early models received poor crash test scores and offered minimal safety equipment. The second generation of the Isuzu Rodeo fared much better. The 2004 model scored an above-average 4.4 out of 5.0 on reliability in Cars.com, with an even more impressive 5-star rating on side crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to RepairPal, the annual repair and maintenance cost for the Isuzu Rodeo is $374. With regular maintenance, you can put 100,000 miles on your Rodeo with little to no problems. 

On RepairPal, the Rodeo’s most commonly replaced parts are battery cables, heater cores, throttle position sensors, parking brake components, and windshield washer fluid.

The fuel economy rating for the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo depends on the engine and drivetrain option, but with its 3.2-liter engine and 4-speed automatic transmission, the 2004 Rodeo 2WD  generally consumes less gas. It has a combined 18 MPG city/highway driving.

What Are the Advantages Of Driving an Isuzu Rodeo?

The Isuzu Rodeo is a vehicle that’s beloved by many drivers for its rugged aesthetic, versatility, towing capabilities, cozy cabin, and amazing off-road ability. It’s a safe choice for anyone keen on owning a pick-up because drivers can always count on it to get the job done, whether it’s to haul heavy cargo or drive over rough terrain.

Amazing Off-Road Ability

Thanks to its four-wheel drive system and powerful chassis, the Rodeo has some serious off-road capabilities. Its steering is power-assisted and feels light and easy to turn despite its size and weight. On top of that, it doesn’t suffer much kickback when driving over rough terrain, which makes it excellent for off-road adventures.

Comfortable Interior

The Isuzu Rodeo has a comfortable cabin that’s easy to get in and out of. Drivers remarked that one of the Rodeo’s biggest strengths is how much legroom and headroom it offers.

Incredible Versatility

The Rodeo is available in many configurations. Some models feature two-wheel drive systems whereas others feature four-wheel drive systems for off-road functionality. There are also single-cab and double-cab body styles for drivers to choose from.

Rugged And Adventurous Aesthetic

One of the most popular features of the Rodeo is its iconic build. It’s a robust and bulky vehicle with a simple yet eye-catching design that blends the best features of trucks and SUVs. Though rugged, its design also wouldn’t look out of place in city settings making it a good choice for everyday driving.

Towing Capabilities

Thanks to its powerful engine and hefty build, the Rodeo can tow up to 7,700 lbs, making it an excellent choice for any driver who needs to haul heavy cargo. The Rodeo is a modern beast that’s big enough to drive with trailers of all sizes comfortably.

Top Isuzu Rodeo Problems

The Isuzu Rodeo isn’t without flaws. Some models have their share of problems. We’ve compiled a list of the Rodeo’s most commonly reported issues.

Engine Failure 

Engine failure is the most common problem reported on CarComplaints, affecting nearly every Isuzu Rodeo model year. The 2002 model in particular has received the most complaints from users. The Rodeo’s 3.2-liter V6 engine is known to consume large amounts of motor oil. A lack of oil lubrication can lead to permanent engine damage. One CarComplaints user has reported hearing knocking sounds while the engine was running. When their SUV was brought in for repairs, the mechanic discovered a hole in the engine caused by an unlubricated piston. 

A lack of motor oil can also lead to overheating. The engine may shut down from the intense heat, disabling important safety features such as air bags, power steering, and power braking. According to the NHTSA, mechanical failure is responsible for a great deal of direct and indirect traffic accidents. 

Despite the high frequency of this issue, Isuzu hasn’t issued any recalls for engine failure in the Rodeo. That means you’ll have to shoulder the cost of potential repairs. Make sure to ask your seller about the vehicle’s engine’s history to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Rear Suspension Components Are Prone to Corrosion

The rear lower suspension link bracket on certain Rodeo models from 1998 to 2002 can become corroded after prolonged exposure to road de-icing agents. Excessive corrosion can cause the right or left lower suspension link bracket to detach from your SUV’s frame. This can impair your vehicle’s handling and lead to a crash.

Rear lower corrosion is the second most reported problem for Isuzu Rodeos on CarComplaints. Users have reported steering problems while driving at low and medium speeds because of corroded suspension components. If left untreated, suspension link corrosion can spread to your Rodeo’s suspension system and frame.

This problem prompted Isuzu to recall affected Rodeo models in 2010. Dealers were instructed to inspect the rear lower suspension link bracket area for signs of corrosion and apply the appropriate fixes. Mild cases were treated with an anti-corrosion compound. If the connection between the rear lower suspension link bracket and the vehicle’s frame was damaged due to corrosion, a reinforcement bracket would be installed. If the corrosion couldn’t be remedied by the first two solutions, a repurchase offer would be extended to the owner.

Isuzu offered to cover all inspection and repair fees for affected models that were less than ten years old. Older models would have to be brought to an Isuzu service facility or Honda dealer within 12 months of the owner’s notification. 

The 2010 recall has unfortunately expired. If you’re interested in buying a used Isuzu Rodeo, you may want to consider the possible costs of repairing its rear lower suspension link bracket and frame due to rust damage. The labor cost for repairing rusted parts ranges from around $60 to $2,000, depending on the severity of the damage.

2000 Isuzu Rodeo Air Bag Problems

The Japanese automaker has issued a recall for certain 2000 Isuzu Rodeo models due to faulty air bag modules. According to the recall, the passenger-side air bag modules on certain sports utility vehicles were manufactured and shipped without check valve pins. Air bag modules without check valve pins will not sufficiently inflate in the event of a crash, increasing the rate of injury or death to occupants seated on the passenger side. 

There are only a total of 15 vehicles affected by this recall, but that’s no reason to neglect maintenance for your used 2000 Isuzu Rodeo. If you suspect problems with your Rodeo’s air bag module, you should bring it to an authorized dealer for an inspection. Once the problem has been identified, they will replace your air bag module for free.

Overall, the Isuzu Rodeo remains an impressive sports utility vehicle because of  its high durability and passenger/cargo utility. If you’re buying a used Isuzu Rodeo, remember to ask your seller about the SUV’s maintenance and repair history to avoid the unexpected breakdown of parts.

Find High-Quality Replacement Parts For Your Isuzu Rodeo

Need to replace a faulty battery cable, heater core, or throttle position sensor in your Isuzu Rodeo? You can save more in the long run if you get high-grade replacement parts with longer service lives and great reliability. Fortunately, CarParts.com can help you find dependable Isuzu Rodeo battery cables, heater cores, and throttle position sensors.

CarParts.com is your one-stop shop for high-quality replacement Isuzu Rodeo parts like battery cables, heater cores, and throttle position sensors. We exclusively source our products from manufacturers that you can trust, ensuring that your new parts give their promised performance throughout their service life. Effortlessly find the right part by plugging your vehicle’s details into our website’s built-in vehicle selector, allowing you to browse our deep catalog of products. You won’t have to wait long before your new Isuzu Rodeo parts reach your doorstep. If you live in the continental US and order before noon ET, delivery takes only several business days.

What are you waiting for? Get great savings on competitively priced Isuzu Rodeo battery cables, heater cores, and throttle position sensors at CarParts.com today!