1996 Isuzu Rodeo
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 97
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Wheels
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 97 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1991 | 44 |
| 1992 | 81 |
| 1993 | 34 |
| 1994 | 90 |
| 1995 | 177 |
| 1996 | 97 |
| 1997 | 118 |
| 1998 | 478 |
| 1999 | 550 |
| 2000 | 274 |
| 2001 | 389 |
| 2002 | 101 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2004 | 39 |
| 2008 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Wheels
24% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs and hub.
Show complaint excerpts
Lug nuts snap off everytime tires are removed for rotation. This is not the mechanics fault. It is a defect and Isuzu should be paying for the replacements.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-11
Engine and engine cooling
14% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).
Air bags
11% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 Isuzu Rodeo. The vehicle was involved in a head-on collision traveling 35 MPH. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-10-25
While driving vehicle, another vehicle pulled out in front of my vehicle which caused me to hit that vehicle head-on and during that time air bag did not deploy; also, replaced oxygen sensor/fuel sending unit/wiring harness processing assembly.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-12-26
Takata recall inesperadamente se activo la bolsa de aire del chofer quemando los brazos y la barriga de mi esposa , ella sintio un olor fuerte a cable quemado penso que venia del exterior y saco su cara hacia fuera , y casi en el instanta exploto la...
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-18
Also filed under Electrical system
Service brakes
11% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Structure
10% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and door.
Show complaint excerpts
The frame of this vehicle is rusted excessively and is deemed by qualified mechanics as not roadworthy. All other parts of the vehicle work properly and the vehicle still looks great.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-27
Also filed under Suspension
Effective part: the 2 main frames are rust out and could break at anytime. We believe one of the reasons why the frames are deteriorating is from salt during the winter. Do to the company bad framing.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-06
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2006-07-31Exterior lighting06E065000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Isuzu Rodeo — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Wheels: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E065000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo?
- The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.