1996 Isuzu Rodeo

● Typical for this model
1996 Isuzu Rodeo
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:26.012Z

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

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Wheels

24% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 44 complaints 1991 1992: 81 complaints 1993: 34 complaints 1993 1994: 90 complaints 1995: 177 complaints 1996: 97 complaints 1996 97 1997: 118 complaints 1998: 478 complaints 1999: 550 complaints 1999 2000: 274 complaints 2001: 389 complaints 2001 2002: 101 complaints 2003: 16 complaints 2003 2004: 39 complaints 2008: 1 complaint 2008
1991: 44 complaints 1991 1992: 81 complaints 1992 1993: 34 complaints 1993 1994: 90 complaints 1994 1995: 177 complaints 1995 1996: 97 complaints 1996 97 1997: 118 complaints 1997 1998: 478 complaints 1998 1999: 550 complaints 1999 2000: 274 complaints 2000 2001: 389 complaints 2001 2002: 101 complaints 2002 2003: 16 complaints 2003 2004: 39 complaints 2004 2008: 1 complaint 2008
1991: 44 complaints 1991 1992: 81 complaints 1992 1993: 34 complaints 1993 1994: 90 complaints 1994 1995: 177 complaints 1995 1996: 97 complaints 1996 97 1997: 118 complaints 1997 1998: 478 complaints 1998 1999: 550 complaints 1999 2000: 274 complaints 2000 2001: 389 complaints 2001 2002: 101 complaints 2002 2003: 16 complaints 2003 2004: 39 complaints 2004 2008: 1 complaint 2008

1996: 97 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19900
199144
199281
199334
199490
1995177
199697
1997118
1998478
1999550
2000274
2001389
2002101
200316
200439
20081

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Wheels

24% · 23 reports

Most 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 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

11% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
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 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Structure

10% · 10 reports

Most 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 →

  1. 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 →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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.