1997 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 PER YEAR
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.
29% of complaints: structure — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and body.
Show complaint excerpts
THE TRUCK IS ERODING AWAY THE UNDER CARRIAGE AND HAS STATED TO COME THROUGH INTERIOR EFFECTING THE BOLTS AND THE SUPPORTS HOLDING SEAT DOWN. ALSO THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. BLOWN KNOCKING ENGINE
NHTSA ODI report, 20180801
Also filed under SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FRAME AND STATED THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE EXTREME RUST AND CORROSION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121128
I HAVE A 1997 ISUZU RODEO WHICH I HAVE OWNED FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS AND WANT TO SELL IT. IT IS PHYSICALLY AND MECHANICALLY IN EXCELLENT CONDITION EXCEPT FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL AMOUNT OF RUST TO THE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120810
14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.
14% of complaints: wheels — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs and hub.
11% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN HIT AT 35 MPH IN THE FRONT CENTER OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021113
I WAS IN ANA ACCIDENT ON SEPT. 4, 2002. I COULD NOT STOP IN TIME FOR THE WRECK THAT HAPPENED 1/4 MILE IN FRONT OF US SO I PROCEEDED TO SLAM INTO THE REAR-END OF THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020909
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and cables.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE BACKING OUT OF PARKING LOT, ENGINE STARTED RACING AND VEHICLE MADE A LOUD POPPING NOISE AND WENT FULL THROTTLE FORWARD OVER SIDEWALK , HIT A PARKED VEHICLE AND PUSHED VEHICLE (2) FEET SIDEWAYS.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970331
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 RE
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.
Campaign 06E065000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Isuzu Rodeo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for wheels issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E065000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.