MYRModel Year Report

1997 Isuzu Rodeo

● Typical for this model
1997 Isuzu Rodeo
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:56:17.341Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
118
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Structure

29% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 44 complaints 1991 1992: 81 complaints 1993: 34 complaints 1993 1994: 90 complaints 1995: 177 complaints 1995 1996: 97 complaints 1997: 118 complaints 1997 118 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 1997: 118 complaints 1997 118 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 1997: 118 complaints 1997 118 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

1997: 118 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.

Structure

29% · 34 reports

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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-01

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, 2012-11-28

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, 2012-08-10

Engine and engine cooling

14% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and exhaust system.

Wheels

14% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing lugs/nuts/bolts/studs and hub.

Air bags

11% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-13

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, 2002-09-09

Vehicle speed control

9% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing cruise control and cables.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 1997-03-31

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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Isuzu Rodeo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 34 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Wheels: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E065000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.