MYRModel Year Report

1998 Isuzu Rodeo

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1998 Isuzu Rodeo
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints 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
478
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

50% 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 1998: 478 complaints 1998 478 1999: 550 complaints 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 1998: 478 complaints 1998 478 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 1998: 478 complaints 1998 478 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

1998: 478 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.

Service brakes

50% · 240 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

4S2CM58W0W4[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (Foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).'

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-22

Structure

14% · 69 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and underbody shields.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

October 17, 2011, I took my Rodeo to, have it serviced for the suspension:rear recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-04

Also filed under Suspension

Suspension

13% · 60 reports

Most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Rusted suspension. Broke off from frame

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-02-15

Frame rusted causing rear lower control arm to fall off almost causing a serious accident vehicle purchased 8/22/11 want to know why these vewhicles are still be allowed to be sold.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-09

Engine and engine cooling

9% · 42 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ABS light came on, driving 35 MPH could not stop suddenly and slid into another car causing $2700 worth of damage to my car and insurance had lapsed had to pay out of pocket. Fuel gauge always shows less than really is even when full.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-11-01

Also filed under Fuel system, gasoline and service brakes, hydraulic

Electrical system

6% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and horn.

CRASHFIRE

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1997-11-18Unknown or other97V206001 Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with a driver's side optional equipment rubber floor mat. Repeated movement of the driver's feet and actuation of the accelerator…

    Remedy: Isuzu is asking for the return of the floor mat set and will reimburse owners for the cost of the rubber floor mat set along with any return shipping costs.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    1998Complaint volume 478 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    1998-08-24Electrical system98V170000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. A ground connection terminal was not properly crimped in the supplier's engine wiring harness manufacturing line. This improper crimping process can…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    1998-09-23Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-03-31 Braking system/ABS
  5. I
    1998-10-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-02-18 Broken accelerator pedal
  6. I
    1999-03-31Engineering analysisClosed 2002-07-31 Braking system/ABS
  7. R
    2000-03-31Suspension00V058000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Paint was applied unevenly on the rear axles, resulting in insufficient paint hardness. Should this occur on the surface that contacts the rear axle…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle lower link joint nut and bolt.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2001-06-22Engine and engine cooling01I002000 This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1998-2000 Rodeo (Ue) and amigo (Ua) models…

    Remedy: Dealer will inspect the vehicle to determine the condition of the timing belt and tensioner. The dealer will replace the timing belt. Depending on the condition or model of the timing belt…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    2003-07-14Service brakes, hydraulic02I002000 On certain sport utility vehicles that are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), the vehicles can experience extended stopping distances in certain types of braking events.

    Remedy: Dealers will provide a replacement computer algorithm for the ABS that is based on the algorithm used in Isuzu's my 2000 and 2001 vehicles, which have not had the problem. This campaign will be…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. I
    2009-06-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-12-08 Rear suspension lower link failure
  11. I
    2009-12-07Engineering analysisClosed 2010-10-15 Rear Suspension Lower Link Detachment
  12. R
    2010-12-10Suspension10V436000 Isuzu is recalling certain model year 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo and model year 2002 Isuzu axiom vehicles, and Honda is recalling certain 1998-2002 Honda passport vehicles, that were originally sold, or…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound. For vehicles in…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Isuzu Rodeo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 240 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 69 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 60 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V206001 · Unknown or other
  • Recall 98V170000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 00V058000 · Suspension
  • Recall 01I002000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 02I002000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 10V436000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.