Is the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

1999 Isuzu Rodeo

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

1999 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: 550
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

1999: 550 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.

Service brakes

40% · 222 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

My son was driving a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo when he had an accident. Since there were no "Brake marks" On the road the accident was considered to be his fault.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-22

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Suspension

16% · 86 reports

Most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that there was extensive rust and corrosion on the undercarriage of the frame. In addition, the control arms on the rear of the vehicle exhibited the same condition.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-04

Also filed under Structure

I had just come off the highway in my Rodeo and come to a slowdown on the entrance ramp to the main road and when I went to take off my torsion bar that holds my rear axle in on the driver side completely broke off from rust and there are several...

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-06

Structure

13% · 74 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and body.

CRASHINJURY

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 57 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

Fuel system, other

10% · 56 reports

Most commonly citing fuel gauge system.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
1999Complaint volume 550 complaints filed for this model year.
I
1999-03-31Engineering analysisClosed 2002-07-31 Braking system/ABS
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 →
R

2000-08-10Structure00V121001 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with the performance requirements of FMVSS No. 201, "Occupant protection in interior impact."

Remedy: Dealers will modify the interior of your vehicle.

Check if this car was fixed →
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 →
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 →
I
2009-06-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-12-08 Rear suspension lower link failure
I
2009-12-07Engineering analysisClosed 2010-10-15 Rear Suspension Lower Link Detachment
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

1999 Isuzu Rodeo — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 222 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 86 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 74 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 00V058000 · Suspension
Recall 00V121001 · Structure
Recall 01I002000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 02I002000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 10V436000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo have?: 5 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.