1999 Isuzu Rodeo
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.
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.
40% of complaints: service brakes — 222 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20141222
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
16% of complaints: suspension — 86 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear and front.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20181004
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, 20180806
13% of complaints: structure — 74 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frame and members and body.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE10% of complaints: fuel system, other — 56 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel gauge system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS
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 LOW
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE LOWER LINK JOINT NUT AND BOLT.
Campaign 00V058000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 00V121001 — check if this car was fixed
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 E
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 TENSIONER
Campaign 01I002000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONDU
Campaign 02I002000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK FAILURE
Rear Suspension Lower Link Detachment
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 AR
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 WHI
Campaign 10V436000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Isuzu Rodeo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (222 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (86 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (74 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V058000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V121001 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01I002000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02I002000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V436000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.