2003 Isuzu Rodeo
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 16 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 16 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 16 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing body and underbody shields.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU RODEO. THE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130521
FRAME RUST PROBLEM IDENTICAL TO THE 2002 ISSUE MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130107
Also filed under SUSPENSION
4 of 16 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and emission control.
2 of 16 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
2 of 16 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing front.
2 of 16 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveline and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
THE RODEO WAS THREE MONTHS OLD WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE GAS MILEAGE WAS DECREASING AT AN ALARMING RATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040302
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE IN THE EVEN
Remedy: THE DIODES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.
Campaign 03V390000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFE
Remedy: FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES IDENTIFIED ABOVE, DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW COVER OVER THE EXISTING FEED PORT ON THE FUEL PUMP OR, IF THE EXISTING FEED PORT HAS ALREADY BEEN DAMAGED, DEALERS WI
Campaign 05V466000 — check if this car was fixed
Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered
Remedy: Isuzu will notify owners, and 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
Campaign 13V547000 — check if this car was fixed
Fuel Tank Retention Failure
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Isuzu Rodeo — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V390000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V466000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V547000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.