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2004 Isuzu Rodeo

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 89.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

28 reports with mileage · 11 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

39 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2024
Fuel/propulsion System

My car continues to smell like gas despite fuel pump and lines having been replaced. The smell is very strong. Don’t see any type of leakage

NHTSA ODI #11569134

Mileage unknown · May 27, 2023
EngineService BrakesSuspension

In Florida, I purchased my 2004 Isuzu Rodeo March 2005 at 134 miles. I've always had issues, but didn't know how to articulate the issues. My truck sits/leans to the right and low in the back. It is uneven as if the shocks or struts are off. Driving one night, the truck slams down/drops low out of no where while driving. When …

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In Florida, I purchased my 2004 Isuzu Rodeo March 2005 at 134 miles. I've always had issues, but didn't know how to articulate the issues. My truck sits/leans to the right and low in the back. It is uneven as if the shocks or struts are off. Driving one night, the truck slams down/drops low out of no where while driving. When I am driving and need to brake, I have to brake then brake again. I dare not make any sharp turns by parking or anything it's like the truck will slip or axels bend. I am have trouble with the engine currently(September 2022). Oil is leaking but you can't see from where. The engine is making loud rambling sounds. The exhaust sounds muffled. My car parts are not exact because my Rodeo is built like a demo, seemingly. Power Reduced & check engine light happens randomly usually while on the expressway. It slows the vehicle down in the middle of flowing traffic. I have to try to pull over turn car off then back on to try & reset the vehicle. The car now vibrates but don't know from where or cause. How can I get my car repaired?

NHTSA ODI #11524166

Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2019
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZI RODEO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V547000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED GREAT DIFFICULTY HAVING HIS VEHICLE SERVICED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ISUZU SENT THE REMEDY PARTS TO LUPIENT BUICK GMC (7100 WAYZATA BLVD, GOLDEN VALLEY, MN 55426…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZI RODEO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V547000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED GREAT DIFFICULTY HAVING HIS VEHICLE SERVICED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ISUZU SENT THE REMEDY PARTS TO LUPIENT BUICK GMC (7100 WAYZATA BLVD, GOLDEN VALLEY, MN 55426, (763) 546-2222) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A SECOND INSPECTION IN ORDER TO BE REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #11281393

171,000 miles · Sep 6, 2019
SuspensionTiresWheels

MY VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN MINNESOTA WHERE ROAD SALTS ARE IN CONSTANT WINTER USE. ON AUGUST 21, 2019 MY MECHANIC HOISTED MY SUV AND WE WATCHED WITH SURPRISE AS SOME FLAT RUST SLABS FELL TO HIS SHOP FLOOR. HE LOOKED ABOVE THE FALL LOCATION: THE SPARE TIRE IS ATTACHED JUST BELOW A WELL, AND WITHIN THE SPARE-TIRE WHEEL-GAPS WERE…

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MY VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN MINNESOTA WHERE ROAD SALTS ARE IN CONSTANT WINTER USE. ON AUGUST 21, 2019 MY MECHANIC HOISTED MY SUV AND WE WATCHED WITH SURPRISE AS SOME FLAT RUST SLABS FELL TO HIS SHOP FLOOR. HE LOOKED ABOVE THE FALL LOCATION: THE SPARE TIRE IS ATTACHED JUST BELOW A WELL, AND WITHIN THE SPARE-TIRE WHEEL-GAPS WERE ADDITIONAL LOOSE RUST SLABS THAT HAD NOT YET FALLEN. THEY WERE REMOVED. THE MECHANIC THEN PONDERED A LIKELY CAUSE: HE REASONED THE METAL PLATE (AND/OR THE AREAS ALONGSIDE IT) THAT HELPS SECURE THE SPARE TIRE MIGHT BE EXCESSIVELY RUSTY. TO SEE IT HE HAD TO INSERT HIS HEAD UP INTO THE WELL, BUT WHICH DID NOT GIVE HIM ENOUGH OF CLEAR VIEW TO ASSESS THE MATTER ADEQUATELY (NOR COULD I MANAGE TO GET MUCH OF A LOOK). HE REASONED THAT MINNESOTA WINTER-SALT ROAD-SPRAY CAN REACH THE WELL (HE SAID THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING THERE CALLED A CARRIER ASSEMBLY OF PARTS) AND CORRODE THE PLATE, MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR THE SPARE TIRE TO COME LOOSE WHILE MY SUV IS MOTION, CREATING A ROAD HAZARD. WE DID PHOTOGRAPHY BUT DID NOT HAVE A FLEXIBLE-NECK CAMERA TO INSERT UP INTO THE WELL. SO ALL WE HAVE ARE SNAPS OF 1) MANY OF FLAT RUST SLABS THAT FELL DOWN DURING THE MECHANICS INSPECTION (SHOWN AS A PILE ON THE FLOOR JUST BELOW THE SPARE TIRE?S WELL LOCATION) IN ONE PHOTO, AND 2) AN UPWARD SHOT AT THE SPARE TIRE WITH SOME RUST SLABS THAT HAD NOT YET FALLEN, WHICH ALSO OFFERS A GENERAL LOOK OF WHEEL AND WELL RUST CONDITIONS THAT WE SAW. LASTLY, I DECIDED TO VISIT NHTSAS WEBSITE TO LOOK FOR SIMILAR INCIDENTS THAT MIGHT PERTAIN TO MY VEHICLE. I CAME UP WITH ID #10649039. IT OFFERS A SOMEWHAT SIMILAR TEXTUAL NARRATIVE DESCRIBING REAR FRAME RUST CONDITIONS THAT MAKES MENTION OF A SPARE TIRE. I CREATED A PDF OF PHOTOS AND INCIDENT ID #10649039, WHICH I WILL UPLOAD AFTER THIS PDF. IT WILL BE TITLED PART2_IJN5-55344_ISUZURODEO2004TIRESUPPORTFAILUREVIN[XXX].PDF. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11254932

Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2018
Fuel System, GasolineStructure

2004 ISUZU RODEO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUSTED METAL BRACKET STRAPS, BOLTS AND HORIZONTAL JACKET. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO RUST THE FUEL TANK DROPPED BELOW THE CAR FRAME AT AN UNSAFE ANGLE, VERY CLOSE TO COMPLETE DETACHMENT. *JS

NHTSA ODI #11084098

70,000 miles · May 20, 2017
Service BrakesCrash

BRAKES PEDAL PULSES LIKE CRAZY BUT THE BRAKES DON'T WORK WHEN APPLIED.

NHTSA ODI #10990702

158,880 miles · Aug 17, 2016
EngineVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE REDUCED POWER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE REDUCED POWER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,880.

NHTSA ODI #10896547

89,231 miles · Oct 21, 2014
StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other

REAR OF THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND CRUMBLING, SO THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME THAT ARE KEEPING IT FROM BEING SAFE, AND THUS WILL NOT PASS STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. THE AREAS AFFECTED SUPPORT SUCH THINGS AS THE PANHARD/TRACK BAR, BODY, BUMPER, SPARE TIRE, EVAP COMPONENTS, REAR TOW POINT, AS WELL AS OTHERS ITEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10649039

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2014
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V547000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V547000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10628540

89,000 miles · Jun 9, 2014
Electrical SystemService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT BOTH OF THE REAR BRAKES, CALIPERS, AND BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A NON-CERTIFIED MECHANIC PERFORMED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT BOTH OF THE REAR BRAKES, CALIPERS, AND BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A NON-CERTIFIED MECHANIC PERFORMED A TEMPORARY REPAIR ON THE VEHICLE TO STOP THE BRAKE FLUID LEAK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

NHTSA ODI #10597006

Official recalls

2

13V547000 · Suspension:rear

Oct 31, 2013

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 in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion near the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

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 compound. For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the rear suspension lower link bracket and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed. In the event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be sufficient, Isuzu will offer to repurchase the vehicle for an amount based on the Kelley Blue Book "Private Party" price. All inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less. For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy, but only if the vehicle is presented to an Isuzu service facility dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued, after that time owners will be charged for the repairs. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2013. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

05V466000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Oct 7, 2005

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 AFFECTED VEHICLES AND IN CERTAIN FUEL AVAILABLE IN THE REGION OF TYLER, TEXAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN TEXAS AND THE FOUR SURROUNDING STATES: OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO AND LOUISIANA.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FUEL LEAK COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

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 WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW COVER. THE NEW COVER WILL BE MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP18001 · Fuel Tank Retention Failure

Opened May 23, 2018 · Closed Mar 5, 2020

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting

On April 10, 2018, NHTSA received a petition from Mr. Kevin Byrne (the Petitioner) requesting that the Agency ?undertake a defects investigation? of ?rust-related detachment of Isuzu Rodeo fuel tanks? (NHTSA ID 11091788). The Petitioner experienced a partial fuel tank detachment in his model year (MY) 2004 Isuzu Rodeo in July 2017. On May 23, 2018, ODI opened DP18-001 to evaluate the Petitioner?s request for a defect investigation. ODI sent information request letters to Isuzu and Honda requesting production, design history and field data related to fuel tank retention failures in MY 2001-2004 Isuzu Rodeo, MY 2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom and MY 2001-2002 Honda Passport vehicles equipped with the same fuel tank shield part number as the Petitioner?s vehicle (the ?subject vehicles?). ODI notes that Isuzu manufactured the subject Passport vehicles for Honda. Isuzu implemented a change to the tank shield corrosion protection system as a running change in early MY 2002 production. Isuzu and Honda sold approximately 172,000 subject vehicles in the United States. Fifty-eight (58) percent of the subject vehicles were produced prior to the shield change (99,000) and 42 percent after the change (73,000).ODI?s analysis of field data identified 19 incidents of partial fuel tank detachments in the subject vehicles. The incidents all occurred in states with high road salt usage in winter months (Salt States) and involved older vehicles beyond 10-years in service. On average, the failures occurred in the vehicle?s 13th year-in-service. Evidence of severe general corrosion in multiple undercarriage components was also noted in 13 of the 19 vehicles that experienced partial fuel tank detachments. None of the incidents resulted in fuel leakage or fire. Aside from the petitioner?s vehicle, ODI has not identified any other incidents of complete or partial fuel tank detachment in the MY 2002-2004 subject vehicles equipped with the modified retention shield.In addition, ODI reviewed 24 NHTSA complaints alleging corrosion concerns with the fuel tank retention system in the subject vehicles that did not result in fuel tank detachment. Twenty-three (23) of these complaints involve subject vehicles built prior to the shield change. Like the vehicles reporting fuel tank detachments, these vehicles are also all from Salt States and, in most cases (20 of the 24 complaints), the vehicles also experienced severe corrosion concerns in other undercarriage components. Half (12 of the 24 complaints) of the vehicles show prior accident damage in their service histories.Based on these analyses, ODI has not identified evidence of a defect trend for premature corrosion-related fuel tank detachments in the MY 2004 Isuzu Rodeo or similarly equipped vehicles. The damage that may result in tank retention concerns appears to occur progressively over many years with ample opportunity for detection and repair. Furthermore, ODI has not identified any crashes, fires, injuries, or fuel leaks associated with fuel tank retention failures in a population of vehicles that currently range from 16 to 19 years old.Accordingly, the Agency is denying the petition.A summary of ODI?s analysis of this petition will be published in the Federal Register and is also available in the investigative file for this action.The NHTSA consumer complaints counted in the closing resume for DP18-001 can be reviewed at www.nhtsa.gov under the following ODI identification numbers (VOQs in parentheses denote duplicate records): Allegations of fuel tank retention failure: 11084098 (11091788), 10532845, 10486109. Allegations of fuel tank retention component corrosion: 11138931, 10992150, 10845523,