2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems & reliability
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 9 | 39% |
| Structure | 6 | 26% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 13% |
| Equipment | 2 | 9% |
| Visibility | 2 | 9% |
| Electrical System | 1 | 4% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 4% |
| Power Train | 1 | 4% |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 4% |
| Unknown OR Other | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 11 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 isuzu rodeo sport. Upon receiving an inspection of the vehicle, an independent mechanic diagnosed that there was premature rust, corrosion, and holes near the trailing arms, close to the frame and in the rear near the stabilizer bar. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. The…”
Suspension · filed Jan 29, 2018
“At last inspection, I was told by my mechanic that there is a lot of rear frame rust on my vehicle, and it may not be safe to drive as the rust progresses. There was a recall on these vehicles, but I never received a notice. I bought my 2002 isuzu in sept. Of 2012. I'm afraid to drive my vehicle, and I would never…”
Suspension · filed Oct 30, 2016
“At last inspection, I was told by my mechanic that there is a lot of rear frame rust on my vehicle, and it may not be safe to drive as the rust progresses. There was a recall on these vehicles, but I never received a notice. I bought my 2002 isuzu in sept. Of 2012. I'm afraid to drive my vehicle, and I would never…”
Suspension · filed Aug 24, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK FAILURE
Preliminary Evaluation PE09030 · opened Jun 16, 2009 · closed Dec 8, 2009 · led to recall 10V436000
Technical service bulletins
13 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. The 10 most recent:
This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this bulletin is repaired under…
IB13-R-001G · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 8, 2023
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these…
WB13-X-001B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 30, 2022
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these…
WB13-X-001A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 2, 2022
The Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) Service Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides diagnostic support to Isuzu dealer technicians repairing Isuzu vehicles in and out of vehicle warranty. A TAC case number…
IB09-X-004C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 20, 2022
The following is a list of the Isuzu-recommended Threebond product part numbers identified in the various Isuzu Workshop Manuals and bulletins. If a Threebond product is unavailable, we recommend that you utilize the…
IB09-X-002B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 20, 2022
REAR BRAKE ROTORS. *KB
0709002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 2007
Shift lock solenoid removal and replacement procedures. *tt 2002-2004 isuzu axiom (up), 198-2004 rodeo (ue) and 1998-2004 rodeo sport. Update *sc
0505004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2005
Poor and/or loose door weatherstrip position. *tt
0311S004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 1, 2003
Convenience starting feature. *tt
0314S003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2003
Throttle body mounting bolt torque specifications. *tt
0301S002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2003
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.