1994 Isuzu Rodeo problems & reliability
82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. 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.
5 complaints report injuries (13 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1994 Isuzu Rodeo vehicles were involved in 1 fatal crash with 2 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 15 | 18% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | 17% |
| Electrical System | 13 | 16% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 10 | 12% |
| Wheels | 10 | 12% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 10% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 7 | 9% |
| Visibility | 7 | 9% |
| Steering | 6 | 7% |
| Structure | 6 | 7% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
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 1994 isuzu rodeo. The contact stated that there was severe rusting on the base of the vehicle. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified, but denied any assistance with repairs of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 150,000. The vin…”
Structure · filed Feb 7, 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1994 isuzu rodeo. While driving approximately 40 mph the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the camshaft seal end plug needed to be replaced. The mechanic referred the contact to the manufacturer because there was a…”
Engine and Engine Cooling · filed Jul 11, 2011
“Automatic transmission wire harness deteriorated do to excessive heat, routed to close to catalytic converter causing vehicle not to shift and disabling both transmission warning lights. Vehicle only has 78k miles on it and wire covering/insulation should not be literally burned away with such low miles on the…”
Power Train · filed Jun 9, 2010
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- SEAT BELT LATCH FAILURES
Recall Query RQ02009 · opened Apr 11, 2002 · closed Dec 17, 2002 · led to recall 02V281000
- BRUSH/GRILLE GUARD CAMPAIGN
Investigation SQ96009 · opened Jan 10, 1996 · open
Technical service bulletins
6 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo.
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
Takata seat belt safety recall campaign 02v281. *tt
0211S007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2002
Information regarding the availability of the child seat tether anchor kit. *tt
SB9914S007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 1999
UNKNOWN
SB9505L002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 1995
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 1994 Isuzu Rodeo has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — 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 1994 Isuzu Rodeo?
- · 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.