1996 Isuzu Rodeo problems & reliability
97 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo. 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.
9 complaints report injuries (12 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 1996 Isuzu Rodeo vehicles were involved in 1 fatal crash with 1 occupant death. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 22 | 23% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | 14% |
| Air Bags | 11 | 11% |
| Structure | 10 | 10% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 8 | 8% |
| Suspension | 7 | 7% |
| Visibility | 7 | 7% |
| Electrical System | 5 | 5% |
| Power Train | 5 | 5% |
| Steering | 5 | 5% |
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
“Takata recall inesperadamente se activo la bolsa de aire del chofer quemando los brazos y la barriga de mi esposa , ella sintio un olor fuerte a cable quemado penso que venia del exterior y saco su cara hacia fuera , y casi en el instanta exploto la sbolsa yo sali corriendo y la vi llena de un polvo blanco y sus…”
Electrical System · filed Jun 18, 2019
“The frame of this vehicle is rusted excessively and is deemed by qualified mechanics as not roadworthy. All other parts of the vehicle work properly and the vehicle still looks great. *tr”
Suspension · filed May 27, 2014
“Effective part: the 2 main frames are rust out and could break at anytime. We believe one of the reasons why the frames are deteriorating is from salt during the winter. Do to the company bad framing. *tr”
Structure · filed Jun 6, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
19 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo. 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
Transmission indicator light may be on and diagnostic trouble code p1870 is set in the powertrain control module (pcm). *tt
0305S001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2003
Transmission indicator light may be on and diagnostic trouble code p1870 is set in the pcm (powertrain control module). *tt
0205S003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2002
Some v6 models with transmission serial numbers 4754596 - 5831756 may experience leakage in the area of overfill plug and oil drain plug. *tt
SB0105S001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2001
Some aftermarket tint installers may scratch the heating element (defroster lines) or etch the glass (start of the break area) during installation, from affixing aftermarket film tint material to the tailgate glass. *tt
IB00S009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 2000
Information regarding the availability of the child seat tether anchor kit. *tt
SB9914S007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 1999
Availability of supplemental information booklet for installing child safety seats. *tt
SB9914S003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 1999
Concerns with noise from the bell housing area. *yc
9805L005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 1998
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
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
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 1996 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.