1998 Isuzu Rodeo problems & reliability
478 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, 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.
24 complaints report injuries (31 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 211 | 44% |
| Structure | 69 | 14% |
| Suspension | 59 | 12% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 39 | 8% |
| Electrical System | 30 | 6% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 29 | 6% |
| Power Train | 22 | 5% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 17 | 4% |
| Air Bags | 16 | 3% |
| Fuel System, Other | 15 | 3% |
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.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 100,000 miles (middle 50% between 70,000 and 139,950 miles), based on 145 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“4s2cm58w0w4[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).' *pm”
Service Brakes · filed Jul 22, 2019
“Sudden uncontrolled acceleration at stop or moving slow in town. Extreme danger !!and has happened several times.”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Mar 3, 2016
“My air bag light will not go off...had codes checked and cleared but the light come back on....brakes has been replaced...but breaking distance is extended”
Air Bags · filed Feb 24, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Rear Suspension Lower Link Detachment
Engineering Analysis EA09018 · opened Dec 7, 2009 · closed Oct 15, 2010 · led to recall 10V436000
- REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK FAILURE
Preliminary Evaluation PE09030 · opened Jun 16, 2009 · closed Dec 8, 2009 · led to recall 10V436000
- BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS
Engineering Analysis EA99008 · opened Mar 31, 1999 · closed Jul 31, 2002 · led to recall 02I002001
- BROKEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Preliminary Evaluation PE98054 · opened Oct 9, 1998 · closed Feb 18, 1999
- BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS
Preliminary Evaluation PE98051 · opened Sep 23, 1998 · closed Mar 31, 1999
Technical service bulletins
85 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1998 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
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
This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
05-06-04-035D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 9, 2014
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
Ignition switch does not turn to the lock position and the ignition key cannot be removed. *tt
0304S003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2003
Poor and/or loose door weatherstrip position. *tt
0311S004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 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 1998 Isuzu Rodeo 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 1998 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.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 100,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.