2002 Isuzu Rodeo problems & reliability
101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 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.
4 complaints report injuries (7 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2002 Isuzu Rodeo vehicles were involved in 9 fatal crashes with 9 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 22 | 22% |
| Power Train | 18 | 18% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 16 | 16% |
| Suspension | 15 | 15% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 14 | 14% |
| Air Bags | 6 | 6% |
| Visibility | 6 | 6% |
| Electrical System | 4 | 4% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 3% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 2% |
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 85,294 miles (middle 50% between 33,200 and 110,000 miles), based on 66 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact recently became aware of severe corrosion on the frame of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V436000 (Suspension) approximately 10 years ago. The contact believed that the recall repair should have covered more…”
Structure · filed Mar 13, 2026
“The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that as she was coasting to the right to stop on the shoulder, she observed that there was smoke in the cabin. The contact stated that after she stopped, she opened the driver's…”
Fuel System, Gasoline · filed Sep 16, 2025
“The contact's son owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated while driving downhill at 40 MPH around a curve with a child sitting in the rear seat, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that upon turning the steering wheel, the vehicle failed to respond as…”
Suspension · filed Oct 5, 2022
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Fuel Tank Retention Failure
Defect Petition DP18001 · opened May 23, 2018 · closed Mar 5, 2020
- 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
Technical service bulletins
51 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 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 service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
22NA009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 11, 2022
This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from…
PIP5540D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 19, 2019
This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
PIP5628 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 18, 2019
This preliminary information document communicates a tip on the way to diagnose possible induction or exhaust air leaks using the evaporative emission cart smoke machine and ultrasonic leak detector tools.
PIP4925B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 3, 2018
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about connectivity concerns when connecting an Apple device via USB cord. Technician should insure the customer is using an original…
PIT5399A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 23, 2018
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 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?
- · 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 85,294 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.