ISUZU RODEO · model year

2004 ISUZU RODEO

68 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004ISUZURODEO carries 68 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 4 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 RODEO is suspension with 7 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling (3) and electrical system (3). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 2004 RODEO. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

68
Complaints
4
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

68 filings

Crashes Reported

4 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
TIRES3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE3
ENGINE3
SERVICE BRAKES3
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM2
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER2
WHEELS2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY1
EQUIPMENT1

Recalls (2)

13V54700031/10/2013

SUSPENSION:REAR

Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, P

05V46600007/10/2005

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES AND IN CERTAIN FUEL AVAILABLE IN THE REGION OF TYLER, TEXAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUN

Recent Complaints

20240131FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My car continues to smell like gas despite fuel pump and lines having been replaced. The smell is very strong. Don’t see any type of leakage

20230527ENGINE

In Florida, I purchased my 2004 Isuzu Rodeo March 2005 at 134 miles. I've always had issues, but didn't know how to articulate the issues. My truck sits/leans to the right and low in the back. It is uneven as if the shocks or struts are off. Driving one night, the truck slams down/drops low out of no where while driving. When I am driving and need to brake, I have to brake then brake again. I dare not make any sharp turns by parking or anything it's like the truck will slip or axels bend. I am have trouble with the engine currently(September 2022). Oil is leaking but you can't see from where. The engine is making loud rambling sounds. The exhaust sounds muffled. My car parts are not exact because my Rodeo is built like a demo, seemingly. Power Reduced & check engine light happens randomly usually while on the expressway. It slows the vehicle down in the middle of flowing traffic. I have to try to pull over turn car off then back on to try & reset the vehicle. The car now vibrates bu

20230527SUSPENSION

In Florida, I purchased my 2004 Isuzu Rodeo March 2005 at 134 miles. I've always had issues, but didn't know how to articulate the issues. My truck sits/leans to the right and low in the back. It is uneven as if the shocks or struts are off. Driving one night, the truck slams down/drops low out of no where while driving. When I am driving and need to brake, I have to brake then brake again. I dare not make any sharp turns by parking or anything it's like the truck will slip or axels bend. I am have trouble with the engine currently(September 2022). Oil is leaking but you can't see from where. The engine is making loud rambling sounds. The exhaust sounds muffled. My car parts are not exact because my Rodeo is built like a demo, seemingly. Power Reduced & check engine light happens randomly usually while on the expressway. It slows the vehicle down in the middle of flowing traffic. I have to try to pull over turn car off then back on to try & reset the vehicle. The car now vibrates bu

20230527SERVICE BRAKES

In Florida, I purchased my 2004 Isuzu Rodeo March 2005 at 134 miles. I've always had issues, but didn't know how to articulate the issues. My truck sits/leans to the right and low in the back. It is uneven as if the shocks or struts are off. Driving one night, the truck slams down/drops low out of no where while driving. When I am driving and need to brake, I have to brake then brake again. I dare not make any sharp turns by parking or anything it's like the truck will slip or axels bend. I am have trouble with the engine currently(September 2022). Oil is leaking but you can't see from where. The engine is making loud rambling sounds. The exhaust sounds muffled. My car parts are not exact because my Rodeo is built like a demo, seemingly. Power Reduced & check engine light happens randomly usually while on the expressway. It slows the vehicle down in the middle of flowing traffic. I have to try to pull over turn car off then back on to try & reset the vehicle. The car now vibrates bu

20191120SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZI RODEO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V547000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED GREAT DIFFICULTY HAVING HIS VEHICLE SERVICED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ISUZU SENT THE REMEDY PARTS TO LUPIENT BUICK GMC (7100 WAYZATA BLVD, GOLDEN VALLEY, MN 55426, (763) 546-2222) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED A SECOND INSPECTION IN ORDER TO BE REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

20190910TIRES

MY VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN MINNESOTA WHERE ROAD SALTS ARE IN CONSTANT WINTER USE. ON AUGUST 21, 2019 MY MECHANIC HOISTED MY SUV AND WE WATCHED WITH SURPRISE AS SOME FLAT RUST SLABS FELL TO HIS SHOP FLOOR. HE LOOKED ABOVE THE FALL LOCATION: THE SPARE TIRE IS ATTACHED JUST BELOW A WELL, AND WITHIN THE SPARE-TIRE WHEEL-GAPS WERE ADDITIONAL LOOSE RUST SLABS THAT HAD NOT YET FALLEN. THEY WERE REMOVED. THE MECHANIC THEN PONDERED A LIKELY CAUSE: HE REASONED THE METAL PLATE (AND/OR THE AREAS ALONGSIDE IT) THAT HELPS SECURE THE SPARE TIRE MIGHT BE EXCESSIVELY RUSTY. TO SEE IT HE HAD TO INSERT HIS HEAD UP INTO THE WELL, BUT WHICH DID NOT GIVE HIM ENOUGH OF CLEAR VIEW TO ASSESS THE MATTER ADEQUATELY (NOR COULD I MANAGE TO GET MUCH OF A LOOK). HE REASONED THAT MINNESOTA WINTER-SALT ROAD-SPRAY CAN REACH THE WELL (HE SAID THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING THERE CALLED A CARRIER ASSEMBLY OF PARTS) AND CORRODE THE PLATE, MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR THE SPARE TIRE TO COME LOOSE WHILE MY SUV IS MOTION, CREATING A

Mileage: 171,000

20190910WHEELS

MY VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN MINNESOTA WHERE ROAD SALTS ARE IN CONSTANT WINTER USE. ON AUGUST 21, 2019 MY MECHANIC HOISTED MY SUV AND WE WATCHED WITH SURPRISE AS SOME FLAT RUST SLABS FELL TO HIS SHOP FLOOR. HE LOOKED ABOVE THE FALL LOCATION: THE SPARE TIRE IS ATTACHED JUST BELOW A WELL, AND WITHIN THE SPARE-TIRE WHEEL-GAPS WERE ADDITIONAL LOOSE RUST SLABS THAT HAD NOT YET FALLEN. THEY WERE REMOVED. THE MECHANIC THEN PONDERED A LIKELY CAUSE: HE REASONED THE METAL PLATE (AND/OR THE AREAS ALONGSIDE IT) THAT HELPS SECURE THE SPARE TIRE MIGHT BE EXCESSIVELY RUSTY. TO SEE IT HE HAD TO INSERT HIS HEAD UP INTO THE WELL, BUT WHICH DID NOT GIVE HIM ENOUGH OF CLEAR VIEW TO ASSESS THE MATTER ADEQUATELY (NOR COULD I MANAGE TO GET MUCH OF A LOOK). HE REASONED THAT MINNESOTA WINTER-SALT ROAD-SPRAY CAN REACH THE WELL (HE SAID THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING THERE CALLED A CARRIER ASSEMBLY OF PARTS) AND CORRODE THE PLATE, MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR THE SPARE TIRE TO COME LOOSE WHILE MY SUV IS MOTION, CREATING A

Mileage: 171,000

20190910SUSPENSION

MY VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN MINNESOTA WHERE ROAD SALTS ARE IN CONSTANT WINTER USE. ON AUGUST 21, 2019 MY MECHANIC HOISTED MY SUV AND WE WATCHED WITH SURPRISE AS SOME FLAT RUST SLABS FELL TO HIS SHOP FLOOR. HE LOOKED ABOVE THE FALL LOCATION: THE SPARE TIRE IS ATTACHED JUST BELOW A WELL, AND WITHIN THE SPARE-TIRE WHEEL-GAPS WERE ADDITIONAL LOOSE RUST SLABS THAT HAD NOT YET FALLEN. THEY WERE REMOVED. THE MECHANIC THEN PONDERED A LIKELY CAUSE: HE REASONED THE METAL PLATE (AND/OR THE AREAS ALONGSIDE IT) THAT HELPS SECURE THE SPARE TIRE MIGHT BE EXCESSIVELY RUSTY. TO SEE IT HE HAD TO INSERT HIS HEAD UP INTO THE WELL, BUT WHICH DID NOT GIVE HIM ENOUGH OF CLEAR VIEW TO ASSESS THE MATTER ADEQUATELY (NOR COULD I MANAGE TO GET MUCH OF A LOOK). HE REASONED THAT MINNESOTA WINTER-SALT ROAD-SPRAY CAN REACH THE WELL (HE SAID THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING THERE CALLED A CARRIER ASSEMBLY OF PARTS) AND CORRODE THE PLATE, MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR THE SPARE TIRE TO COME LOOSE WHILE MY SUV IS MOTION, CREATING A

Mileage: 171,000

20180410STRUCTURE

2004 ISUZU RODEO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUSTED METAL BRACKET STRAPS, BOLTS AND HORIZONTAL JACKET. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO RUST THE FUEL TANK DROPPED BELOW THE CAR FRAME AT AN UNSAFE ANGLE, VERY CLOSE TO COMPLETE DETACHMENT. *JS

20180410FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2004 ISUZU RODEO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUSTED METAL BRACKET STRAPS, BOLTS AND HORIZONTAL JACKET. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED DUE TO RUST THE FUEL TANK DROPPED BELOW THE CAR FRAME AT AN UNSAFE ANGLE, VERY CLOSE TO COMPLETE DETACHMENT. *JS

20170520CrashSERVICE BRAKES

BRAKES PEDAL PULSES LIKE CRAZY BUT THE BRAKES DON'T WORK WHEN APPLIED.

Mileage: 70,000

20160817ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE REDUCED POWER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,880.

Mileage: 158,880

20160817VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE REDUCED POWER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,880.

Mileage: 158,880

20141021UNKNOWN OR OTHER

REAR OF THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND CRUMBLING, SO THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME THAT ARE KEEPING IT FROM BEING SAFE, AND THUS WILL NOT PASS STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. THE AREAS AFFECTED SUPPORT SUCH THINGS AS THE PANHARD/TRACK BAR, BODY, BUMPER, SPARE TIRE, EVAP COMPONENTS, REAR TOW POINT, AS WELL AS OTHERS ITEMS. *TR

Mileage: 89,231

20141021SUSPENSION

REAR OF THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND CRUMBLING, SO THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME THAT ARE KEEPING IT FROM BEING SAFE, AND THUS WILL NOT PASS STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. THE AREAS AFFECTED SUPPORT SUCH THINGS AS THE PANHARD/TRACK BAR, BODY, BUMPER, SPARE TIRE, EVAP COMPONENTS, REAR TOW POINT, AS WELL AS OTHERS ITEMS. *TR

Mileage: 89,231

20141021STRUCTURE:BODY

REAR OF THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND CRUMBLING, SO THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME THAT ARE KEEPING IT FROM BEING SAFE, AND THUS WILL NOT PASS STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. THE AREAS AFFECTED SUPPORT SUCH THINGS AS THE PANHARD/TRACK BAR, BODY, BUMPER, SPARE TIRE, EVAP COMPONENTS, REAR TOW POINT, AS WELL AS OTHERS ITEMS. *TR

Mileage: 89,231

20140826SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V547000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

20140609ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT BOTH OF THE REAR BRAKES, CALIPERS, AND BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A NON-CERTIFIED MECHANIC PERFORMED A TEMPORARY REPAIR ON THE VEHICLE TO STOP THE BRAKE FLUID LEAK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

Mileage: 89,000

20140609SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR AN UNRELATED REPAIR, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED AND CAUSED BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT BOTH OF THE REAR BRAKES, CALIPERS, AND BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A NON-CERTIFIED MECHANIC PERFORMED A TEMPORARY REPAIR ON THE VEHICLE TO STOP THE BRAKE FLUID LEAK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

Mileage: 89,000

20140521AIR BAGS

WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON MARCH 12, 2014. AFTER PURCHASE , SATURDAY MARCH 15 WE DROVE TBE ISUZU AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE LOUDLY AND VIBRATE. WE PULLED OVER. RETURNED TO HOME AT 65 TO 45 MPH WITHOUT SHAKING. MONDAY I REPORTED THIS FRIGHTENING EVENT TO THE DEALERSHIP. I REQUESTED REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. THE SALESMAN PROMISED REPAIRS. A PRE-PURCHASE DISCLOSURE WAS THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT WORK. SALES STAFF ASSURED ME THIS HAD BEEN, OR WOULD BE FIXED BY THE DEALERSHIP. PRIOR TO THE FIRST SCHEDULED REPAIR VISIT, I REPORTED THAT THE HORN DOES NOT WORK AND THAT THE AIR BAG WAS UNCOVERED. THE DEALERSHIP COVERED THE AIR BAG BUT TOLD ME AFTERWARDS THEY HAD NO WAY TO VERIFY IF THE AIR BAG IS FUNCTIONAL. THERE IS NO AIR BAG ICON ON THE DASH. I REPEATEDLY REPORTED THESE SAFETY ISSUES TO SALES STAFF AND GENERAL MANAGER [XXX]. THE MANAGER TOLD ME "WHILE IT IS ON THE LOT IT IS MY PROBLEM. ONCE YOU DRIVE IT OFF IT IS YOURS." AFTER THREE REPAIR VISITS, AND TWO MONTHS OF GENERIC

Mileage: 180,025

Compare 2004ISUZURODEO to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 ISUZU RODEO have?
The 2004 ISUZU RODEO has 68 NHTSA complaints, 4 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 ISUZU RODEO?
Yes, the 2004 ISUZU RODEO has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION:REAR. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 ISUZU RODEO?
The most-complained component for the 2004 ISUZU RODEO is SUSPENSION with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2004 ISUZU RODEO safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.