ISUZU RODEO SPORT · model year

2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT

28 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2002ISUZURODEO SPORT carries 28 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injuries, 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 2002 RODEO SPORT is suspension with 5 filings, followed by suspension:rear (4) and structure:frame and members (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 2002 RODEO SPORT. 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.

28
Complaints
1
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

28 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION5
SUSPENSION:REAR4
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS3
STRUCTURE:BODY2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.1
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1

Recalls (2)

12V30600029/06/2012

SUSPENSION:REAR

ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2000 AMIGO AND MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 RODEO SPORT VEHICLES, THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN THE STATES OF MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAN

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

20180129STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. UPON RECEIVING AN INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS PREMATURE RUST, CORROSION, AND HOLES NEAR THE TRAILING ARMS, CLOSE TO THE FRAME AND IN THE REAR NEAR THE STABILIZER BAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V436000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Mileage: 131,000

20180129SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. UPON RECEIVING AN INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS PREMATURE RUST, CORROSION, AND HOLES NEAR THE TRAILING ARMS, CLOSE TO THE FRAME AND IN THE REAR NEAR THE STABILIZER BAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED OR EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V436000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Mileage: 131,000

20161030SUSPENSION

AT LAST INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT THERE IS A LOT OF REAR FRAME RUST ON MY VEHICLE, AND IT MAY NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE AS THE RUST PROGRESSES. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE. I BOUGHT MY 2002 ISUZU IN SEPT. OF 2012. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE, AND I WOULD NEVER SELL IT IN THE CONDITION IT IS, I BELIEVE IT'S NOT SAFE. I NEED A REMEDY FROM ISUZU. NHTSA HAD A CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V306000. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, WITH NO RESULTS YET. MY COMPLAINT NUMBER IS 10898314. I ALSO NOTICED SOME FRAME RUST IN THE FRAME IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE.

Mileage: 124,000

20160824SUSPENSION

AT LAST INSPECTION, I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT THERE IS A LOT OF REAR FRAME RUST ON MY VEHICLE, AND IT MAY NOT BE SAFE TO DRIVE AS THE RUST PROGRESSES. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE. I BOUGHT MY 2002 ISUZU IN SEPT. OF 2012. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE, AND I WOULD NEVER SELL IT IN THE CONDITION IT IS, I BELIEVE ITS NOT SAFE. I NEED A REMEDY.

Mileage: 124,000

20150911STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE WELL RUSTED AND CAUSED THE SPARE TIRE TO DETACH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20150710FireEQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S AIR CONDITIONING UNIT OVERHEATED TO THE POINT THAT IT FRACTURED THE AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL UNIT AND MELTED THE WIRES. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE UNIT ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

Mileage: 158,000

20120809SUSPENSION

I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE SAYING THAT "EXCESSIVE CORROSION MAY RESULT IN THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH." UPON CHECKING INTO THIS, I FOUND OUT THAT THE CLOSEST ISUZU DEALER TO ME IS 2 HOURS AWAY. IT REALLY AMAZES ME THAT ISUZU WOULD WANT ME TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH A SAFETY RECALL 2 HOURS TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. *TR

20120809STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE SAYING THAT "EXCESSIVE CORROSION MAY RESULT IN THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH." UPON CHECKING INTO THIS, I FOUND OUT THAT THE CLOSEST ISUZU DEALER TO ME IS 2 HOURS AWAY. IT REALLY AMAZES ME THAT ISUZU WOULD WANT ME TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH A SAFETY RECALL 2 HOURS TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. *TR

20120516UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ISUZU 2002 RODEO SPORT BRAKING TO STOP AT A STOPLIGHT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TRAILING ARM RIPPED OFF THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE STATION. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE STATION THE WHOLE FRAME WAS BADLY ROTTED. THE SERVICE STATION INFORMED ME THERE MAY BE A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. AFTER SPEAKING WITH AN ISUZU DEALERSHIP AND SUBSEQUENTLY ISUZU OWNER RELATIONS, I WAS TOLD THIS RECALL WAS ONLY FOR THE ISUZU RODEO, NOT THE RODEO SPORT. I BELIEVE THIS RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO THE RODEO SPORT AS THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THIS DEFECT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. I AM CURIOUS IF THERE HAVE BEEN SIMILAR REPORTS OF THIS DEFECT ON THE RODEO SPORT.

Mileage: 100,500

20120509SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION HEARD AS THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL HAD BECOME UNATTACHED FROM THE AXLE AND THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 166,000.

Mileage: 166,000

20111130SUSPENSION:REAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRAME WAS ROTTEN WHERE THE BRACKETS WERE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID 10V436000, SUSPENSION REAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000. UPDATED 01/25/12 *BF

Mileage: 196,000

20111004SUSPENSION:REAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:10V436000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 80,890.

Mileage: 80,890

20110912SUSPENSION:REAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL BRACKET WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V436000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. UPDATED 12/01/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE LEFT SIDE WAS FIXED AND THE RIGHT SIDE IS IN NEED OF REPAIR. UPDATED 05/10/12

Mileage: 93,000

20110902STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

I AM AN OWNER IN KY OF A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT 2-DOOR VEHICLE. ISUZU HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE 4 DOOR VERSION OF THIS VEHICLE. MY RODEO SPORT HAS HAD THE SAME FAILURE THAT THE 4-DOOR VERSION HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR, BUT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE CURRENT RECALL. THE EXISTING RECALL IS FOR RUSTING AND FAILURE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET. *TR

Mileage: 115,392

20110506SUSPENSION:REAR

I HAVE A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT AS I WAS DRIVING DONE THE ROAD IT SUDDUNLY DARTED ACROSS THE CENTER LINE INTO THE OTHER LANE. I SLOWED THE VEHICLE AND GOT BACK IN MY LANE BUT EVERYTIME I WOUD TRY TO SPEED UP IT WOULD DART TO THE SIDE. I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THE THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET HAD BECOME DETACHED. I HAD IT HAULED TO A MACHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE FRAME AT THE POINT WERE THE BRACKET ATTACHED WAS RUSTED THROUGH BUT HE BELEIVED THERE WAS A SAFETY RECAL FOR THIS. I FOUND ONLINE (NHTSA 10V436000) FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CALLED 1-800-255-6727 AS IT STATED TO DO AND GAVE THEM MY VIN# AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY ONLY HAD TO COVER THE 4 DOOR MODELS NOT THE 2 DOOR SPORTS. THIS VEHICLE IS THE SAME FRAME AND IS RUSTED INTO THEY TOLD ME NOT THERE PROBLEM. IT IS UN-SAFE TO DRIVE AND THE 2 DOORS NEED TO BE ADDED TO THE RECALL THEY HAVE THE SAME FRAME. THE PEOPLE AT ISUZU MADE IT VERY CLEAR TO ME THEY WOULD NOT FIX THE 2 DOORS EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW IT IS UN-SAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 122,000

20100906STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

2002 ISUZU RODEO FRAME ROT. *TR

Mileage: 120,000

20100825CrashSTRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

THE STABILIZER FELL OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS ON THE ROAD. LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AT THAT POINT, NEARLY AVOIDED HITTING A LOGGING TRUCK, ENDED UP IN A DITCH. MECHANIC SAID THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND HE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT BEFORE. VEHICLE LOOKS GREAT ON THE OUTSIDE, YOU'D NEVER GUESS IT WAS SO BAD UNDERNEATH. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. *TR

20100131VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

GAS PEDAL ON 2002 ISUZU RODEO, STUCK TO THE FLOOR WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE BUT I AM AFRAID TO "FLOOR" THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN. THERE WAS NO WAY TO RELEASE THE PEDAL, IT WAS NOT CAUSED BY FLOOR MATS OR OTHER OBSTRUCTION, IT WAS MECHANICAL. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE VERY HARD AND SHUT OFF ENGINE AND THEN COAST TO A STOP. THIS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE, BUT AS I SAID I NEVER FLOORED THE PEDAL AGAIN. *TR

Mileage: 92,000

20070905FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE

I CONTACTED THE PLACE OF BUSINESS ABOUT MY DISPUTE TO THEIR WARRANTY COVERAGE. I CALLED ISUZU WARRANY HOTLINE ABOUT THE ISSUE AND RECEIVED SAME DENIAL. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN ON 03/06 ABOUT A FUEL COMPLIANT. TURNS OUT THIS TIME(8/31/07) THEY FOUND THE GAS TANK TO BE FAULTY AND SO FAR IT APPEARS THAT THE TANK HAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. ISUZU WILL NOT COVER THE TANK. ACCORDING TO ONLINE FORUMS THEIR HAVE BEEN MANY ISSUES WITH FUEL SYSTEMS ON THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE. THERE WAS GAS LEAKING FROM THE TANK FOR A LONG TIME AND SPRAYING UNDER THE CAR. UNFORTUNATES THEIR IS NO WAY TO TELL HOW LONG. I AM CURRENTLY GETTING A PRESSURE TEST ON THE TANK TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK. I AM TRYING TO GET THE OWNER, ISUZU, TO REPAIR THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE TANK IS LOCATED UNDER THE DRIVER AND SEEMS DANGEROUS .... ESPECIALLY IF IT IS LEAKING GAS EVERYWHERE. I HOPE NOT TO MANY MORE PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM BUT I THINK IT MAY BE AN ISSUE ALL ACROSS THE BOARD WITH THEIR VEHICLES. *TR

20070423ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TWICE ON THIS VEHICLE WITHIN 3 YEAR TIME FRAME. I CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE DEFECTIVE PART AND WAS ADVISED SINCE I WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, ITS NO THEIR PROBLEM BUT MIND. I ADVISED THE REPRESENTATIVE I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE TO PAY THE COST FOR THE REPAIRS BUT WANTED TO KNOW WAS THIS A DEFECTIVE PART. I ALSO ADVISED THE REPRESENTATIVE THAT I NOTICE, A LOT OF CONSUMER'S REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. SHE ADVISED ME SINCE ITS NOT UNDER WARRANT IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM. IF THIS HAS HAPPEN TO MORE THAN 10 CONSUMER'S I THINK IT IS THEIR PROBLEM, BECAUSE I THING IT'S A DEFECTIVE PART. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME. *TR

Mileage: 128,000

Compare 2002ISUZURODEO SPORT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT have?
The 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT has 28 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT?
Yes, the 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT 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 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT?
The most-complained component for the 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT is SUSPENSION with 5 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION:REAR and STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS.
Is the 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT 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.