Isuzu Rodeo

Is your Isuzu Rodeo a lemon?

The Isuzu Rodeo has always been considered an eye catching SUV. It is on sale in more than 130 countries around the globe. Originally built in Thailand, the Isuzu Rodeo is available as a single or double cab with a 4X4 drive train. Consumers have the option of either a 2.5-liter (99 bhp) direct injection turbo diesel engine or a 3.0-liter (129 bhp) turbo diesel engine.

Passenger safety has been addressed with the inclusion of driver and passenger airbags, side impact protection door beams, Anti Lock Brakes, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, and front seat-belt pretensioners. The Isuzu Rodeo also offers rear door childproof locks, central door locking, a fuel tank fire protector and a skid plate engine protector.

However, the Isuzu Rodeo has faced criticism and recalls due to a number of problems with the vehicle.

Common Problems

The following are common problems faced by Isuzu Rodeo owners, as filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump
• Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Switches: Brake Warning
• Electrical Wiring Harness Problems
• Starting Problems
• Transmission Problems

Isuzu Rodeo owners have made the following comments:

"We have a Rodeo that is acting up again. In the last three years we've had two new fuel pumps installed, plus an intake manifold gasket. Now it's doing the same old thing once again. We've had three different mechanics tell us they don't know what the trouble is. We don't know what in the world to do now."

"Hi, I got a Rodeo LS 4WD yesterday... and the problems began today. When the engine is cold everything goes OK, but after running for a while and the engine is warm it will have problems starting. Also, when you come to a stop and the engine is idling for a few second it will die 2 out of 3 times. "

According to recalls filed with the NHTSA, certain vehicles have developed small pin holes in the fuel pump feed port due to exposure to fuel contaminated with silicon. The pinholes cause a fuel leak, which in turn can lead to vehicle fires. Silicon has been identified in the fuel systems of affected vehicles and in certain fuel available in the region of Tyler, Texas.

On some Isuzu Rodeos, the brake warning lamp fails to illuminate when the brake fluid volume is low, which is a violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

Government bulletins and online forums are rife with complaints about the Isuzu Rodeo. There is even discussion underway about launching a class action suit. If you are an Isuzu Rodeo owner experiencing problems with your vehicle, you may find an avenue of redress through contacting other owners via online forums.

Legal Rights

See the listing at the above right for things you can do.