Isuzu Rodeo Sport fuel gauge problems

Filed May 23, 2009 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · CO

I have a 2001 rodeo sport, v-6. There apparently is a failure of the fuel pump sending unit. The gas gauge does work properly, moving on it's own, even if the tank is full. The check engine light is on and continues to stay on as the fuel gauge fluctuates. Occasionally, the fuel gauge will show full, upon fill up and the check engine light will go off but as the fuel level drops, the engine light comes back on and the fuel gauge starts to flip out, moving from full to empty and back to full again, it can show any amount of fuel at anytime. As several other owners have pointed out, isuzu is aware of the problem but will not fix the problem. All bet there is a solution to the problem, by replacing the sending unit, this involves dropping the gas tank and removing the fuel pump and replacing the sending unit. Unfortunately, this is not easy for the weekend mechanic who doesn't have the proper tools. I also have a oil problem. There are no leaks of the engine but about every 1500 miles, I use 1-2 quarts of oil. I have read several other complaints like this from other owners. Apparently, isuzu doesn't consider this an issue until it becomes a quart every 1000 miles. There is no apparent reason for the excessive usage, except for blow by or burning it in the cylinders. This is another issue that should be handled by isuzu, there is no reason why an engine, which I have owned and serviced regularly since new, should be burning oil like this. The tailpipe is clean and there is no smoke from the engine and as I have already stated there aren't any leaks to account for the loss of oil. This has been doing this since I purchased the vehicle. This is the second rodeo I have owned and the first never used any oil. I understand that some oil usage is normal but not every 1500 miles on a new engine.

Filed Jan 14, 2008 · Fuel system · 89,000 miles · PA

My mother and stepfather gave me their 2000 isuzu rodeo this summer. About 6 or 7 months prior to them giving me the vehicle its check engine light came on. Once the vehicle would get to a tank of gas the fuel gauge would start to wave back and forth from full to empty with the gas light flashing. The vehicle also begins to sputter and lose power sporadically. I've researched this and found it seems to be a very common problem/trait on a 2000-2001 isuzu rodeo. It appears to be a faulty fuel sending unit which is mounted inside the gas tank with the fuel pump. I think loss of a cars power can be a serious safety risk as the car can begin to stall while pulling out into heavy traffic. The fuel gauge is also a safety risk when it starts to fluctuate it is impossible to know how much gas remains. This could result in running out of gas on a major highway or any other heavily traveled road. I find it shocking that this is such a common problem which has never been recalled and poses a huge safety risk for the owners as well as other drivers on the road. Not to mention I was told the part is several hundred dollars with another few hundred dollars in labor to repair the problem.

Filed May 3, 2007 · Fuel system · GA

My fuel gauge indicator on the dashboard began malfunctioning, swinging from full to empty. There was no prior behavior I can attribute to the malfunction. The car has not been involved in any accidents and has otherwise performed great.I contacted the dealership service department and they have indicated this is a "recognized/known defect but not a recall". My interpretation - "I realize that my product has a defective part, but it's on you, the customer, to fix it." I've been told it will cost roughly $400 to fix the issue. Additionally,the isuzu service manager indicated that my car will not pass emissions. My interpretation - "you have no choice. Give me your money to fix this defective part if you wish to pass emissions."

Filed Feb 13, 2007 · Fuel system · 96,000 miles · NY

The fuel sending unit on the 2001 isuzu rodeo's (all models) are defective displaying a check fuel light, and a faulty readout of fuel left in take. I was told by dealership in my local area that this is a common problem on these cars. So if an isuzu dealership says this is a common problem and an estimated cost of repair is 500+ why not have a recall???

Filed Aug 4, 2005 · Fuel system · PA

The gas gauge does not read the correct amount of fuel in the gas tank. I fill up and the gas light will come on after a few miles and will stay on or will start flashing. This is a problem that can be vary hazardous especially for a woman on the road thinking that she has a full tank of gas and the gas gauge is going insane. Something needs to be done about this problem. It seems as if there are several and mean several others with the same problem. A recall should be sent out!!!!

Filed May 6, 2005 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · SC

When fill car to the max with gasoline at +2.00/gal. I'll drive to work about driving 60 highway miles, the gas gauge reads half fulled. It will stay at half full for about another 60 miles then go down as normal. I mention this to auto repair guys and the never seen anything like it. So it must be a manufacturer malfunction.

Filed Mar 21, 2005 · Fuel system · KS

Defective fuel sending unit on a 1999 isuzu rodeo. Happened just after warranty expired at 60,000 mile. The SUV has 80,000 mile and continuing to have the same problem. This is a very common problem and isuzu will not fix it. It is a manufacturing defect and should be addressed by the manufacturer. The repair cost is approximately $500.00.

Filed Mar 11, 2005 · Fuel system · CA

The fuel gauge will drop down to empty and the check engine light is constantly on. I took it to the dealer and paid and estimate fee of $80 only to have them tell me to buy a new gas cap which I did and the same problem. I can see from this page that other's experience the same problem and feel that this should be repair by isuzu at no cost to me. I had to take it to a shop which replaced the gas tank sensor for $400.00 which I think isuzu should reimburse.

Filed Dec 1, 2004 · Fuel system · OH

Fuel gauge does not work, goes up and down. Daughter drives the car, putting her at risk of running out of fuel on highway while alone.

Filed Jun 10, 2004 · Fuel system · CA

After confurring with many owners of a 1999 isuzu rodeo it is my consensus that there is a manufacturer malfunction with the fuel sending unit. Fuel sending unit is not working properly and causes the gas guage to read empty. Contacting isuzu has done consumers no good since isuzu denies any problem. However it is my understanding from a particular isuzu mechanic that he repairs 3-4 sending units per day. I do not feel it is a consumers responsibility to pay an enormous service cost to fix a problem that we believe the manufacturers know about and have chosen not to recall.