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1998 Isuzu Rodeo problems

The most common problem on the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo is brakes, typically around 75,440 miles. It has 12.3 times the complaints of a typical Rodeo model year.

Typical year12.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
478
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
85
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
16-20mpg

The worst 1998 Isuzu Rodeo problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo

ABS 106Brake failure 52Fuel gauge 21Grinding brakes 13Jerking 13Stalling 11No deployment 9Check engine light 9Engine failure 7Sudden acceleration 7Pulling 5

Recalls 4

Suspension: rearReported September 22, 2010 · 149,992 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Isuzu is recalling certain model year 1998-2002 isuzu rodeo and model year 2002 isuzu axiom vehicles, and honda is recalling certain 1998-2002 honda passport 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, maryland, the district of columbia, west virginia, ohio, indiana, michigan, illinois, wisconsin, minnesota, iowa, missouri, and kentucky. Vehicles that have experienced sustained exposure to highly corrosive materials used in some jurisdictions for road deicing purposes may experience excessive corrosion in the vicinity of the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link prior to the time that such corrosion would normally be expected.
Risk
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 potentially cause a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound. For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the rear suspension lower link bracket and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed. In the rare event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be appropriate, a repurchase offer will be extended to the vehicle's owner. All inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less. For vehicles older than 10 years, isuzu will offer a free remedy, but only if the vehicle is presented to an isuzu service facility, or honda dealer (as applicable), dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued. The safety recall began on december 10, 2010. Isuzu owners may contact isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727. Honda owners may contact honda at 1‑800‑999‑1009.

Recall number 10V436000 · Recall details

Suspension: rearReported March 2, 2000 · 213,736 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Paint was applied unevenly on the rear axles, resulting in insufficient paint hardness. Should this occur on the surface that contacts the rear axle lower link bracket bolt head and/or nut, the nut may loosen.
Risk
The bolt could detach fully, causing separation of the lower link from the rear axle, increasing the risk of loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear axle lower link joint nut and bolt.

Recall number 00V058000 · Recall details

Electrical system: wiring: front underhoodReported July 24, 1998 · 55,475 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. A ground connection terminal was not properly crimped in the supplier's engine wiring harness manufacturing line. This improper crimping process can leave an impression on the terminal that will eventually cause a stress fracture. S
Risk
If a terminal is fractured, the powertrain control module (PCM) can receive an erroneous signal indicating a high vehicle speed, thereby causing the PCM to cut the fuel, causing a 'no-start' condition, or a possible engine stall.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles.

Recall number 98V170000 · Recall details

Unknown or otherReported November 13, 1997 · 233 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with a driver's side optional equipment rubber floor mat. Repeated movement of the driver's feet and actuation of the accelerator pedal can result in a shifting of the mat's position. This shifting can cause an interference with the accelerator pedal.
Risk
This could cause a restriction of the pedal's return to the idle position, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Isuzu is asking for the return of the floor mat set and will reimburse owners for the cost of the rubber floor mat set along with any return shipping costs.

Recall number 97V206001 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo

Defect investigations

Rear Suspension Lower Link DetachmentOpened December 7, 2009, closed October 15, 2010

On September 22, 2010, Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) submitted a Defect Information Report (the federal safety agency Recall 10V‑436) to the federal safety agency affecting approximately 120,000 model year (MY) 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport vehicles and MY 2002 Isuzu Axiom vehicles originally sold, or currently operated, in the following states:Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. All vehicle owners will receive the recall notification.Vehicles 10 years of age or younger will be provided with a free remedy.For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy provided the vehicle is presented to an Isuzu service facility or a Honda dealer (as applicable) no later than twelve (12) months after the date of mailing of the notification letter to the owner.The report describes a condition where vehicles operated in states using certain road deicing materials may exhibit excessive corrosion which may result in the left or right rear suspension lower link bracket becoming detached from the frame.According to Isuzu a detached lower link may affect vehicle handling and potentially cause a crash.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data and found that 114 of the 115 (99%) alleged complete lower link separations from the frame occurred in vehicles originally sold or operated in a state covered by the recall. Of these complaints 2 involved alleged crashes and 21 involved alleged loss of control incidents.The alleged crashes and loss of control incidents all occurred in vehicles operated in a state covered by the safety recall.Isuzu's recall instructs dealers to inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area to determine if corrosion is present.For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the lower link bracket area and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed.For vehicles with no visible signs of corrosion, dealers with apply anti-corrosion material to reduce the likelihood of corrosion developing in the future. Based on Isuzu's safety recall, this Engineering Analysis is closed.A copy of the recall may be assessed on the federal safety agency's website using the reference number above.

EA09018

Rear suspension lower link failureOpened June 16, 2009, closed December 8, 2009

During preliminary evaluation pe09-030, isuzu motors america, inc (isuzu) noted two primary differences once the rear suspension lower link separation occurs between the alleged defect (separation of the lower link from the frame) of this investigation and a safety defect involving lower link separation from the rear axle addressed by isuzu in safety recall 00v‑058.in the case of the defect condition identified in recall 00v‑058, isuzu stated that the attachment bolt could detach fully, causing separation of the lower link from the rear axle possibly creating a loss of vehicle control. Isuzu also stated that this condition occurs early in the service life of the vehicle.in this investigation isuzu noted lower link separation from the frame is a progressive corrosion issue with prior warning to consumers.isuzu also stated that in the event of a lower link separation from the frame, the vehicle is still controllable and can be safely stopped. The office of defect investigation (odi) analyzed complaint data provided by isuzu and america honda motor company, inc (honda), as well as vehicle owner questionnaires submitted to odi from consumers.in total, there were 60 unique reports of lower link separations from the frame including 1 alleged crash and 7 loss of vehicle control incidents that may be related to the alleged defect.most of these complaints indicated that there was no warning prior to the link separation.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea09-018) to further assess the scope, frequency and risk to motor vehicle safety of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.

PE09030

Braking system/ABSOpened March 31, 1999, closed July 31, 2002

There is no summary currently available

EA99008

Broken accelerator pedalOpened October 9, 1998, closed February 18, 1999

Complaints alle that the honda passport (the honda passport and isuzu rodeo are similar vehicles, both manufactured by isuzu) accelerator pedal separates from the pedal linkage.

PE98054

Braking system/ABSOpened September 23, 1998, closed March 31, 1999

PE98051

Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo 85

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 85 bulletins for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo

1998 Isuzu Rodeo fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.2L 4‑cylRWD182220
3.2L 6‑cylRWD15-161916-17
3.2L 6‑cyl4WD15-161916-17

What 1998 Isuzu Rodeo owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 22, 2019 · Brakes · CO

4s2cm58w0w4[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Feb 15, 2019 · Suspension · 170,000 miles · PA

Rusted suspension. Broke off from frame

Filed Mar 3, 2016 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · AR

Sudden uncontrolled acceleration at stop or moving slow in town. Extreme danger !!and has happened several times.

Filed Feb 24, 2016 · Airbags, Brakes · NC

My air bag light will not go off...had codes checked and cleared but the light come back on....brakes has been replaced...but breaking distance is extended

Filed Dec 18, 2015 · Body · 168,000 miles · NJ

Driving on highway hit a pothole and heard a loud thump from rear passenger side of vehicle. I didn't think much of it till the next day when I drove to work. It seemed every bump I got the same noise. Got to work,looked under car, all seemed fine. Just happened to look in rear cargo are and saw lump in carpet. The spring was poking up thru the rear floor !!!! How is this not a recall? After seeing the posts online I realize this is common. I never knew, been driving vehicle for 10 years with no issues.

Filed Sep 17, 2015 · FL

Is the ignition switch in my isuzu the same as the one recalled by g.m.? It looks exactly like it.

Filed Jul 21, 2015 · Body · 230,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 isuzu rodeo. While driving at 50 MPH, the rear of the vehicle failed to stay in position. The contact had to continuously steer the vehicle to keep the vehicle in position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the sub frame on the rear driver side was corroded and fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, who confirmed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 230,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Dec 5, 2014 · Body · PA

Rearend came loose driving went to get check out,bad news clamps holding rearend to frame came apart because frame rusted out and their is noting to hold on to because frame gone.so want do I do next?

Filed Oct 6, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 137,450 miles · WI

As I was driving the vehicle down the road the spare tire and trailer hitch fell off from underneath the vehicle almost causing a huge accident. Upon inspecting the under body of the vehicle I observed the rear frame totally rusted off and missing. The rest of the frame is badly rusted also. I just purchased the vehicle and did not know of the rotted frame issue on these cars. Please help as I don't have money to buy another car.

Filed Sep 10, 2014 · Body · NC

Isuzu has recalled my 1998 isuzu rodeo due to frame rust. The frame is rusted to the point of it almost not being drivable. The vehicle now has 183,000 miles and everything on it is okay other than the frame. I was told that the recall has expired. It is not my fault that the problem wasn't addressed to me. I am just asking to get answers on what I should do about getting this recall work done because it isn't fair for me to have to suffer due to a manufacturer defect.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo

Is the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?

Owners have filed 478 complaints about the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, 12.3 times a typical Rodeo model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo?

Brakes, with 222 complaints, typically around 75,440 miles. Next is body (69).

How many recalls does the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo have?

4 recalls, covering suspension, electrical system and unknown or other.

What year does the Isuzu Rodeo have bad brakes?

The Isuzu Rodeo model years with the most brakes complaints are 1998 (222 complaints), 1999 (214 complaints) and 2000 (36 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo get?

Official estimates for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo range from 16 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 22 highway.

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