1999 Isuzu Rodeo: engine failure

8 of the 550 complaints about the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 81,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 7 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2003
2
2002
1
2000
4
1999
8
1998
7
1997
1
1994
2
1993
1
1992
1
1991
1

What owners say

Filed Jun 21, 2014 · Engine · 160,784 miles · NC

The engine blew up. I had the oil changed after thanksgiving 07. Started college in jan. 08, second week in traviling down along hill the engine blew up. It had only been 7 weeks since last oil change.

Filed Jan 30, 2013 · Brakes, Suspension · 170,000 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 isuzu rodeo. The contact stated that while trying to decelerate, the rear brakes seized and the vehicle skidded. The contact also stated that the brake warning light constantly illuminated. The contact believed that the failure may have been due to an ABS failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who replaced the ABS module but the failure recurred. While the vehicle was being inspected, the technician also noticed that the frame was rusted and corroded. The vehicle was repaired under recall the federal safety agency campaign number id 10v436000 (suspension) but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Dec 12, 2005 · Engine · AL

Jan 2004, I started my vehicle and drove about 500 ft when the vehicle started to operate rough. I turned around to go back the parking lot and white smoke (steam I believe) was coming from the exhaust pipe. The isuzu dealer ship told the warranty company that I had been operating the vehicle overheated and that the only thing to do was to replace the entire engine. The temp gauge has never read above median range. I had the head gasket and thermostat replaced by my local mechanic and he said there was no reason to replace the engine just the gaskets. Now, I was setting in traffic 11/2005 and the same thing started happening. What is the issue with the head gasket? Are they defective?

Filed Mar 4, 2004 · Engine · 81,000 miles · KS

While driving 70 MPH on the interstate, my SUV (1999 isuzu rodeo) began make significant noise and lost all engine power immediately. After being towed to local mechanic, I was informed the engine had been blown because of a lack of oil. Documented records show that 5 quarts were replaced 6 weeks ago (2500 miles). The oil has been changed regularly approx every 3000 miles, even though recommendation from the manufacture suggest changing every 7500 miles. There has not been any severe driving conditions that would explain the rapid oil consumption, and the majority of the miles are highway miles. There was no warning light from the oil pressure gauge prior to disaster, no history of previously documented rapid oil consumption, and no indication of an oil leak. Estimates have ranged from $6000-$8500 for a refurbished or new engine. This is a leased vehicle with approx. 81000 miles and not covered by a warranty any longer. From researching on the web and this site, this appears to be very common incident. I have never recieved any notification regarding this matter. I firmly believe this problem has been directly related to a manufacturing problem in the engine, and the companies (isuzu/honda) have done nothing to inform their customers of the potential problem and risks. I recommend an investigation into this issue and possibly a class action lawsuit for negligence.

Filed Dec 1, 2003 · Engine · 73,893 miles · LA

Orginal valve stem seals malfunctioned. Excessive amounts oil entered combustion chamber causing accumulation of abnormal amounts of carbon deposits which raised temperature in comubustion chamber leading to pre-ignition / detonation which ruined the engine. Cost over $7,500 to replace engine that was only 4 years old and had been driven less than 75,000 miles under normal operation.

Filed Oct 29, 2003 · Engine · 68,000 miles · IN

While driving 70 MPH engine failed without warning.

Filed Jun 24, 2003 · Engine · 60,800 miles · VA

Vehicle revs up when idling, at a stop sign it wants to keep going forward. And after only 3 1/2 years of driving it, my engine needs to be replaced.

Filed Jul 25, 2000 · Engine · MI

After 5 months, 7,500 miles, while driving on interstate, engine began tapping and resulted in severe engine damage. Dealer has rodeo, but cannot locate engine. We are afraid that vehicle will lose market value because of engine replacement in early years of ownership.