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2002 Isuzu Rodeo problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo is body and structure, typically around 100,000 miles. It has 2.6 times the complaints of a typical Rodeo model year.

Year to avoid2.6x the typical complaints
Year score
38/100
Owner complaints
101
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
51
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
16-18mpg

The worst 2002 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 2002 Isuzu Rodeo

Stalling 11ABS 9Jerking 6Transmission failure 5

Recalls 2

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

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported October 7, 2005 · 15,515 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 launched for vehicles registered in texas and the four surrounding states: oklahoma, arkansas, new mexico and louisiana.
Risk
A fuel leak could lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy
For vehicles registered in the states identified above, dealers will provide a new cover over the existing feed port on the fuel pump or, if the existing feed port has already been damaged, dealers will install a new fuel pump that is equipped with the new cover. The new cover will be made of a different material. The recall began on november 25, 2005. Owners may contact isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727.

Recall number 05V466000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo

Defect investigations

Fuel Tank Retention FailureOpened May 23, 2018, closed March 5, 2020

On April 10, 2018, the federal safety agency received a petition from Mr. Kevin Byrne (the Petitioner) requesting that the Agency ?undertake a defects investigation? of ?rust-related detachment of Isuzu Rodeo fuel tanks? (the federal safety agency ID 11091788). The Petitioner experienced a partial fuel tank detachment in his model year (MY) 2004 Isuzu Rodeo in July 2017. On May 23, 2018, ODI opened DP18-001 to evaluate the Petitioner?s request for a defect investigation. ODI sent information request letters to Isuzu and Honda requesting production, design history and field data related to fuel tank retention failures in MY 2001-2004 Isuzu Rodeo, MY 2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom and MY 2001-2002 Honda Passport vehicles equipped with the same fuel tank shield part number as the Petitioner?s vehicle (the ?subject vehicles?). ODI notes that Isuzu manufactured the subject Passport vehicles for Honda. Isuzu implemented a change to the tank shield corrosion protection system as a running change in early MY 2002 production. Isuzu and Honda sold approximately 172,000 subject vehicles in the United States. Fifty-eight (58) percent of the subject vehicles were produced prior to the shield change (99,000) and 42 percent after the change (73,000).ODI?s analysis of field data identified 19 incidents of partial fuel tank detachments in the subject vehicles. The incidents all occurred in states with high road salt usage in winter months (Salt States) and involved older vehicles beyond 10-years in service. On average, the failures occurred in the vehicle?s 13th year-in-service. Evidence of severe general corrosion in multiple undercarriage components was also noted in 13 of the 19 vehicles that experienced partial fuel tank detachments. None of the incidents resulted in fuel leakage or fire. Aside from the petitioner?s vehicle, ODI has not identified any other incidents of complete or partial fuel tank detachment in the MY 2002-2004 subject vehicles equipped with the modified retention shield.In addition, ODI reviewed 24 the federal safety agency complaints alleging corrosion concerns with the fuel tank retention system in the subject vehicles that did not result in fuel tank detachment. Twenty-three (23) of these complaints involve subject vehicles built prior to the shield change. Like the vehicles reporting fuel tank detachments, these vehicles are also all from Salt States and, in most cases (20 of the 24 complaints), the vehicles also experienced severe corrosion concerns in other undercarriage components. Half (12 of the 24 complaints) of the vehicles show prior accident damage in their service histories.Based on these analyses, ODI has not identified evidence of a defect trend for premature corrosion-related fuel tank detachments in the MY 2004 Isuzu Rodeo or similarly equipped vehicles. The damage that may result in tank retention concerns appears to occur progressively over many years with ample opportunity for detection and repair. Furthermore, ODI has not identified any crashes, fires, injuries, or fuel leaks associated with fuel tank retention failures in a population of vehicles that currently range from 16 to 19 years old.Accordingly, the Agency is denying the petition.A summary of ODI?s analysis of this petition will be published in the Federal Register and is also available in the investigative file for this action.the federal safety agency consumer complaints counted in the closing resume for DP18-001 can be reviewed at under the following ODI identification numbers (VOQs in parentheses denote duplicate records): Allegations of fuel tank retention failure: 11084098 (11091788), 10532845, 10486109. Allegations of fuel tank retention component corrosion: 11138931, 10992150, 10845523,

DP18001

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

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo 51

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

See all 51 bulletins for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo

2002 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‑cylRWD15-1720-2117-18
3.2L 6‑cylRWD1519-2017
3.2L 6‑cyl4WD151916-17

What 2002 Isuzu Rodeo owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Body · 91,819 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact recently became aware of severe corrosion on the frame of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 10V436000 (Suspension) approximately 10 years ago. The contact believed that the recall repair should have covered more than just the rear suspension and that the entire subframe should have been included. The vehicle was taken to two independent Collision Centers and was advised that the cost of repair exceeded the value of the vehicle, and the vehicle was declined to be repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,819.

Filed Sep 16, 2025 · Fuel system · 117,000 miles · AR · fire

The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that as she was coasting to the right to stop on the shoulder, she observed that there was smoke in the cabin. The contact stated that after she stopped, she opened the driver's side passenger door and saw that smoke was emitting from under the passenger seat, which had been folded over in "cargo mode." The contact lifted the seat and saw that the seat back was melted, with a black spot in the center. The contact stated that she had a cooler in the back that was full of water, and she poured all of it behind and under the seat. The contact saw that the water evaporated. The contact then checked out outside of the vehicle to see if there was any heat source. The contact observed that flames had formed under the rear driver's side wheel well. The contact stated that a person who lived in the house near where she had stopped had observed what was happening and came out with a fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire. The fire department was not called. The contact had the vehicle towed to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 05V466000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) due to the location of the fuel tank, which was located on the driver's side rear, by the rear wheel well. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2022 · Suspension · 105,370 miles · MO

The contact's son owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated while driving downhill at 40 MPH around a curve with a child sitting in the rear seat, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that upon turning the steering wheel, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact continued driving until the vehicle responded. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while her son was driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the subframe was severely fractured. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 10V436000 (Suspension) had previously been completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,370.

Filed Nov 27, 2021 · Body · GA

Frame rust condition which makes the SUV un repairable

Filed Jul 20, 2017 · Body · 88,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 isuzu rodeo. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the spare tire detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the frame of the vehicle was rusted out. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jul 19, 2017 · Suspension · 150,000 miles · NE

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 isuzu rodeo. The contact stated that there had been extensive rust and corrosion near the axles. The vehicle was not inspected and diagnosed by an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and indicated that the vehicle was excluded from an unknown recall campaign because nebraska was not considered a salt belt state. The manufacturer offered no solution. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to the failure of components potentially fracturing. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 10/18/17*lj

Filed Jan 12, 2017 · Airbags · 180,000 miles · FL

Takata air bag, my 2002 rodeo airbag light is on, on the dashboard, I called the dealer and they said its not part of the recalls, it is a vehicle made by honda and should be covered under the recalls, its the same vehicle as the honda passport just a different yr and its a florida registered automobile, how can I get help with this airbag problem, I shouldnt have to pay for the repairs due to defects and recalls.

Filed Jan 9, 2017 · Brakes, Suspension · 110,000 miles · OH

I have 110,000 miles on vehicle and was just told frame is rusting out. Not safe to drive this car has many miles left on engine, not happy about rusted frame I have heard about , also ABS light goes off and on.

Filed Jul 9, 2016 · Brakes · 133,000 miles · AZ · crash

I pulled into a handicap parking spot in front of a supermarket, put it in park, set the emergency brake. Got out out vehicle, locked the doors. Started to walk away and a guy that was sitting at a table in front of store yelled there goes your car. I ran beside the car to try to open the door to no avail. The car crashed backwards into another vehicle. The police were called and was told by them to call insurance company and to leave if both vehicles were okay to drive. I feel the park gear failed and the emergency brake failed. This has happened before just in park a couple of months ago.

Filed Apr 7, 2016 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 isuzu rodeo. While the vehicle was parked, a fuel odor was noticed around the vehicle. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

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Questions about the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo

Is the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?

Owners have filed 101 complaints about the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo, 2.6 times a typical Rodeo model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo year score?

The 2002 Isuzu Rodeo scores 38 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Isuzu Rodeo: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo?

Body and structure, with 22 complaints, typically around 100,000 miles. Next is brakes (18).

How many recalls does the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo have?

2 recalls, covering suspension and fuel system, gasoline.

What year does the Isuzu Rodeo have the most body problems?

The Isuzu Rodeo model years with the most body complaints are 2001 (214 complaints), 2000 (84 complaints) and 1999 (72 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo range from 16 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 15-17 city and 20-21 highway.

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