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2004 Isuzu Rodeo problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo is engine and cooling, typically around 104,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Rodeo model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
39
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
53
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
17-18mpg

The worst 2004 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.

  • Engine
    8
  • Fuel system
    8
  • Suspension
    8
  • Electrical
    5
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Brakes
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Tires
    3
  • Seats
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo

Check engine light 8

Recalls 2

Suspension: rearReported October 31, 2013 · 8,816 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, 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, Kentucky and Missouri. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion near the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link.
Risk
The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Isuzu will notify owners, and 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 event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be sufficient, Isuzu will offer to repurchase the vehicle for an amount based on the Kelley Blue Book "Private Party" price. 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 dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued, after that time owners will be charged for the repairs. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2013. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727.

Recall number 13V547000 · 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 2004 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

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo 53

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

See all 53 bulletins for the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo

2004 Isuzu Rodeo fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.2L 6‑cylRWD1620-2117-18
3.5L 6‑cylRWD162218
3.2L 6‑cyl4WD15-1620-2117
3.5L 6‑cyl4WD152017

What 2004 Isuzu Rodeo owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 31, 2024 · Fuel system · CA

My car continues to smell like gas despite fuel pump and lines having been replaced. The smell is very strong. Don’t see any type of leakage

Filed May 27, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · FL

In Florida, I purchased my 2004 Isuzu Rodeo March 2005 at 134 miles. I've always had issues, but didn't know how to articulate the issues. My truck sits/leans to the right and low in the back. It is uneven as if the shocks or struts are off. Driving one night, the truck slams down/drops low out of no where while driving. When I am driving and need to brake, I have to brake then brake again. I dare not make any sharp turns by parking or anything it's like the truck will slip or axels bend. I am have trouble with the engine currently(September 2022). Oil is leaking but you can't see from where. The engine is making loud rambling sounds. The exhaust sounds muffled. My car parts are not exact because my Rodeo is built like a demo, seemingly. Power Reduced & check engine light happens randomly usually while on the expressway. It slows the vehicle down in the middle of flowing traffic. I have to try to pull over turn car off then back on to try & reset the vehicle. The car now vibrates but don't know from where or cause. How can I get my car repaired?

Filed Nov 20, 2019 · Suspension · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 isuzi rodeo. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v547000 (suspension). The contact stated that he experienced great difficulty having his vehicle serviced. The contact stated that isuzu sent the remedy parts to lupient buick gmc (7100 wayzata blvd, golden valley, mn 55426, (763) 546-2222) where he was informed that the vehicle would need a second inspection in order to be remedied. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Sep 6, 2019 · Suspension, Tires · 171,000 miles · MN

My vehicle is operated in minnesota where road salts are in constant winter use. On august 21, 2019 my mechanic hoisted my SUV and we watched with surprise as some flat rust slabs fell to his shop floor. He looked above the fall location: the spare tire is attached just below a well, and within the spare-tire wheel-gaps were additional loose rust slabs that had not yet fallen. They were removed. The mechanic then pondered a likely cause: he reasoned the metal plate (and/or the areas alongside it) that helps secure the spare tire might be excessively rusty. To see it he had to insert his head up into the well, but which did not give him enough of clear view to assess the matter adequately (nor could I manage to get much of a look). He reasoned that minnesota winter-salt road-spray can reach the well (he said there might be something there called a carrier assembly of parts) and corrode the plate, making it possible for the spare tire to come loose while my SUV is motion, creating a road hazard. We did photography but did not have a flexible-neck camera to insert up into the well. So all we have are snaps of 1) many of flat rust slabs that fell down during the mechanics inspection (shown as a pile on the floor just below the spare tire?s well location) in one photo, and 2) an upward shot at the spare tire with some rust slabs that had not yet fallen, which also offers a general look of wheel and well rust conditions that we saw. Lastly, I decided to visit agencys website to look for similar incidents that might pertain to my vehicle. I came up with id #10649039. It offers a somewhat similar textual narrative describing rear frame rust conditions that makes mention of a spare tire. I created a pdf of photos and incident id #10649039, which I will upload after this pdf. It will be titled part2_ijn5-55344_isuzurodeo2004tiresupportfailurevin[xxx].pdf. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 10, 2018 · Body, Fuel system · MN

2004 isuzu rodeo. Consumer writes in regards to rusted metal bracket straps, bolts and horizontal jacket. *ld the consumer stated due to rust the fuel tank dropped below the car frame at an unsafe angle, very close to complete detachment.

Filed May 20, 2017 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · NC · crash

Brakes pedal pulses like crazy but the brakes don't work when applied.

Filed Aug 17, 2016 · Acceleration, Engine · 158,880 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 isuzu rodeo. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the check engine and the vehicle reduced power warning lights illuminated. In addition, the vehicle stalled. The contact also stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the high pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,880.

Filed Oct 21, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 89,231 miles · NH

Rear of the frame is rotted and crumbling, so there are holes in the frame that are keeping it from being safe, and thus will not pass state safety inspection. The areas affected support such things as the panhard/track bar, body, bumper, spare tire, evap components, rear tow point, as well as others items.

Filed Aug 26, 2014 · Suspension · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 isuzu rodeo. The contact stated that while traveling at any speed, the vehicle abnormally swayed from side to side. The contact received a notification for recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 13v547000 (suspension). However, the parts needed were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable time for the repair. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was unknown.

Filed Jun 9, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 89,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 isuzu rodeo. While the vehicle was being serviced for an unrelated repair, the mechanic noticed that the brake line was rusted and caused brake fluid to leak. The mechanic also stated that both of the rear brakes, calipers, and brake lines needed to be replaced. A non-certified mechanic performed a temporary repair on the vehicle to stop the brake fluid leak. In addition, the contact had to make several attempts to remove the key from the ignition switch. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

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Questions about the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo

Is the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?

Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo, close to a typical Rodeo model year.

What is the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo year score?

The 2004 Isuzu Rodeo scores 74 out of 100 (average). 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 2004 Isuzu Rodeo?

Engine and cooling, with 8 complaints, typically around 104,000 miles. Next is fuel system (8).

How many recalls does the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo have?

2 recalls, covering suspension and fuel system, gasoline.

What year does the Isuzu Rodeo have bad engine?

The Isuzu Rodeo model years with the most engine complaints are 1999 (52 complaints), 1998 (39 complaints) and 2000 (37 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo range from 17 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 20-21 highway.

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