Check a VIN

Isuzu Rodeo harsh shifting problems

10 of the 2,474 owner complaints about the Isuzu Rodeo describe harsh or hard shifting, most of them for the 1999 model year.

owner complaints
10
worst model year
1999
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2002
    2
  • 2001
    1
  • 2000
    2
  • 1999
    3
  • 1998
    2

What owners say

Filed Feb 27, 2013 · Suspension · MA

Today while driving to work on the highway. My isuzu rodeo started to sway on the highway. And when I let off the gas the rear end began clunking as it slowed. It feels like im towing dead weight. I stopped at a gas station and it was smoking under the rear end. Its unsafe to drive. There is something major wrong with the rear end of the car. I bring my car in every 2 1/2 months since I travel alot, to get checked up and the oil changed. I have not had and issue and if I did I would fix them. After reading the stories online about the rear end recall I feel I have the same issue. At the moment I have no car and im stuck at work. And need info how to get my car recalled for this issue. Since its unsafe to drive.

Filed Mar 23, 2011 · Suspension · NY

A recall was performed to my dissatisfaction. It was for corrosion of the brackets in the rear suspension lower link of the car. It was considered a tier 4. Tier 5 level means that the car has to be totaled out. The car came back with missing bolts, screws etc. It is making horrible clunking noises when you turn the wheel and it shakes when you drive. I think the underneath of my car is so rusted out that nothing could attach to it. I think that isuzu should have issued a recall to replace the whole frame of the car. I have read numerous blogs on edmunds.com relating to this same issue. It is a very serious and dangerous matter. Isuzu should issue another recall or total out the vehicles before a fatality occurs.

Filed May 27, 2008 · Transmission · 47,709 miles · GA

Transmission began hard shifting and slipping. Took it to dealer and dealer installed a new transmission servo cover and replaced 4 quarts of transmission fluid. Dealer indicated that original servo cover had cracked and indicated verbally this was becoming common. Problem was repaired under warranty but if this repair is becoming common and can result in complete transmission failure a warning should be issued to alert owners of this problem so the servo cover can be replaced before it's failure causes larger problems.

Filed Sep 26, 2006 · Fuel system · 37,000 miles · PA

The gas gauge is faulty. I have heard of many complaints and that when there are hard shifts (turns) or press harder on the acceleration causes the gas gauge to work incorrectly and the gas light comes on. This is happening to my car currently. Furthermore, after the light comes on the check engine light comes on.

Filed Aug 27, 2003 · Transmission · CA

While shifting vehicle mode switch light appeared on the dashboard, causing a hard shift, especially when down shifting. Vehicle jumped and skipped uncontrollably.

Filed Jun 1, 2003 · Transmission · 48,000 miles · CA

The transmission intermittently had a hard shift as if the car was rearended while shifting. This occurred at all speeds and gears. The vehicle has been to the dealer on several occasions, but they are unable to duplicate the problem. They say the computer showed no errors when tested.

Filed Aug 28, 2001 · Transmission · CA

There was a terrible slipping and clunking noise at differential which began at 16000 miles. Dealer attempted to make repairs by adding heavy grease on five different occasions. Dealer also advised consumer that it was a "manufacturing defect and could not be fixed". Please add additional information.

Filed Jun 7, 2001 · Electrical · CA

At 9k miles the car stalled while at stop lights - dealer said they forgot to update the computer chip in the car - at 21k miles the air conditioner and turn signals failed and the car would shift hard while accelerating at 15-20 MPH then again at 50 MPH - also hard shift at 15 MPH on the down shift - dealer said it needed a new transmission at 21k miles !!! New transmission put in and I drove car for 11 days - exact same prob reocurred (air & turn signals failed & hard shift) - dealer said it was the drive train - they took it apart and lubed it then returned car to me - drove car for 4 days and exact same prob reocurred (air and signals failed and hard shift) - dealer said it was an exposed wire which they replaced - picking up car tomorrow so we'll see if the same problem happens a fourth time .

Filed Sep 29, 1999 · Brakes · MS

Rear ABS brakes operate erratically. Would cause extended stopping distance when applied. The brake pedal would jump quickly. Brakes would make clunking noises after stopping. The pavement would be dry. Been to dealer & informed by mechanic the ABS actuator had to be replaced.

Filed Oct 13, 1998 · Transmission · NJ

Transmission slipping and makes clunking noise whenever consumer shifts into drive. Vehicle been in/out of dealer shop on three occasions, and problem still unresolved.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported July 12, 1991 · 3,023 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The transmission fluid level gauges (dip sticks) installed in these vehicles are not to designed specifications. The gauge indicates that transmission fluid should be added when it is at the correct level.
Risk
Adding more transmission fluid than required will causethe fluid to leak through the fluid level gauge tube onto the manifold as theengine temperature rises. This creates a potential for a fire.
Remedy
Replace oil level gauge and notify owners to use only the specified amount of automatic transmission fluid.

Recall number 91V118000 · Recall details

Questions about the Isuzu Rodeo harsh shifting

Which Isuzu Rodeo years have harsh or hard shifting problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1999 (3 complaints), 1998 (2 complaints) and 2000 (2 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Isuzu Rodeo?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history