VehicleVerdict

2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 68 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.1 times the median Rodeo Sport year — the 2001 model ranks #1 of 6 Rodeo Sport years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Body & Structure leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (31% of the total).

68

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Rodeo Sport years?

Rodeo Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted68 complaints1998: 13 complaints1999: 19 complaints2000: 14 complaints2001: 68 complaints2002: 28 complaints2003: 1 complaints
Rodeo Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rodeo Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure2131%
Suspension1421%
Fuel System812%
Electrical System57%
Brakes46%
Engine46%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Speed Control23%
Steering23%
Transmission23%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Airbags11%
Other11%

Does the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V298000Fuel SystemOctober 5, 2000 · 3,052 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DURING THE MANUFACTURE OF CERTAIN FUEL RETURN HOSES, INCORRECT RUBBER MATERIAL FOR THE OUTER LAYER WAS USED.

Consequence

THE FUEL RETURN HOSE DOES NOT MEET OZONE-RESISTANT SPECIFICATIONS, AND COULD ULTIMATELY CRACK, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE IF THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH AN INCORRECT HOSE. IF IT IS INCORRECT, DEALERS WILL REPLACE IT.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ISUZU RODEO FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED . THE ISUZU CORP WANT TO FIX WITH REAR BRACKETS THIS WILL NOT FIX THE SUV NEEDS A WHOLE NEW FRAME ONE THAT IS MADE OUT OF GOOD STEEL AND INCLOSED AND COATED . NOT ISPECTABLE IN MY STATE . WE WANT A REFUND THAT IS COMPARABLE TO THE REAL KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 4, 2009 · crash

“2001 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. CONSUMER STATES CORROSION FRAME CRACKS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE 4-DOOR MODELS, BUT NOT THE 2-DOOR MODELS. *JB UPDATED 07/03/12 THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW WHY THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALLOWED TO LIMIT ITS FIX OF VEHICLE'S REGARDING THE RECALL. UPDATED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 2, 2012

“THE FUEL SENDING UNIT ON THE 2001 ISUZU RODEO'S (ALL MODELS) ARE DEFECTIVE DISPLAYING A CHECK FUEL LIGHT, AND A FAULTY READOUT OF FUEL LEFT IN TAKE. I WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP IN MY LOCAL AREA THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE CARS. SO IF AN ISUZU DEALERSHIP SAYS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 1, 2007

“THE ALARM GOES OFF ANYTIME THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW 30 DEGREES. THIS ONLY HAPPENS IF THE CAR IS LOCKED. KEEPING THE CAR UNLOCKED IN COLD WEATHER IS THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT IT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. OUR NEIGHBORS WOULD DISAGREE WHEN IT IS HONKING AWAY AT 2 IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 7, 2006

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 70 MPH, THE LOSS OF POWER WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND THE CONTACT CROSSED OVER FIVE LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 11, 2008

2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport — common questions

Is the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 68 complaints put the 2001 model at #1 of 6 Rodeo Sport years. It is one of the Rodeo Sport years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 Rodeo Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (21 complaints), suspension (14 complaints), fuel system (8 complaints).

Does the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Isuzu Rodeo Sport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rodeo Sport years to avoid are 2001. The cleanest record among Rodeo Sport years belongs to 2003.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.