VehicleVerdict

2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Rodeo Sport years?

Rodeo Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted68 complaints1998: 13 complaints1999: 19 complaints2000: 14 complaints2001: 68 complaints2002: 28 complaints2003: 1 complaints
Rodeo Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rodeo Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1100%

Does the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V547000SuspensionOctober 31, 2013 · 8,816 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

05V466000Fuel SystemOctober 7, 2005 · 15,515 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“OWN A 2003 ISUZU RODEO. CAR LOOKS IN GREAT SHAPE ON THE OUTSIDE BUT THE OTHER DAY, THE STABILIZER CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING. BARELY AVOIDED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. MECHANIC SAID HE NEVER SAW ANYTHING THAT BAD BEFORE, SEVERE RUST ON THE FRAME. CAN'T BE FIXED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A LARGE SCALE PROBLEM AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 20, 2010

2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport — common questions

Is the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.