VehicleVerdict

1991 Isuzu Rodeo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1991 Isuzu Rodeo is among the quieter years of the Rodeo on NHTSA's books: 60 complaints (50% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (13), engine (12), and brakes (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

60

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

19

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Rodeo years?

Rodeo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted735 complaints1990: 0 complaints1991: 60 complaints1992: 112 complaints1993: 41 complaints1994: 122 complaints1995: 233 complaints1996: 121 complaints1997: 167 complaints1998: 627 complaints1999: 735 complaints2000: 354 complaints2001: 515 complaints2002: 121 complaints2003: 19 complaints2004: 68 complaints2008: 1 complaints
Rodeo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rodeo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Isuzu Rodeo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1322%
Engine1220%
Brakes712%
Electrical System610%
Seat Belts58%
Body & Structure47%
Fuel System47%
Speed Control23%
Other23%
Suspension23%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Lighting12%

Does the 1991 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?

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

06E065000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 3,593 units

Defect

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

91V118000TransmissionJuly 12, 1991 · 3,023 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DT: VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED IN A FIRE. TRANSMISSION INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON, AND DRIVER PULLED OVER AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE HAD A RECALL BUT CALLERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER, BUT CALLER COULDN'T REACH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 29, 2005 · fire

“ COMING OFF OF THE INTWERSTATE, THE EMGINE COUGHT ON FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. A FIRE TRUCK HAD TO PUT THE FLAMES OUT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 8, 2000 · fire

“CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE WAS DRIVING VEHICLE AND SLAMMED ON BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING A VAN, AT THIS TIME SHE LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND IT OVERTURNED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND SLID DOWN THE FREEWAY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 6, 1996 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL. DRIVER PULLED OVER, AND WITHIN MINUTES VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED BY FLAMES. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · fire

“CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 95V103009 NOTICE CONCERNING SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY FAILURE. AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE SEAT BELT BECAME UNDONE WHILE DRIVING ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHO INSTALLED A GUIDE KIT, BUT PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK DEALER ONLY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · March 5, 2004

1991 Isuzu Rodeo — common questions

Is the 1991 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 60 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Rodeo year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1991 Rodeo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (13 complaints), engine (12 complaints), brakes (7 complaints).

Does the 1991 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Isuzu Rodeo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Isuzu Rodeo under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Isuzu Rodeo years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rodeo years to avoid are 1999, 1998, 2001, 2000, 1995, 1994. The cleanest record among Rodeo years belongs to 1990.

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.