VehicleVerdict

1992 Isuzu Rodeo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1992 Isuzu Rodeo sits mid-pack among Rodeo years: 112 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 120, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 9 deaths and 17 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (23), engine (17), and brakes (13), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

112

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

19

Fires reported

17

Injuries

9

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Rodeo years?

Rodeo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rodeo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Isuzu Rodeo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2321%
Engine1715%
Brakes1312%
Electrical System1110%
Tires & Wheels109%
Seat Belts98%
Visibility & Wipers54%
Fuel System44%
Steering44%
Body & Structure44%
Suspension44%
Speed Control33%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Lighting22%
Seats11%

Does the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH WHEN CLUTCH EXPLODED. THE FLY WHEEL, PLUS MESCELLANEOUS CLUTCH PARTS, ALONG WITH PARTS OF THE TRANSMISSION COVER AND STARTER WERE SPRAYED ONTO HIGHWAY. SEVERAL OF THE HOT PARTS FLEW INTO THE GRASS, NEXT TO THE HIGHWAY, STARTING A FIRE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 13, 1998 · fire

“WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE VEHICLE WILL POP OUT OF GEAR, AND BOLTS THAT HOLD THE WHEEL WERE CRACKED AND HAD TO REPLACED. ALSO, THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD/ REAR BACK UP LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING/ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT, AND CRACKSHAFT BROKE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 2, 1992

“WHEN DRIVING AND UPON ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A STOP, WHEN THERE IS A BUMP IN ROAD WAY, AND ONCE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK THE PROBLEM ALSO OCCURS WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS UNEVEN. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD . FIRE WAS CAUSED BY WIRING HARNESS. ALSO, A MECHANIC INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND FOUND THATTRANSMISSION HAD A LEAK OVER EXHAUST IN JULY THAT CAUSED A FIRE UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. TRANSMISSION SEAL WAS WORN OUT AND CAUSED THE FIRE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 10, 2000 · fire

“CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE AND TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, UPON INSPECTION NOTICED THAT THE RF TREAD HAD COME OFF THE TIRE, FLEW UP AND BROKE THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR, 2 MONTHS LATER CONSUMER HEARD SAME NOISE AND THIS TIME THE RR TIRE TREAD CAME OFF AND DENTED THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 1, 1999

1992 Isuzu Rodeo — common questions

Is the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?

It is close to typical for the Rodeo: 112 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 1992 Rodeo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (23 complaints), engine (17 complaints), brakes (13 complaints).

Does the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1992 Isuzu Rodeo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 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.