VehicleVerdict

1993 Isuzu Rodeo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 1993 Isuzu Rodeo is among the quieter years of the Rodeo on NHTSA's books: 41 complaints (66% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (8), engine (5), and transmission (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

41

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

6

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Rodeo years?

Rodeo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rodeo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Isuzu Rodeo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels820%
Engine512%
Transmission410%
Latches & Locks37%
Brakes37%
Electrical System37%
Fuel System37%
Visibility & Wipers37%
Steering25%
Body & Structure25%
Suspension25%
Seat Belts12%
Other12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 1993 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.

94V132000EngineJuly 19, 1994 · 122,297 units

Defect

CONSTANT EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSES THE CAMSHAFT SEAL END PLUG CAN BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. THIS ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE CAMSHAFT.

Consequence

THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE FROM OIL LEAKING ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL CAMSHAFT END SEAL PLUG RETAINER PLATES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DANIEL STANSBURY ON AUGUST 10, 2000, WAS DRIVING EASTBOUND ON INTERSTATE 16 NEAR METTER, GA, WHEN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE SEPARATED, CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE, RESULTING IN TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF HIS 1993 ISUZU RODEO. HE HEARD THE TIRE TREAD SEPARATE, WHICH SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 10, 2000 · crash

“MAKE:ISUZU MODEL:RODEO YEAR:1993 CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 94V132000 DEALER SAID THAT I WAS NOT ON THERE DATA BASE. BUT MY ISUZU HAS THE SAME PROBLEM; OIL LEAK FROM THE CAM SHAFT AND THE OIL IS LEAKING ON TO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM. PLEASE ADVISE THANKS IN ADVANCE ILDEFONSO [PHONE]. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 28, 2006

“WOULD BE DRIVING & STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES. VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR ON ITS OWN INTO SAFE MODE. THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON PRIOR TO DOWN SHIFTING. THE ENGINE CAN BE HEARD SHIFTING DOWN. VEHICLE HARDLY MOVED. THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. HAVE BEEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES CONCERNING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 17, 1998

“SMELLING GASOLINE, INVESTIGATION SHOWED GAS TANK WAS RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT THAT FINGERS COULD BE PUSHED INTO TANK. ALMOST ALL OF IT WAS LIKE THIN PAPER MACHE. REPLACED TANK AND ONE YEAR LATER THE GAS FILLER TUBE ALSO RUSTED OUT. 1993 RODEO PURCHASED NEW--GAS TANK REPLACED IN 2008--FILLER GAS TUBE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 10, 2008

“WOULD BE DRIVING & STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES. VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR ON ITS OWN INTO SAFE MODE. THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON PRIOR TO DOWN SHIFTING. THE ENGINE CAN BE HEARD SHIFTING DOWN. VEHICLE HARDLY MOVED. THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. HAVE BEEN TO DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES CONCERNING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 17, 1998

1993 Isuzu Rodeo — common questions

Is the 1993 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 41 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Rodeo year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1993 Rodeo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (8 complaints), engine (5 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 1993 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Isuzu Rodeo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.