VehicleVerdict

1994 Isuzu Rodeo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1994 Isuzu Rodeo carries two red flags at once: 122 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: BRUSH/GRILLE GUARD CAMPAIGN). It is one of the Rodeo years to avoid. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (16), electrical system (15), and engine (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

122

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

6

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Rodeo years?

Rodeo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 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, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rodeo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Isuzu Rodeo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1613%
Electrical System1512%
Engine1512%
Tires & Wheels1411%
Brakes1210%
Latches & Locks97%
Visibility & Wipers87%
Speed Control87%
Body & Structure76%
Steering65%
Suspension43%
Fuel System32%
Seat Belts22%
Other11%
Lighting11%
Seats11%

Does the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?

5 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.

02V281000Seat BeltsOctober 15, 2002 · 14,449 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS, THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MID-DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-643-4070.

97V034001Electrical SystemMarch 7, 1997 · 118,485 units

Defect

AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITHIN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR CAN CONTAIN MANUFACTURING ERRORS.

Consequence

THIS CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CHARGING OF THE VEHICLE'S ALTERNATOR, RESULTING IN ENGINE CONTROL MALFUNCTION, AND/OR EVENTUAL ENGINE STALL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR WITH A NEW REGULATOR.

96V170002Seat BeltsSeptember 17, 1996 · 36,075 units

Defect

THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE.

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

SQ96009

BRUSH/GRILLE GUARD CAMPAIGN

ADDITION INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE NATURE AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE SUBJECT BULLETIN.LOSS OF AN ITEM THIS SIZE WOULD HAVE SAFETY COSEQUENCES.THIS SQ IS OPENED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DESCENDING FROM 4 WHEEL DRIVE TO 2 WHEEL DRIVE/SHIFTING INTO 2ND GEAR, VEHICLE ACCELERATED, VEHICLE POPPED BACK INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SD”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 24, 1996 · crash

“NHTSA CAMPAIGN 94V132000; ISUZU ISSUED A CAM SHAFT RECALL ON THE ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL LEAKING OIL, EVEN AFTER REPAIRED TWICE FOR THAT RECALL.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 1, 2005

“ABOUT TWO DAYS AGO THE POWER WINDOWS ON MY RODEO SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING SO WE TOOK THE CONTROL OUT THINKING THAT MAYBE THE WIRES VIBRATED LOOSE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. WHEN WE REMOVED THE CONTROL THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CONTROL OR THE WIRING THAT WE COULD SEE BY JUST LOOKING AT IT SO WE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 14, 2006 · fire

“REAR DRIVERSIDE TIRE (BF GOODRICH RADIAL LONG TRAIL T/A) ON AN ISUZU RODEO RAPIDLY SEPARATED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER 1-1/4 TIMES. ROOF OF THE VEHICLE CAVED IN AS WELL AS THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING HEAD INJURIES TO ONE OCCUPANT OF 5 IN THE VEHICLE. ALL 5…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 22, 2008 · crash

“ON 2 OCCASIONS VEHICLE TOOK OFF WITHOUT FOOT ON ACCELERATOR AND SHIFTING INTO 3RD GEAR. CONSUMER TRIED TO APPLY BRAKES, BUT COULD NOT OVERRIDE ACCELERATION. CONSUMER HAD TO TURN OFF ENGINE AND COAST TO SIDE.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

1994 Isuzu Rodeo — common questions

Is the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 122 complaints put the 1994 model at #7 of 16 Rodeo years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Rodeo years to avoid.

What are the most common 1994 Rodeo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (16 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints), engine (15 complaints).

Does the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (BRUSH/GRILLE GUARD CAMPAIGN). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

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.