VehicleVerdict

1996 Isuzu Rodeo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1996 Isuzu Rodeo sits mid-pack among Rodeo years: 121 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 121, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 18 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (26), engine (14), and brakes (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

121

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

18

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Rodeo years?

Rodeo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 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, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rodeo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Isuzu Rodeo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels2621%
Engine1412%
Brakes119%
Airbags119%
Body & Structure108%
Visibility & Wipers76%
Suspension76%
Other65%
Transmission54%
Electrical System54%
Speed Control54%
Steering54%
Latches & Locks32%
Seats22%
Fuel System22%
Seat Belts11%
Lighting11%

Does the 1996 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.

“I WAS TRAVELING SOUTHBOUND ON INTERSTATE 75 IN KENTUCKY IN A MOUNTAINOUS AREA. I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT HAND LANE AND I HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE CROSSED THE RIGHT HAND LANE, REVERSED DIRECTIONS, AND SIDE SWIPED THE ROCK WALL BETWEEN THE INTERSTATE LANES.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 30, 2000 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, ANOTHER VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF MY VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED ME TO HIT THAT VEHICLE HEAD-ON AND DURING THAT TIME AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY; ALSO, REPLACED OXYGEN SENSOR/FUEL SENDING UNIT/WIRING HARNESS PROCESSING ASSEMBLY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 18, 1996 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 ISUZU RODEO. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION TRAVELING 35 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 24, 2010 · crash

“I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT WERE LISTED IN COMPLAINTS BY OTHERS, #'S 859650,531879,817894,801727. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 21, 2000 · crash

“LUGS: NUTS STRIPPED THE METAL IN MALE FORM. AIR GUN STRIPED THE METAL PARTS WHEN MECHANIC WAS REMOVING THE WHEELS. ALSO, ELECTRICAL DOOR LOCKS ARE NOT GOING ALL THE WAY DOWN. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, AND THE RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 24, 2000

1996 Isuzu Rodeo — common questions

Is the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?

It is close to typical for the Rodeo: 121 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1996 Rodeo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (26 complaints), engine (14 complaints), brakes (11 complaints).

Does the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1996 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.