VehicleVerdict

1997 Isuzu Rodeo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1997 Isuzu Rodeo sits mid-pack among Rodeo years: 167 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 121, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (34), tires & wheels (21), and engine (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

167

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Rodeo years?

Rodeo NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rodeo years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Isuzu Rodeo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure3420%
Tires & Wheels2113%
Engine1710%
Airbags138%
Brakes127%
Speed Control117%
Transmission106%
Electrical System106%
Other95%
Visibility & Wipers74%
Suspension74%
Fuel System64%
Seats32%
Latches & Locks21%
Lighting21%
Child Seat11%
Steering11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 1997 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.

“ TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FRAME AND STATED THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE EXTREME RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 29, 2011

“ON APRIL 4, 2005, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 1997 ISUZU RODEO ON INTERSTATE 24 IN MARION COUNTY, TENNESSEE WHEN LEFT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED A TREAD SEPARATION, AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER THREE TIMES. MIRACULOUSLY, SHE SURVIVED. I WANT TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRE,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 4, 2005 · crash

“ENGINE QUITS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, WHEN ENGINE COLD OR HOT, IN DIFFERENT SEASONS AND WEATHER. TIMES BETWEEN EVENTS RANGES FROM A FEW MINUTES TO A FEW MONTHS, NO DISCERNABLE PATTERNS. ENGINE GENERALLY RESTARTS EASILY BUT NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AFTER STARTING. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 2003

“WHILE TRAVELING, A VEHICLE CUT CONSUMER OFF LEAVING CONSUMER TO SWERVE TO THE RIGHT INTO A SAND BARRIER ON THE EXIT RAMP, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES, CONSUMER CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY STATED THAT VEHICLE HAD TO BE HIT A CERTAIN WAY FOR THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. *SLC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

“IN 3 INCIDENTS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON A SLIGHT HILL AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS WHILE NO ONE WAS IN THE VEHICLE, CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO HIT A TREE. DLR CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, HEARD SQEAKY NOISE WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 9, 1997 · crash

1997 Isuzu Rodeo — common questions

Is the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?

It is close to typical for the Rodeo: 167 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1997 Rodeo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (34 complaints), tires & wheels (21 complaints), engine (17 complaints).

Does the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 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.