VehicleVerdict

2003 Isuzu Rodeo problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 19 complaints on file for the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

19

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Rodeo years?

Rodeo NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rodeo years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Isuzu Rodeo problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine421%
Body & Structure421%
Brakes211%
Fuel System211%
Suspension211%
Transmission211%
Tires & Wheels15%
Speed Control15%
Electrical System15%

Does the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V547000SuspensionOctober 31, 2013 · 8,816 units

Defect

Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion near the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link.

Consequence

The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound. For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the rear suspension lower link bracket and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed. In the event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be sufficient, Isuzu will offer to repurchase the vehicle for an amount based on the Kelley Blue Book "Private Party" price. All inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less. For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy, but only if the vehicle is presented to an Isuzu service facility dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued, after that time owners will be charged for the repairs. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2013. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

05V466000Fuel SystemOctober 7, 2005 · 15,515 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES AND IN CERTAIN FUEL AVAILABLE IN THE REGION OF TYLER, TEXAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN TEXAS AND THE FOUR SURROUNDING STATES: OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO AND LOUISIANA.

Consequence

A FUEL LEAK COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES IDENTIFIED ABOVE, DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW COVER OVER THE EXISTING FEED PORT ON THE FUEL PUMP OR, IF THE EXISTING FEED PORT HAS ALREADY BEEN DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW COVER. THE NEW COVER WILL BE MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

03V390000BrakesOctober 10, 2003 · 55 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE IN THE EVENT OF DECREASED BRAKE FLUID VOLUME.

Remedy

THE DIODES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2003 RODEO ENGINE FAILUE AT 48K. ISUZU REFUSES TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY AND BLAMING ME FOR DAMAGE BECAUSE I CANNOT PRODUCE ALL OF MY OIL CHANGE RECIEPTS. MY 2000 RODEO ENGINE FAILED AT 35K AND ISUZU REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I AM AMAZED AT HOW MANY COMPLAINTS AND "OIL USAGE" POST I AM FINDING ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 4, 2005

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU RODEO. THE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 29, 2013 · crash

“CONSUMER HAS TRIED TO HAVE RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON VEHICLE AND HAS BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NO PARTS. *TS RECALL #05V466000. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 1, 1901

“THE "U" BRACKET WHICH PREVENTS THE DRIVE SHAFT FROM FALLING DOWN BROKE OFF AND SLID DOWN THE SHAFT AND WORE THE SHAFT DOWN AND MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVABLE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 24, 2009

“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, INTERMITTENTLY CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND FELT A THUMPING SENSATION IN THE PEDAL. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, THE BRAKES NO LONGER WORKED PROPERLY. THE LAST TIME THE BRAKES FAILED VEHICLE HAD TO RIDE ON THE SHOULDER TO AVOID A COLLISION. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 16, 2003

2003 Isuzu Rodeo — common questions

Is the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?

The record is thin — 19 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2003 Rodeo problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).

Does the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 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.