CarBrief

The 1999 Isuzu Rodeo has 564 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, more than any other Rodeo model year, and brakes lead the list[1][2][3]. It also has three recalls, two of them for the rear suspension[4][5].

564owner complaints[1]
3recalls[3]
16–20MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 564 owner complaints for this model year[1]. 78 mention a crash, 8 a fire and 33 injuries, and 1 reports a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Here are the biggest groups by complaint count:

Component group Complaints Crashes Median miles at failure
Brakes[2] 216 53 52,500
Suspension[7] 86 2 132,500
Structure[8] 74 1 135,146
Fuel system, other[9] 60 0 64,000
Engine[10] 54 0 60,400
Speed control[11] 40 12 72,000

Brakes. This is the largest group by a wide margin, with 4 fires and 16 injuries on top of the crashes[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe brakes that stop working well or take much longer to stop, including a pedal that goes to the floor[2]. A few say the ABS seems to let go of the brakes over bumps[2]. Several of these reports end in a crash or a near miss.

Suspension. In the sample we read, owners describe vibration or a shaking steering wheel at highway speed that tire balancing did not fix. Some made repeated dealer visits[7]. A couple say they were never told about a rear axle recall[7][5].

Structure. Owners in the sample describe a rusted frame, rear control arm or suspension mounts. Some say a shop told them the truck could not be repaired[8]. These complaints come in at high mileage, with a median of 135,146[8].

Fuel system, other. The sample is about the fuel gauge. Owners describe a gauge that reads wrong or stops working, sometimes along with the check engine light[9]. None of the 60 complaints in this group mention a crash, fire or injury[9].

Speed control. This group has 12 crashes and 5 injuries among 40 complaints[11]. We did not read a sample of these texts, so we cannot say what owners describe.

Recalls

NHTSA lists three recalls for this model year, newest first.

Because owners in our complaint sample say they were not told about 00V058, it is worth asking a seller or a dealer whether the work was done[7].

Fuel economy

EPA lists five versions of the 1999 Rodeo. The 2.2L 4-cylinder with a 5-speed manual is the most efficient[6]. The 3.2L 6-cylinder versions are thirstier, and the 4-speed automatic is the lowest[13][14][15][16]. The 4WD ratings match the 2WD ratings for the same engine and transmission[13][14][15][16].

Version City / Hwy / Combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[6] 18 / 22 / 20 $3,350
2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[14] 16 / 19 / 17 $3,950
4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[16] 16 / 19 / 17 $3,950
2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[13] 15 / 19 / 16 $4,200
4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[15] 15 / 19 / 16 $4,200

EPA fuel costs use today's fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the truck was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists no 5-star safety rating for this model year[17]. Look at the recalls and the complaint record above instead.

Engine and size

EPA lists a 2.2L 4-cylinder and a 3.2L 6-cylinder for this model year[6][13]. All versions use regular fuel[6][13][14][15][16].

Size figures below are Canadian-market specifications for the 4-door S, LS and LSE 4x4[18]. They can differ slightly from US trucks[18].

Measure Value
Length[18] 175 in
Width[18] 70 in
Height[18] 67 in
Wheelbase[18] 106 in
Curb weight[18] 3,814 lb

How 1999 compares with other years

1995: 176 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 97 complaints, 0 recalls19961997: 118 complaints, 0 recalls19971998: 486 complaints, 4 recalls19981999: 564 complaints, 3 recalls56419992000: 286 complaints, 3 recalls20002001: 441 complaints, 4 recalls20012002: 125 complaints, 3 recalls20022003: 17 complaints, 3 recalls20032004: 39 complaints, 2 recalls2004
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Rodeo model year. The 1999 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951761
1996970
19971180
19984864
19995643
20002863
20014414
20021253
2003173
2004392

Among the Rodeo model years NHTSA lists, 1999 has the most complaints at 564[3]. The next highest are 1998 with 486 and 2001 with 441[3]. 2000 has 286[3]. The earliest years are lower, such as 97 for 1996 and 118 for 1997, and 2003 has 17[3].

Recalls tell a slightly different story. 1999 has 3, while 1998 and 2001 have 4 each[3]. 2000, 2002 and 2003 also have 3[3].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so they show where owners reported problems, not a failure rate.

Should you buy a used 1999 Rodeo?

This model year has a heavy complaint record, led by brakes, so a careful inspection matters more than usual[1][2]. Have a mechanic test the brakes and ABS, check the frame, rear control arms and suspension mounts for rust, and ask whether recalls 10V436 and 00V058 were done[8][4][5]. Owners also describe fuel gauges that stop working, which look like an annoyance rather than a safety issue in the reports we read[9]. Fuel economy is modest, from 16 to 20 MPG combined by EPA[6][13]. Plan for repairs, though, and treat any sign of frame rust as a serious red flag[8].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo?
Brakes have the most NHTSA complaints at 216 out of 564 total, followed by suspension with 86 and structure with 74[1][2][7][8]. In small samples we read, owners describe weak or lost braking, highway vibration and frame rust[2][7][8].
Does the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo have any recalls?
Yes, three: 10V436 for rear suspension bracket corrosion, 00V121 for interior impact protection and 00V058 for the rear axle lower link bolt[4][12][5].
What is the gas mileage of a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo?
EPA combined ratings run from 16 MPG for the 3.2L automatic to 20 MPG for the 2.2L manual 2WD[6][13][15].
Is the 1999 Rodeo the worst Rodeo year?
By complaint count it is the highest at 564, ahead of 1998 with 486 and 2001 with 441[3]. By recall count, 1998 and 2001 have 4 and 1999 has 3[3].
How safe is the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo?
NHTSA lists no 5-star rating for it[17]. Its recall and complaint record is covered above[1][4][12][5].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 564 owner complaints on file for the 1999 Isuzu Rodeo (78 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 33 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 216 complaints name the brakes component group (53 crashes, 4 fires, 16 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Isuzu Rodeo model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 10V436, filed September 22, 2010: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 00V058, filed March 2, 2000: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Rodeo 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 22 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 86 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 132,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 74 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 135,146). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 60 complaints name the fuel system, other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 54 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,400). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 40 complaints name the speed control component group (12 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 00V121, filed April 28, 2000: Structure › Body. NHTSA recall database
  13. EPA rating for Rodeo 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. EPA rating for Rodeo 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Rodeo 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Rodeo 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  18. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RODEO 4DR SUV S/LS/LSE 4X4: length 175 in, width 70 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 3,814 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.