CarBrief

NHTSA has 441 owner complaints on file for the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo[1]. The biggest groups are structure and suspension, and a sample of those complaints describes rusted frames and rear suspension parts coming loose[2][3].

441owner complaints[1]
4recalls[4]
16–18MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 441 complaints with NHTSA[1]. 21 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 16 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component, so the group counts below do not add up to the total.

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Structure[2] 236 111,290
Suspension[3] 130 117,500
Engine[6] 31 60,000
Brakes[7] 26 43,000
Electrical system[8] 25 79,500
Power train[9] 20 45,000
Fuel system, gasoline[10] 19 73,000
Fuel system, other[11] 13 72,000

Structure and suspension. In the sample of complaint texts we read, owners describe a rusted or rotted frame. Some say the rear axle supports or trailing arms came loose from the frame. Others describe the vehicle swaying or weaving and becoming hard to steer. Some owners say the dealer or Isuzu told them the repair was not covered because the car was out of warranty[2][3]. Two crashes and 4 injuries are tied to suspension complaints, and 6 crashes and 2 injuries to structure complaints[2][3].

Engine. In the sample we read, owners describe the engine stalling or shutting down while driving, sometimes intermittently. Some say the dealer could not reproduce the problem or find a cause. The engine group has 2 crashes and 1 fire[6].

Brakes. The brake group is smaller, but it has 5 crashes among 26 complaints, with a median mileage of 43,000[7]. In the sample we read, owners describe brakes that did not slow the vehicle as expected, along with grinding or rumbling noises. Some say the dealer found nothing wrong[7].

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year[4]. Newest first:

Fuel economy

The EPA lists combined ratings from 16 to 18 MPG, depending on engine, transmission and drive[16][5][17]. All versions use regular gasoline[16][5][18][19][20][21][17][22][23][24][25].

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
Rodeo 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[16] 16 / 20 / 17 $3,950
Rodeo 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[5] 17 / 21 / 18 $3,700
Rodeo 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[18] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
Rodeo 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[19] 15 / 19 / 17 $3,950
Rodeo Sport 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[20] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
Rodeo Sport 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[21] 17 / 21 / 18 $3,700
Rodeo Sport 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[17] 15 / 19 / 16 $4,200
Rodeo 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[22] 15 / 19 / 16 $4,200
Rodeo 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[23] 15 / 19 / 17 $3,950
Rodeo Sport 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[24] 15 / 19 / 16 $4,200
Rodeo Sport 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd[25] 15 / 19 / 16 $4,200

The best rating is 18 combined MPG, from the 2.2L 4-cyl with the manual transmission[5][21]. The annual cost uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA's rollover rating for the 4-door is 3 stars[26]. Our data lists no other crash ratings for this model year.

Engine and size

The EPA lists two engines for this model year: a 2.2L 4-cylinder and a 3.2L 6-cylinder[16][18]. Size figures below are Canadian-market specifications for the RODEO 4DR SUV S/LS/LSE 4X4, and US models can differ slightly[27].

Measure Value
Length[27] 178 in
Width 70 in
Height 70 in
Wheelbase 106 in
Curb weight 4,125 lb

How 2001 compares with other years

1995: 176 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 97 complaints, 0 recalls19961997: 118 complaints, 0 recalls19971998: 486 complaints, 4 recalls19981999: 564 complaints, 3 recalls19992000: 286 complaints, 3 recalls20002001: 441 complaints, 4 recalls44120012002: 125 complaints, 3 recalls20022003: 17 complaints, 3 recalls20032004: 39 complaints, 2 recalls2004
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Rodeo model year. The 2001 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951761
1996970
19971180
19984864
19995643
20002863
20014414
20021253
2003173
2004392

Among the ten Rodeo model years NHTSA lists, 2001 has the third most complaints. The 1999 model year has 564 and 1998 has 486, against 441 for 2001[4]. It has more complaints than 2000 (286) and 2002 (125)[4]. For recalls, 2001 has 4, tied with 1998, which is the most of any year listed[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so use them as a rough comparison within this one model[4].

Should you buy a used 2001 Rodeo?

The data points to the frame and rear suspension as the first thing to check. Structure and suspension are the two biggest complaint groups, with median failure mileage around 111,000 to 117,500[2][3]. A recall for rear suspension bracket corrosion exists, so ask whether that work was done, have the underbody inspected for rust, and check the VIN for open recalls, including the air bag and fuel hose recalls[12][13][14][15]. The complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat them as a reason to inspect a car closely and not as a prediction for every Rodeo.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo?
The largest complaint groups at NHTSA are structure (236 complaints) and suspension (130) out of 441 total[1][2][3]. In the sample of texts we read, owners describe rust in the frame and rear suspension parts coming loose.
Has the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo been recalled?
Yes. NHTSA lists four recalls: rear suspension corrosion (10V436), two passenger air bag issues (02V213 and 01V055) and a fuel return hose (00V298)[12][13][14][15].
How many miles per gallon does a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo get?
The EPA lists 16 to 18 MPG combined depending on version[5][17]. The 2.2L 4-cylinder with a manual transmission rates 18 combined[5][21].
Is the 2001 Rodeo the worst year for complaints?
No. With 441 complaints it is third highest, behind 1999 (564) and 1998 (486)[4].
How big is a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo?
The Canadian-market specification lists a length of 178 inches, a wheelbase of 106 inches and a curb weight of 4,125 pounds[27].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 441 owner complaints on file for the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo (21 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 16 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 236 complaints name the structure component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 111,290). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 130 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 117,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Isuzu Rodeo model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Rodeo 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 31 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 26 complaints name the brakes component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 25 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 20 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 19 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 13 complaints name the fuel system, other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 10V436, filed September 22, 2010: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 02V213, filed August 9, 2002: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 01V055, filed February 22, 2001: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 00V298, filed October 5, 2000: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  16. EPA rating for Rodeo 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Rodeo Sport 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
  18. EPA rating for Rodeo 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Rodeo 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Rodeo Sport 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Rodeo Sport 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. 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
  23. EPA rating for Rodeo 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Rodeo Sport 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
  25. EPA rating for Rodeo Sport 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-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
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RODEO 4DR SUV S/LS/LSE 4X4: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 4,125 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.