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2002 Isuzu Rodeo: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2002 Isuzu Rodeo has 125 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and the biggest groups are structure and suspension, where owners in the texts we read describe rust[1][2][3]. Two of its three recalls deal with a rear suspension bracket that can rust loose from the frame[4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 125 owner complaints for the 2002 Rodeo[1]. Nine mention a crash, 2 a fire and 7 injuries, with 0 deaths reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component.
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Structure[2] | 28 | 112,573 |
| Suspension[3] | 24 | 124,000 |
| Engine[8] | 21 | 68,153 |
| Power train[9] | 19 | 56,250 |
| Brakes[10] | 18 | 28,000 |
Smaller groups include visibility with 8 complaints[11], and air bags and the electrical system with 6 each[12][13]. The air bag group is small, but 5 of its 6 complaints involve a crash and 7 injuries are recorded[12].
We read a small sample of complaint texts in the four largest groups. These are the themes we saw. They are not a count of all owners.
- Structure. In 9 of the 12 texts we read, owners describe a rusted frame or rear suspension parts that rusted loose, in some cases breaking away while driving[2]. In 4 of the 12, owners describe a recall visit where other rusted areas were not covered or where the frame was found to be damaged during the work[2].
- Suspension. In 5 of 12 texts, owners describe a corroded rear bracket or frame mounting point, and one more describes a fractured bracket[3]. In 5 of 12, owners say they were told their vehicle was not included in the corrosion recall[3]. Two describe vibration at highway speed or in the front end[3].
- Power train. In 8 of 12 texts, owners describe transmission trouble, such as shuddering or lurching, fluid leaks or a failed transmission[9].
- Engine. In the 12 texts we read, 3 describe stalling without warning, 3 describe oil use and 2 describe emissions or EGR problems[8].
Recalls
NHTSA lists three recalls for this car, newest first. Each one has a remedy available, according to the recall text.
- Rear suspension corrosion (12V306). Dated 2012-06-29, covering up to 14,756 vehicles[4]. It applies to certain 2001 to 2002 Rodeo Sport vehicles sold or registered in a list of states and the District of Columbia named in the recall, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest[4]. Corrosion near the front mounting bracket of the rear suspension lower link can let the bracket come off the frame. That can affect handling and raise the risk of a crash[4]. Dealers inspect the area. With little or no corrosion, they treat it with an anti-corrosion compound. If corrosion has damaged the bracket connection, they install a reinforcement bracket. In rare severe cases, Isuzu offers to buy the vehicle back[4]. The remedy is free for vehicles 10 years old or less[4]. For older vehicles it is free only if the vehicle goes to an Isuzu service dealer within 12 months of when owner notices were sent[4].
- Rear suspension corrosion (10V436). Dated 2010-09-22, covering up to 149,992 vehicles[5]. It covers certain 1998 to 2002 Rodeo vehicles sold or registered in the same list of states named in the recall[5]. Exposure to road deicing materials can cause the same bracket corrosion, with the same risk of the bracket detaching, poor handling and a possible crash[5]. The fix is the same kind: inspection, anti-corrosion treatment, a reinforcement bracket, or a repurchase offer in rare severe cases. The same age-based free repair terms apply[5].
- Fuel pump (05V466). Dated 2005-10-07, covering up to 15,515 vehicles[14]. Fuel contaminated with silicon can wear tiny holes in the part of the fuel pump where fuel comes in. A fuel leak could lead to a fire[14]. The recall was launched for vehicles registered in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Louisiana. Dealers add a new cover over the feed port, or install a new pump with the new cover if the port is already damaged[14].
In the complaint texts we read, some owners say their vehicle was not covered by the corrosion recall[3]. Recall coverage depends on the vehicle and where it was sold or registered, so check the VIN with NHTSA or an Isuzu dealer.
Fuel economy
EPA combined ratings range from 16 to 18 MPG across the versions in our data[7][15]. All use regular gasoline.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, manual 5-speed[7] | 17 / 21 / 18 | $3,700 |
| 2WD, 2.2L 4-cyl, automatic 4-speed[16] | 16 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 |
| 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, automatic 4-speed[17] | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 |
| 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, manual 5-speed[18] | 15 / 19 / 17 | $3,950 |
| 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, manual 5-speed[19] | 15 / 19 / 17 | $3,950 |
| 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, automatic 4-speed[15] | 15 / 19 / 16 | $4,200 |
The Rodeo Sport has the same ratings in these cases. The 2WD 2.2L manual gets 17 / 21 / 18 MPG[20] and the 4WD 3.2L automatic gets 15 / 19 / 16 MPG[21]. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the Rodeo a rollover rating of 3 stars[22]. The Rodeo Sport is not rated[23].
Engine and size
The EPA lists two engines for this model year: a 3.2L 6-cylinder and a 2.2L 4-cylinder[17][16]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
How 2002 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 176 | 1 |
| 1996 | 97 | 0 |
| 1997 | 118 | 0 |
| 1998 | 486 | 4 |
| 1999 | 564 | 3 |
| 2000 | 286 | 3 |
| 2001 | 441 | 4 |
| 2002 | 125 | 3 |
| 2003 | 17 | 3 |
| 2004 | 39 | 2 |
NHTSA data for each Rodeo model year shows the 2002 has 125 complaints and 3 recalls[6]. Years with more complaints are 1998 (486), 1999 (564), 2000 (286), 2001 (441) and 1995 (176)[6]. Years with fewer are 1996 (97), 1997 (118), 2003 (17) and 2004 (39)[6].
For recalls, 1998 and 2001 have 4 each, while 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003 have 3[6]. 2004 has 2, 1995 has 1, and 1996 and 1997 have none[6]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show where reports landed, not how likely a problem is.
Should you buy a used 2002 Rodeo?
The clearest risk in our data is rear frame and suspension bracket corrosion. It drew two recalls and the structure and suspension groups have 28 and 24 complaints[2][3][4][5]. If you look at one, have a mechanic check the rear frame and suspension brackets, and run the VIN through NHTSA for open recalls. Owners in the complaint texts we read describe transmission trouble and engine stalling too, though that is a small sample[8][9]. Fuel economy is modest at 16 to 18 MPG combined[17][7][15].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo?
- Structure has the most complaints with 28, followed by suspension with 24[2][3]. In the sample of texts we read, owners describe rusted frames and rear suspension brackets[2][3].
- Does the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?
- Yes, three: 12V306 and 10V436 for rear suspension corrosion, and 05V466 for fuel pump pin holes[4][5][14].
- What gas mileage does a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 16 to 18 MPG, depending on engine, transmission and drive[7][15].
- How many complaints does the 2002 Rodeo have?
- NHTSA has 125 owner complaints on file, with 9 mentioning a crash, 2 a fire and 0 deaths[1].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 125 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo (9 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 7 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 28 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 112,573). NHTSA vehicle records
- 24 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 124,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 12V306, filed June 29, 2012: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 10V436, filed September 22, 2010: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Isuzu Rodeo model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 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
- 21 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,153). NHTSA vehicle records
- 19 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,250). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 28,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the air bags component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 05V466, filed October 7, 2005: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RODEO 4DR SUV S/SE/LS/LSE 4X4: length 178 in, width 70 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 4,142 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RODEO 4DR SUV SE 4X4: length 178 in, width 71 in, height 69 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 4,193 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov