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2004 Isuzu Rodeo: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo[1]. It also has 2 recalls, including one for rear suspension corrosion that can affect handling[2][3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 39 owner complaints[1]. Three mention a crash, one mentions a fire and one mentions injuries. None report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports.
The biggest groups are:
- Engine: 8 complaints, none with a crash, fire or injury[5]. Median mileage at failure was 93,500[5].
- Suspension: 8 complaints, none with a crash, fire or injury[6]. Median mileage at failure was 55,935[6].
- Electrical system: 5 complaints[7].
- Equipment, power train, fuel system, speed control and brakes: 4 each[8][9][10][11][12]. Equipment complaints include one that mentions a crash and one that mentions a fire[8]. One brakes complaint mentions a crash[12].
We also read a small sample of the complaint texts. In the engine sample, owners describe reduced-power or check engine warnings in 5 of 8 texts, and oil use or loss in 3 of 8[5]. In the suspension sample, 5 of 8 texts describe rear corrosion, frame rust or the lower link bracket recall[6]. In the fuel system sample, 2 of 4 texts describe a leaking or rust-damaged fuel tank[10]. This is a small sample, so it shows what owners describe and not how common a problem is.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:
- Rear suspension corrosion (13V547), October 2013. Isuzu recalled 8,816 vehicles, including certain 2003 and 2004 Rodeo models sold or registered in a list of states and the District of Columbia given in the recall notice[3]. Corrosion near the front mounting bracket of the rear suspension lower link can let the bracket come off the frame. That can hurt handling and raise crash risk. Dealers inspect the area. Little corrosion means an anti-corrosive treatment. Damaged brackets get a reinforcement bracket. If the corrosion is too severe, Isuzu offers to buy the vehicle back. Repairs are free for vehicles 10 years old or less[3]. For older vehicles the free remedy depended on visiting a dealer within 12 months of the owner notice[3]. The recall was expected to begin in mid-December 2013[3]. In the complaints we read, two owners describe trouble getting this recall done[6].
- Fuel pump (05V466), October 2005. This recall covers 15,515 vehicles[13]. Silicon in fuel sold in the Tyler, Texas region can cause small pin holes in the fuel pump feed port. A fuel leak could lead to a fire. The recall was launched for vehicles registered in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Louisiana. Dealers fit a new cover on the feed port, or a new pump with the new cover if the port is already damaged. The recall began in November 2005[13].
Fuel economy
EPA lists six versions, all on regular gas. Combined ratings are 17 or 18 MPG[4][14][15][16][17][18].
| Version | City / Hwy / Combined | EPA yearly fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2WD, 3.2L, automatic 4-spd[4] | 16 / 21 / 18 | $3,700 |
| 2WD, 3.2L, manual 5-spd[14] | 16 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 |
| 2WD, 3.5L, automatic 4-spd[15] | 16 / 22 / 18 | $3,700 |
| 4WD, 3.2L, automatic 4-spd[16] | 15 / 21 / 17 | $3,950 |
| 4WD, 3.2L, manual 5-spd[17] | 16 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 |
| 4WD, 3.5L, automatic 4-spd[18] | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 |
Safety ratings
The NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list this model year as not rated[19].
How 2004 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 |
Among the ten Rodeo model years NHTSA lists, 2004 has 39 complaints[2]. Only 2003, with 17, has fewer[2]. Apart from 2003 and 2004, the other years range from 97 complaints in 1996 to 564 in 1999[2].
Recalls tell a mixed story. The 2004 model year has 2 recalls[2]. That is fewer than 1998 to 2003, which have 3 or 4 each, and more than 1995 with 1 and 1996 and 1997 with none[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2004 Rodeo?
The complaint count is lower than every other Rodeo year except 2003[2]. The recall record needs attention. Ask whether recall 13V547 was completed, and look at the rear underside for rust, since owners describe rear corrosion in the sample we read[3][6]. If the SUV was registered in Texas or nearby states, check recall 05V466 too[13]. Engine complaints are the largest group alongside suspension, and some describe oil loss and reduced-power warnings[5].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo?
- Engine and suspension lead with 8 complaints each out of 39[1][5][6]. Owners in the sample describe oil use, warning lights and rear corrosion[5][6].
- Does the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo have recalls?
- Yes, 2 recalls[2]. One covers rear suspension corrosion (13V547) and one covers fuel pump pin holes (05V466)[3][13][2].
- What MPG does a 2004 Isuzu Rodeo get?
- EPA combined ratings are 17 or 18 MPG depending on the version[4][14][15][16][17][18].
- Is the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo a good year compared with others?
- It has 39 complaints, second lowest of ten model years after 2003 with 17[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 39 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo (3 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Isuzu Rodeo model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V547, filed October 31, 2013: Suspension › Rear. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Rodeo 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 8 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 8 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,935). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the equipment component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,489). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 05V466, filed October 7, 2005: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Rodeo 2WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Manual 5-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, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Rodeo 4WD, 3.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 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: 16 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Rodeo 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records