AI Damage2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport: common problems
Owners of the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport filed 49 complaints with NHTSA, most often about structure and suspension. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 49
- involving a crash
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Structure 41% of all complaints
- 2 Suspension 27% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 16% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 10% of all complaints
- 5 Engine and cooling 8% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 8% of all complaints
- 7 Powertrain 4% of all complaints
- 8 Steering 4% of all complaints
- Structure: 20 complaints (41% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Suspension: 13 complaints (27% of all).
- Fuel system: 8 complaints (16% of all).
- Electrical system: 5 complaints (10% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 4 complaints (8% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 49 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 20 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
I'm afraid to drive my car or take any long distance trips because of the apprehension of my brakes failing as usual. Finally, I went back once again to the mechanics and explained what exactly the brakes are doing, and the mechanic said that he thinks that it is the "brake sensor" due to the rust around it.
Car was involved in 2 accidents after first accident was assured brakes were good second accident was a roll over same problem brakes locked causing loss of control leading to rollover in which atleast 2 impacts before rollover airbags did not deploy.
While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed corrosion on the undercarriage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the rear suspension lower link bracket was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.
The contact stated that the frame was severely corroded and the rear lateral arm was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware that nhtsa campaign number: 104v36000 (suspension) had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Upon inspection underneath vehicle realized frame section corroded completely through allowing trailing arm bushing mounting bracket to completely separate from frame. Low mileage (considering year) well cared for vehicle in otherwise good condition.
After inspecting the vehicle, the dealer advised the contact that the rust on the frame was too excessive and could not be repaired. In addition, the dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 53,123.
Consumer states corrosion frame cracks the consumer stated a recall was issued for the 4-door models, but not the 2-door models. Updated 07/03/12 the consumer wanted to know why the manufacturer was allowed to limit its fix of vehicle's regarding the recall. Updated consumer letter 06/29/12 updated 05/25/12
The fuel tank needs to be replaced, pumps can start car on fire. The isuzu dealers say there is not a recall! I have the recall # 66026. It clearly states the dealers will inspect the vehicle and must provide a remedy at no cost to owner.... Please help me....no one want to repair this for me and it a safety issue!
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 5,395 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 15% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Rodeo Sport has 18 complaints (6 years in the data). This year has 49, above average.
What to check before buying
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: structure, suspension, fuel system. Total complaints: 49. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: rust, corrosion (37%), warning lights, check engine (14%), fuel system, fuel smell (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2001 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.