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2002 Isuzu RodeoProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 101 owner complaints about the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo, most often about the structure. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

2002 Isuzu Rodeo
55
CarFlaw IndexSolid year17% below the Rodeo median · #9 of 14 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints10113 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage100kStructure, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 13, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo has problems

101 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure221
Power train181
Engine and engine cooling160
Suspension151
Service brakes, hydraulic140
Visibility60
Air bags65
Electrical system40
Fuel system, gasoline31
12 other systems152

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2002 Isuzu Rodeo recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Suspension: rear

Recall 10V-436 · Sep 22, 2010 · 149,992 vehicles

Risk. EXCESSIVE CORROSION MAY RESULT IN THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK BRACKET BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Isuzu.

Best & worst years

2002 vs. every other Rodeo year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Rodeo median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'08
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2002 Isuzu Rodeo safety ratings

2002 Isuzu Rodeo 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2002 Isuzu Rodeo frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
  • Rollover: 3 stars (0.0% risk)
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Fuel Tank Retention FailureDP18001 · closed Mar 5, 2020
    No recall
  2. Rear Suspension Lower Link DetachmentEA09018 · closed Oct 15, 2010
    Led to recall 10V-436
  3. REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK FAILUREPE09030 · closed Dec 8, 2009
    Led to recall 10V-436
In owners' words

What Rodeo owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact recently became aware of severe corrosion on the frame of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V436000 (Suspension) approximately 10 years ago. The contact believed that the recall repair should…
Complaint 11724093 · Mar 13, 2026 · 91,819 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED OUT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE…
Complaint 11006500 · Jul 20, 2017 · 88,000 miles
"TAKATA RECALL " MY STABILIZER BAR UNDER MY CAR BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE THRUWAY I ALMOST CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND I RAN OFF THE ROAD.
Complaint 10837399 · Feb 22, 2016 · 100,000 miles

Own a 2002 Rodeo?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.