NHTSA — Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
11,071 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Isuzu Rodeo engine problems

engine problem

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1998 Isuzu Rodeo Owner Comments

problem #14

Dec 302005

Rodeo 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1998 Isuzu Rodeo used 5 liters of oil in 4000 kms and seized up with out warning on 30 Dec 05. The oil light and engine light did not come on Isuzu dealers said it won't come on until vehicle is out of oil. So why put sensors on the truck. Only 92000 kms on the Rodeo talked to Saturn, Isuzu in fredricton and GM customer service was told to bad so sad check you oil more but if we do a recall on excessive oil consumption keep your bill and we may refund you. The truck did not smoke or leak oil. The oil was check 14 Nov 05. It always used 1 litre every 5000 kms. I was told by dealer it would not get any worse. Guess they were wrong it is going to cost me $3700 to fix. Thanks Isuzu and GM.

- Oromocto, 00, USA

problem #13

May 132003

Rodeo 4-cyl

  • 63,000 miles
When the brakes were applied vehicle continued to roll. Driver had to hit the side of the curb to stop. Mechanic replaced the anti lock brake sensor. Also, in June of 2003 engine was replaced because the timing belt came off and destroyed the engine.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #12

Mar 012004

Rodeo 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Own a 1998 Rodeo with approx 98,000 miles. I know it's high mileage and older model, but have essentially rebuilt engine over past year. New altinater, starter, replace part of exhaust, all belts, idler pulley just to name a few. Isuzu dealer wanted $900 to fix ABS system, but two recalls seem to have alleviated problem. A/C is broken and they want $1000 to fix. Seems a car w/no accident history should have enitire A/C defective/broken not just a compressor or fan or something.. moved on to different dealer in area and they seem to be better to deal w/, but this car has been meticulously maintained in the 2 yrs I've owned it yet I am constantly fixing the car. Why is this car falling apart...maybe they should make them cheaper if they are going to be so disposable.

- South Dennis , MA, USA

problem #11

Feb 052003

Rodeo

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Every time I took my Rodeo for an oil change, I was told there was no oil showing on the stick (even though it was usually changed every 3,000 miles). Two weeks ago the engine started making noise and I took it to the dealership and was told I needed a new engine!! ($9,000) I think these motors are defective. The manager at my dealership called the factory (to see if they might assume some responsibility-I provided all of my oil change receipts) only to be told that the information I received after each oil change should have been enough to send me to a repair facility??!! they didn't feel that they should be held accountable.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #10

Feb 242003

Rodeo 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The vehicle was leaking anti-freeze. Service center (non-dealer) reports after analysis that anti-freeze is leaking from spark plugs as a result of a cracked engine head. Parts for repair on back order, perhaps indicating a wide-spread problem.

- Odenton, MD, USA

problem #9

Feb 242003

Rodeo

  • miles
The vehicle burned oil fast.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #8

Feb 072003

Rodeo 4WD 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine blew after less than 60K miles in 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. Repairman tells me it is a known issue with the engines burning 2 quarts of oil every 1500 miles.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #7

May 112001

Rodeo

  • miles
Prior to recall 01I002, timing belt broke causing vehicle to stall, vehicle would not restart, as a result of the damaged caused consumer had to have the engine rebuilt, consumer is requesting reimbursement for all services completed, time missed from work, transportation, and emotional stress.

- Norcross, GA, USA

problem #6

Dec 022000

Rodeo

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
We have experienced several problems with this vehicle, the major problems have included the muffler system being replaced, front crank and rear main seals leaking and being replaced, transmission being toally replaced at 57K and now our timing belt has snapped causing $4,000 in damage to the motor. Owner's manual states that timing belt does not need to be checked until 75K the vehicle only has 67K. We lost the transmission and the motor on I-20 in Louisiana going at a rate of 70mph, both times being left stranded on the interstate early in the am. Both incidents have put my family in danger and I honestly believe that if either had occurred later in the day it would have resulted in an accident.

- Haughton, LA, USA

problem #5

Nov 262000

Rodeo 4WD

  • miles
Engine idle was resolved by dealer. Problem valve cover leak. Shifter on natl backorder.

- Wappingers Falls, NY, USA

problem #4

Jun 022000

Rodeo

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The first incident I reported for the water pump failure, I kept hearing a rattle and air escaping so I took it to the dealership and they said the water pump had failed and leaked onto the timing belt causing it to have to be replaced. The next incident with the timing belt in June, 2000 I was driving home from work and had stopped at a stop light and the Rodeo just stopped running and would not start up again. The dealership said it was the timing belt and they had just replaced it 23,000 miles ago. It was covered under my extended warranty and they had to basically rebuild the engine and replaced many items. The dealership was unable to determine the cause of the timing belt breaking. The third incident with the timing belt happened this moring on my way to work I was going approximately 65 mph and the car stopped running and I pulled to the side of the road and called for a tow truck. Isuzu says it is the timing belt again and it is not covered by the extended warranty because of the mileage and I will probably end up paying out of my ouw pocket to have the repair completed this time.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #3

Sep 292000

Rodeo

  • miles
My SUV ran just fine, then all of a sudden it just stop running, it was taken to the dealer ship the following Monday wherein it was checked out and they told me that all the 16 valves were bent, the timing belt still intact, the pistons were still good, but had to look @ the head to see they was more damage. They let me know that they was a defect from the factory, now I need a new engine $6620 for parts and labor. I did some research on last week and to my knowlegde there was a recall on last year wherein a part needed replacing or clipped for if it is not replaced, results would be engine failure. While driving along, the engine would shut down and not start back up, not even jump start. Now the point of the matter is I was not notified of the recall plus I purchaed the vehicle in May 1999 the dealer failed to correct the problem before I bought it, plus failed to notify me of the recall, to bring the Rodeo in for repairs. Over 55000 Rodeos were recalled. I want justice. Ican't afford to pay out $6620 for a defect caused from the factory. Please help me!!! 55.

- Rex, GA, USA

problem #2

Oct 012000

Rodeo

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
When consumer was driving vehicle shook and rattled also, engine light came on and off. Temperature gauge would register hot, and cold back in forth. Dealership stated that warranty ran out, and dealership had acknowledgement of problem with recall. The head gasket and timing chain failed. The consumer had asked the manufacturer to do the repair on warranty.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #1

Aug 191998

Rodeo

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Whenever vehicle slows down for a stop, it would stall out for no reason. After stalling out & waiting a while, vehicle can be restarted. Had taken vehicle to dealer for repairs, but cause not found. Right rear brake leaking oil.

- Irvine, CA, USA

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