The 1994 Isuzu Rodeo carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering buckle assembly and engine. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Wheel lug nut and stud breakage.” Isuzu stopped selling passenger vehicles in the United States after the 2008 model year, though its commercial truck business is still here, which means parts and knowledgeable service have not disappeared the way they did for some discontinued brands. One item matters more than everything else on this list. The 3.2 and 3.5 liter V6 in the Rodeo, Trooper, Amigo, Axiom, and VehiCross uses a rubber timing belt, and on the double overhead cam versions a broken belt bends valves. If you own one of these and cannot document the last belt change, that is the first call to make. The later models are easier: the Ascender is a Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the i-280 through i-370 are Chevrolet Colorados, the Hombre is an S-10, and the Oasis is a Honda Odyssey. For those, the donor brand's parts and specs apply.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Campaign #02V281000 · Oct 15, 2002
Issue: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS, THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MID-DECEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-643-4070.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Campaign #94V132000 · Jul 19, 1994
Issue: CONSTANT EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE CYLINDER HEAD CAUSES THE CAMSHAFT SEAL END PLUG CAN BECOME DISLODGED FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD. THIS ALLOWS OIL TO LEAK FROM THE CAMSHAFT.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE ENGINE FIRE FROM OIL LEAKING ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL CAMSHAFT END SEAL PLUG RETAINER PLATES.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Campaign #96V170002 · Sep 17, 1996
Issue: THE LATCH PLATE USED IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO DESIGN DIMENSIONS. IF THE SEAT BELT TONGUE IS INSERTED SLOWLY AT AN ANGLE INTO THE BUCKLE, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF PARTIAL ENGAGEMENT.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TONGUE TO COME OUT OF THE BUCKLE IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION OR HARD BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW BUCKLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Campaign #97V034001 · Jul 3, 1997
Issue: AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITHIN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR CAN CONTAIN MANUFACTURING ERRORS.
Risk: THIS CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE ELECTRICAL CHARGING OF THE VEHICLE'S ALTERNATOR, RESULTING IN ENGINE CONTROL MALFUNCTION, AND/OR EVENTUAL ENGINE STALL.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR WITH A NEW REGULATOR.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign #06E065000 · Jul 17, 2006
Issue: CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo.
BRUSH/GRILLE GUARD CAMPAIGN
Action #SQ96009 · opened Jan 10, 1996
ADDITION INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE NATURE AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE SUBJECT BULLETIN.LOSS OF AN ITEM THIS SIZE WOULD HAVE SAFETY COSEQUENCES.THIS SQ IS OPENED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
WHEELS
9 NHTSA complaints · 1998-01 → 2001-06
“ANY TIME I HAVE TIRES TAKEN OFF CAR , THE LUGS: NUTS: STUDS BREAK OFF”
“THE MANUFACTURER SUPPLIED "STUDS" ARE MADE FROM AN INFERIOR METAL WHICH, OVER TIME WILL "SNAP OFF" WHILE DRIVING AND/OR SERVICING THE VEHICLE”
“LUG BOLT THREADS ARE TOO SOFT AND MAKES CHANGING A TIRE IMPOSSIBLE”
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
13 NHTSA complaints · 1994-08 → 2011-07
“ENGINE OIL LEAKS ONTO TOP OF SPARK PLUGS AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD”
“THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE ENGINE WAS STILL LEAKING OIL, EVEN AFTER REPAIRED TWICE FOR THAT RECALL”
“THE DRIVER'S SIDE CAMSHAFT END PLUG WAS LEAKING OIL”
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 NHTSA complaints · 1995-02 → 2010-06
“GAS PEDAL BECOMES STUCK AND ACCELERATION CONTINUES”
“THROTTLE CABLE WAS CAUSING THE THROTTLE TO STAY ENGAGED AFTER RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL”
“WHEN GOING DOWNHILL WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, THE GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO A VERY HIGH SPEED”
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
9 NHTSA complaints · 1995-08 → 2004-06
“THE REAR DOOR'S FAILED TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE AND INSIDE”
“BACK WINDOW: WHEN DRIVING AND HITTING A BUMP ON ROAD OR HIGHWAY THE BACK WINDOW FLIES OPEN”
“REAR DOORS WILL NOT OPEN , DUE TO LOCKS RUSTING”
TIRES
3 NHTSA complaints · 2000-08 → 2008-06
“REAR DRIVERSIDE TIRE (BF GOODRICH RADIAL LONG TRAIL T/A) ON AN ISUZU RODEO RAPIDLY SEPARATED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY”
“I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTED THAT THE DRIVERS FRONT TIRE HAD SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC TREAD AND CORD SEPARATION FAILURE”
“TIRES WHERE PROPERLY INFLATED AND WHERE DRIVEN AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS”
POWER TRAIN
9 NHTSA complaints · 1995-01 → 2010-06
“WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED TO WORK”
“AUTO-TRANS WILL DROP OUT OF DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS”
“AUTO-TRANSMISSION; WHEN LEFT IN IDLE IN PARK, VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE BACKWARDS DUE TO GEAR SHIFT POPPED IN REVERSE”
STEERING
3 NHTSA complaints · 1995-04 → 1996-01
“A MALFUNCTION IN THE STEERING BOX CAUSED THE STEERING TO LOCK UP WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT”
“WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIE ROD BROKE; LOST TOTAL CONTROL; BACKEND SPUN AROUND, CAUSED ACCIDENT”
“ENGINE HAS TO BE REBUILT BECAUSE OF LOOSE TIE ROD”
Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 1, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Replace every 75,000 miles or 7 years on the V6 in the Rodeo, Trooper, Amigo, Axiom, and VehiCross. Do the water pump, tensioner, and idlers in the same job, because the labor is nearly all in the access. The double overhead cam version is an interference design, so a failed belt means bent valves rather than a tow. The 2.6 four and the GM and Honda sourced engines in the later rebadges use chains and are not on this schedule.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$935–$1175
Shop
~$655–$825
DIY
Pro only
On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.
Isuzu specified 3,750 miles under its severe schedule, which covers towing, short trips, and dusty roads. On engines this old, stay near that number and change at least once a year regardless of miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Rotate every 7,500 miles. On the Trooper, Rodeo, and Amigo, check the tailgate-mounted spare as well. Sun exposure ages it faster than the four tires carrying the truck.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Inspect pads, rotors, hoses, and hard lines at every service. These are heavy body-on-frame trucks with rear drums on many models, and drum hardware seizes on vehicles that sit.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Replace every 2 years. On a truck this old it is the cheapest way to protect the master cylinder, the calipers, and the ABS unit.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Change every 30,000 miles, and right away after any deep water crossing. Front and rear differentials and the transfer case each hold their own fluid. Limited-slip rear axles need the friction modifier added when refilled.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$105–$140
Shop
~$75–$100
DIY
~$15–$40
AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.
Drain and fill every 45,000 miles, or every 30,000 if you tow. Fluid spec follows the drivetrain: Isuzu or Dexron III for the original models, Dexron VI for the GM based Ascender and i-series, and Honda fluid for the Oasis.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
Around 60,000 miles on conventional plugs, up to 100,000 on platinum. Rear bank access on the V6 is tight, so this is often worth pairing with other top-end work.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Replace every 30,000 miles, or every 15,000 if the truck sees dirt roads or trail use.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Every 3 to 5 years. If the timing belt is being done, do the coolant at the same visit, since the water pump comes out either way. Ask the shop to check the radiator and heater hoses while it is drained.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Test the battery and alternator once a year and clean the ground straps. Frame grounds corrode on trucks of this age and cause faults that look electrical but are only dirty connections.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$225–$390
Shop
~$160–$280
DIY
~$130–$250
Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
165 crashes 1990–2024
How the 165 occupant deaths break down
96
driver deaths
67
passenger deaths
2
not recorded by seat
165
occupant deaths
Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 1994 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.
Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.
Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.
IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
6
complaints mentioning a crash
1
complaints mentioning a fire
Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo reflects Isuzu's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.