Wrench.Pro

2004 Isuzu Rodeo Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2004 Isuzu Rodeo carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering rear and fuel pump. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Frame corrosion and rear suspension mount separation.” 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.

Save this car as:

2 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #13V547000 · Oct 31, 2013

Issue: Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion near the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link.

Risk: The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound. For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the rear suspension lower link bracket and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed. In the event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be sufficient, Isuzu will offer to repurchase the vehicle for an amount based on the Kelley Blue Book "Private Party" price. All inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less. For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy, but only if the vehicle is presented to an Isuzu service facility dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued, after that time owners will be charged for the repairs. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2013. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #05V466000 · Jul 10, 2005

Issue: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES AND IN CERTAIN FUEL AVAILABLE IN THE REGION OF TYLER, TEXAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN TEXAS AND THE FOUR SURROUNDING STATES: OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO AND LOUISIANA.

Risk: A FUEL LEAK COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Fix: FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES IDENTIFIED ABOVE, DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW COVER OVER THE EXISTING FEED PORT ON THE FUEL PUMP OR, IF THE EXISTING FEED PORT HAS ALREADY BEEN DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW COVER. THE NEW COVER WILL BE MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Recall data refreshed Jul 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo.

Reported to NHTSA

Frame corrosion and rear suspension mount separation

SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2019-11

“REAR OF THE FRAME IS ROTTED AND CRUMBLING, SO THERE ARE HOLES IN THE FRAME THAT ARE KEEPING IT FROM BEING SAFE, AND THUS WILL NOT PASS STATE SAFETY INSPECTION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10649039
“THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION AND HOLES THROUGHOUT THE FRAME. THE BRACKET ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE FRAME WAS DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10514034
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE LOWER LINK BRACKET SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10542683

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel odor and fuel tank leak

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2011-12 → 2024-01

“THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. UPON ARRIVING AT DESTINATION THERE WAS A BIG LEAK OF GAS COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10439244
“My car continues to smell like gas despite fuel pump and lines having been replaced. The smell is very strong”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569134

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear end noise and driveline separation

POWER TRAIN

3 NHTSA complaints · 2005-03 → 2007-05

“WITHIN A WEEK OF HAVING THE CAR, THE REAR END WAS MAKING A VERY LOUD HUMMING NOISE WHEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10151354
“I LOOKED UNDER MY VEHICLE , AND THE DRIVE LINE THAT WAS CONECTED TO THE REAR END WAS COMPLETELY DETACHED AND LAYING ON THE GROUND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10190555

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Reduced power warning and loss of power

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2009-04 → 2023-05

“RECURRING REDUCED POWER LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE FASTER THAN 10 MPH, EFFECTIVELY DISABLING VEHICLE, COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS; THE "PROBLEM" COMES AND GOES AT RANDOM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10266225
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE REDUCED POWER WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10896547
“VEHICLE TURN ON LIGHT: CHECK ENGINE AND POWER REDUCED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10378969

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration and stuck accelerator

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 NHTSA complaints · 2006-06 → 2012-03

“(1) EVENTS LEADING UP TO FAILURE: ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY 2004 ISUZU RODEO 2WD VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10160937
“I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND AS I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO INCREASE MY SPEED-I WAS CURRENTLY GOING 55-THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10453494

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2010-02 → 2013-03

“I HAD ISSUE WITH MY '04 ISUZU RODEO FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW DIFFERENT ISSUES. FIRST MY ENGINE IS EATING UP ALL THE OIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10504280
“I BOUGHT A 2004 RODEO IN JULY 2008 WITH 50,000KMS ON DID A FURTHER 10, 000 KMS AND FOUND IT STARTED TO BURN OIL TOOK IT TO EAGERS HOLDEN NEWSTEAD WHERE I BOUGHT IT THEY KEPT SAYING WE WILL SEE HOW IT GOES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10310414

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Timing Belt (3.2L and 3.5L V6)

Every 75,000 mi

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.

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

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.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

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.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

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.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

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.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Transfer Case & Differential Fluid (4WD models)

Every 30,000 mi

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.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

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.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

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.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

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.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Coolant Replacement

Every 60,000 mi

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.

Battery & Charging System Test

Every 25,000 mi

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.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

34 crashes 1990–2024

How the 34 occupant deaths break down

21

driver deaths

13

passenger deaths

34

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2004 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.

Why we show driver deaths too

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.

3

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 2004 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.

Check another vehicle →