NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 97 owner complaints for the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo. Most complaints involve wheels (22) and engine and engine cooling (14). The EPA rates it 15–18 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“FOR THE 2ND TIME THE LUGS & STUDS ON THE ISUZU RODEO HAVE EITHER BROKEN/CRACKED OR STRIPPED WHEN A TIRE ROATION IS BEING PREFORMED. BOTH TIMES SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANUELLY TRIED TO REMOVE THE LUGS . AND AFTERWARDS TRIED TO TIGHTEN THE LUGS. AS A RESULT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE REAR AXLE - SINCE THE STUDS ARE BUILT FROM THE INNER SIDE OUTWARD. NOW WITH SEVERAL LUGS STRIPPED AGAIN, I FEAR I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE AXLE AGAIN. *AK”
“MY EGR VALVE ON MY 96 ISUZU RODEO KEEPS GOING OUT. I HAVE WENT TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND HE SAID THAT IN THE LAST YEAR HE HAS SOLD OVER 100 EGR VALVES FOR THIS VEHICLE AND THAT THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED THEM. I NEED TO KNOW WHY THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED THIS DO TO IT BEING AN ONGOING PROBLEM CAUSING EXTREMELY BAD GAS USE. *JB”
“TAKATA RECALL INESPERADAMENTE SE ACTIVO LA BOLSA DE AIRE DEL CHOFER QUEMANDO LOS BRAZOS Y LA BARRIGA DE MI ESPOSA , ELLA SINTIO UN OLOR FUERTE A CABLE QUEMADO PENSO QUE VENIA DEL EXTERIOR Y SACO SU CARA HACIA FUERA , Y CASI EN EL INSTANTA EXPLOTO LA SBOLSA YO SALI CORRIENDO Y LA VI LLENA DE UN POLVO BLANCO Y SUS BRAZOS QUEMADOS ,DAMOS GRACIAS A DIOS QUE TENIA LA CARA POR LA VENTANA , DE LO CONTRARIO LE HUVIESE QUEMADO EL REOSTRO ,EL VEHICULO ESTABA PARADO DESPUES DE DAR RIVERSA”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rodeo 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Rodeo 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| Rodeo 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| Rodeo 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Rodeo 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 97 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are wheels (22), engine and engine cooling (14), air bags (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo at 15–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).