NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 118 owner complaints for the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo. Most complaints involve structure (32) and engine and engine cooling (16). 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.
“THE TRUCK IS ERODING AWAY THE UNDER CARRIAGE AND HAS STATED TO COME THROUGH INTERIOR EFFECTING THE BOLTS AND THE SUPPORTS HOLDING SEAT DOWN. ALSO THE ENGINE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE. BLOWN KNOCKING ENGINE”
“2006 I PURCHASED 1997 ISUZU RODEO. NOT LONG AFTER WE NOTICED ENGINE MADE A TICKING SOUND BROUGHT IT TO SHOP AND FOUND OUT THERE WAS NO OIL PRESSURE. WE HAD TO HAVE ENGINE REPLACED IT TOOK ABOUT 2 MONTHS. THEY HAD TO REPLACE ENGINE 2. FIRST ONE THEY INSTALLED WAS ALSO BLOWN. ENGINE STILL TICKS. THERE IS ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE SUV WANTING TO ACCELERATE WHILE AT A STOP. SOMETIMES NOT EVEN HOLDING THE BREAK FIRM STOPS IT FROM ROLLING. THE HEATER CORE STARTED LEAKING ANTIFREEZE INTO THE VEHICLE. THE REPLACEMENT FEE JUST FOR THE PART IS 400.00. I HAVE READ MANY REPORTS OF AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING. *TR”
“THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE LUGS:NUTS/BOLTS BROKE WHILE SERVICING THE TIRES. THE LUGS:NUTS:BOLTS WERE REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONSUMER WOULD BE CONTACTING THE DEALER IN THE NEAR FUTURE. *AK *SC”
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 | $3,350 | 494 |
| Rodeo 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | $3,750 | 555 |
| Rodeo 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | $3,750 | 555 |
| Rodeo 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,000 | 592 |
| Rodeo 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,000 | 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 12, 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 118 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (32), engine and engine cooling (16), wheels (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo at 15–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).