2003 Isuzu Rodeo recalls and problems

The 2003 Isuzu Rodeo has 3 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Isuzu dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
16
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Isuzu Rodeo vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Isuzu Rodeo recalls

Recall 13V-547: Suspension

Reported Oct 31, 2013 · 8,816 vehicles affected · Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America

Problem: 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.

Recall 05V-466: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Oct 7, 2005 · 15,515 vehicles affected · ISUZU MANUFACTURING SERVICES OF AMERICA

Problem: 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 03V-390: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 10, 2003 · 55 vehicles affected · ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED

Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101, "controls and displays." the brake warning lamp would not illuminate in the event of decreased brake fluid volume.

Fix: The diodes have been replaced. All vehicles have been repaired.

2003 Isuzu Rodeo problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Structure4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Power Train2
Suspension2
Electrical System1
Wheels1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 1
  • Suspension › Front — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Power Train › Driveline — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 40,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Isuzu Rodeo complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 150,000 miles · reported Oct 7, 2018
This complaint is related to an ongoing investigation regarding fuel tank retention. The fuel tank shield on this vehicle is rotting away due to rust and one of the two fuel tank straps has already broken. There is no accesibility to an OEM or aftermarket shield, the part is discontinued and aftermarket companies do not produce it as far as I can find. This is a serious safety concern, and it would be seriously expensive to get a new shield manufactured by a machine shop. Due to a lack of rodeo's on the road, there are no viable options I've found at local junkyards to get a replacement…
Structure · reported Mar 12, 2014
The contact owns a 2003 isuzu rodeo. The contact stated the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage and VIN was not available.
Structure · at 88,000 miles · reported May 21, 2013
The contact owns a 2003 isuzu rodeo. The stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning, causing the contact to crash into a guard rail. There were no injuries. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was advised that the frame rail was rotten and caused the axle to detach from the frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Power Train · at 84,953 miles · reported Sep 25, 2009
The "u" bracket which prevents the drive shaft from falling down broke off and slid down the shaft and wore the shaft down and making the car undrivable.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 34,000 miles · reported Aug 20, 2008
03 isuzu rodeo 3.2l burning excessive amount of oil. Takes a quart every 250 miles. Done everything recommended at the recommended intervals, oil changes, EGR valve, pcv valve, ect. I AM very good about changing recommended parts when needed. This engine should not be taking oil. I do not tow or rev over 5,000 RPM, ever! Other isuzu owners have also expressed concerns about this to me, this seems to be a fairly common problem with the isuzu engine. I now need to replace the engine at a cost of 3,000 plus installation labor charges. This is the third rodeo I have had, good luck with the other…

Other Isuzu Rodeo years

Compare all Isuzu Rodeo years · All Isuzu models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo: 13V-547 (suspension), 05V-466 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-390 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (4 reports), followed by structure (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 40,000 miles.

Are Isuzu recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Isuzu dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.