1998 Isuzu Rodeo: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo: 4 recalls, 478 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Other / unknown Vehicle recall #97V206001 · 1997 · 233 vehicles
What's wrong: Repeated movement of the driver's feet and actuation of the accelerator pedal can result in a shifting of the mat's position. This shifting can cause an interference with the accelerator pedal.
Why it matters: This could cause a restriction of the pedal's return to the idle position, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Isuzu is asking for the return of the floor mat set and will reimburse owners for the cost of the rubber floor mat set along with any return shipping costs.
Electrical Vehicle recall #98V170000 · 1998 · 55,475 vehicles
What's wrong: A ground connection terminal was not properly crimped in the supplier's engine wiring harness manufacturing line. This improper crimping process can leave an impression on the terminal that will eventually cause a stress fracture. S
Why it matters: If a terminal is fractured, the powertrain control module (PCM) can receive an erroneous signal indicating a high vehicle speed, thereby causing the PCM to cut the fuel, causing a 'no-start' condition, or a possible engine stall.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these vehicles.
Suspension Vehicle recall #00V058000 · 2000 · 213,736 vehicles
What's wrong: Paint was applied unevenly on the rear axles, resulting in insufficient paint hardness. Should this occur on the surface that contacts the rear axle lower link bracket bolt head and/or nut, the nut May loosen.
Why it matters: The bolt could detach fully, causing separation of the lower link from the rear axle, increasing the risk of loss of vehicle control.
The fix: Dealers will replace the rear axle lower link joint nut and bolt.
Suspension Vehicle recall #10V436000 · 2010 · 149,992 vehicles
What's wrong: Vehicles that have experienced sustained exposure to highly corrosive materials used in some jurisdictions for road deicing purposes May experience excessive corrosion in the vicinity of the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link prior to the time that such corrosion would normally be expected.
Why it matters: Excessive corrosion May result in the left or right rear suspension lower link bracket becoming detached from the frame, which can affect vehicle handling and potentially cause a crash.
The fix: 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…
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Engine & cooling Recall #01I002000 · 2001 · 0 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Vehicle description: 1998-2000 rodeo (ue) and amigo (ua) models equipped with 2.2l 4-cylinder engines. The timing belt could break before the recommended scheduled maintenance.
Why it matters: This condition could cause the engine to crank but will not start or the engine could stall while driving and will not restart.
The fix: Dealer will inspect the vehicle to determine the condition of the timing belt and tensioner. The dealer will replace the timing belt. Depending on the condition or model of the timing belt tensioner, the tensioner May also be replaced. Isuzu has decided to conduct a service campaign to replace the…
Brakes (hydraulic) Recall #02I002000 · 2002 · 161,927 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles that are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), the vehicles can experience extended stopping distances in certain types of braking events.
Why it matters: Extended stopping distance could result, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide a replacement computer algorithm for the ABS that is based on the algorithm used in Isuzu's my 2000 and 2001 vehicles, which have not had the problem. This campaign will be conducted in phases, with the my 1998 2wd vehicles covered first, since they have experienced the most…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 31 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (211): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (83), noise or vibration (27).
- Body & structure (69): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (59), door / lock issues (8), noise or vibration (6).
- Suspension (59): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (28), noise or vibration (17).
- Engine & cooling (39): the most common themes are noise or vibration (8), leaks (8), stalls / loses power (5).
The 1998 Isuzu Rodeo has 478 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 15 Rodeo model years for complaints (2.9× the average Rodeo year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (93 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (118 complaints, 0 recalls), 1999 (550 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Isuzu Rodeo problems?
Owners have filed 478 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (211), body & structure (69), suspension (59).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.2 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.