Model year guide

1998 Isuzu Rodeo

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 11 on record.

1998 Isuzu Rodeo — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Isuzu Rodeo at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints513
Combined16–20 mpg
Typical price$1,243

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1998 Isuzu Rodeo recalls 6

Suspension:rear NHTSA Campaign #10V436000 · 22/09/2010

ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2002 ISUZU RODEO AND MODEL YEAR 2002 ISUZU AXIOM VEHICLES, AND HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1998-2002 HONDA PASSPORT VEHICLES, THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN THE STATES OF MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, IN…

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 VE…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip NHTSA Campaign #02I002000 · 03/06/2002

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.

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 PR…

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #01I002000 · 29/05/2001

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.

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 …

Suspension:rear NHTSA Campaign #00V058000 · 02/03/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. 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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE LOWER LINK JOINT NUT AND BOLT.

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood NHTSA Campaign #98V170000 · 24/07/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. 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

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE VEHICLES.

Unknown Or Other NHTSA Campaign #97V206001 · 13/11/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER'S SIDE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT RUBBER FLOOR MAT. 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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1998 Isuzu Rodeo common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 513 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

1998 Isuzu Rodeo safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 1998 Isuzu Rodeo 4-DR. 4x4Frontal crash test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo 4-DR. 4x4. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1998 Isuzu Rodeo MPG & running costs

Combined16–20 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,930
EPA size classSpecial Purpose Vehicle 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,650 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$1,243
High
$3,000

From 7 comparable 1998 Isuzu Rodeo listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,650
Fuel only$19,650
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
175.2 in
Width
70.5 in
Height
66.5 in
Wheelbase
106.3 in
Curb weight
3,929 lb
Front track
59.8 in
Rear track
60.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 5

Rear Suspension Lower Link Detachment Closed

On September 22, 2010, Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) submitted a Defect Information Report (NHTSA Recall 10V-436) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration affecting approximately 120,000 model year (MY) 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport vehicles and MY 2002 Isuzu Axiom vehicles originally sold, or currently operated, in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, the Distri…

NHTSA #EA09018 · Suspension · opened Dec 2009 · closed Oct 2010

REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK FAILURE Closed

DURING PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE09-030, ISUZU MOTORS AMERICA, INC (ISUZU) NOTED TWO PRIMARY DIFFERENCES ONCE THE REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK SEPARATION OCCURS BETWEEN THE ALLEGED DEFECT (SEPARATION OF THE LOWER LINK FROM THE FRAME) OF THIS INVESTIGATION AND A SAFETY DEFECT INVOLVING LOWER LINK SEPARATION FROM THE REAR AXLE ADDRESSED BY ISUZU IN SAFETY RECALL 00V-058. IN THE CASE OF THE DEFECT CONDITION IDENTIFIED IN R…

NHTSA #PE09030 · Suspension · opened Jun 2009 · closed Dec 2009

BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS Closed

NHTSA #EA99008 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Mar 1999 · closed Jul 2002

BROKEN ACCELERATOR PEDAL Closed

COMPLAINTS ALLE THAT THE HONDA PASSPORT (THE HONDA PASSPORT AND ISUZU RODEO ARE SIMILAR VEHICLES, BOTH MANUFACTURED BY ISUZU) ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEPARATES FROM THE PEDAL LINKAGE.

NHTSA #PE98054 · Power Train · opened Oct 1998 · closed Feb 1999

BRAKING SYSTEM/ABS Closed

NHTSA #PE98051 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Sep 1998 · closed Mar 1999

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 85

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 85.

This bulletin outlines the procedures for using the Alpine Exchange Program (the "Exchange Program"). The Exchange Program must be used when any Alpine radio or other component covered by this bulletin is repaired under warranty and may also be used for radio…

Bulletin IB13-R-001G · May 2023

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts War…

Bulletin WB13-X-001B · Equipment · Aug 2022

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is providing the following procedural recommendations to improve dealer efficiency when submitting Parts Warranty claims. We strongly recommend dealers follow these procedures in order to avoid delays in Parts War…

Bulletin WB13-X-001A · Equipment · Aug 2022

The following is a list of the Isuzu-recommended Threebond product part numbers identified in the various Isuzu Workshop Manuals and bulletins. If a Threebond product is unavailable, we recommend that you utilize the chart below to find equivalent of similar p…

Bulletin IB09-X-002B · Equipment · Jul 2022

The Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) Service Technical Assistance Center (TAC) provides diagnostic support to Isuzu dealer technicians repairing Isuzu vehicles in and out of vehicle warranty. A TAC case number will be issued solely for information trac…

Bulletin IB09-X-004C · Engine And Engine Cooling, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Jul 2022

This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.

Bulletin 05-06-04-035D · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2014

REAR BRAKE ROTORS. *KB

Bulletin 0709002 · Service Brakes, Air · Jul 2007

SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES. *TT 2002-2004 ISUZU AXIOM (UP), 198-2004 RODEO (UE) AND 1998-2004 RODEO SPORT. UPDATE *SC

Bulletin 0505004 · Power Train · May 2005

IGNITION SWITCH DOES NOT TURN TO THE LOCK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY CANNOT BE REMOVED. *TT

Bulletin 0304S003 · Electrical System · Sep 2003

POOR AND/OR LOOSE DOOR WEATHERSTRIP POSITION. *TT

Bulletin 0311S004 · Structure · Aug 2003

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RODEO. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 4

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Suspension

Certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road de-icing material usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador) may experience excessive corrosion in the vicinity of the left or right forward mounting point bracket for the rear suspension lower link, prior to the time that such corrosion would normally be expected. In ce…

Transport Canada #2010341 · Oct 2010

Suspension

On certain vehicles, paint may have been applied unevenly on the rear axles. In cases where the paint was too thick, the allotted drying time may have resulted 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 later loosen. If the nut should detach fully separation of the lower link…

Transport Canada #2000085 · Mar 2000

Emissions

Certain V6 Rodeo do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 1105 - Evaporative Emissions. The rubber purge hose of the Enhanced Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) may crack, due to proximity of the exhaust pipe. Correction: Dealers will install an EVAP pipe and hose assembly using a clearance template, and will inspect routing clearances after installation.

Transport Canada #1999203 · Oct 1999

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the engine wire harness ground connection terminal may fracture due to improper crimping. In a case where the terminal is fractured, the powertrain control module (PCM) may misinterpret the damage as a signal indicating a high vehicle speed. The PCM will then cut the fuel causing a "no-start" condition or an engine stall. Correction: Wire harness will be re…

Transport Canada #1999038 · Mar 1999

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Isuzu Rodeo

The Isuzu Rodeo is an automotive nameplate that was used by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Isuzu between 1988 and 2004. Isuzu has utilized the "Rodeo" name on two different vehicles—a compact pickup truck sold in Japan, and a midsize SUV offered in North America.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1998 Isuzu Rodeo trims & engines on record

Trims
S · LS
Engines
3.2L 6-cyl

1998 Isuzu Rodeo vehicles on record

Other Isuzu Rodeo model years

1998 Isuzu Rodeo — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo?

Across all 513 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, structure.

What is the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo crash-test ratings of frontal 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1998 Isuzu Rodeo get?

The 1998 Isuzu Rodeo has U.S. EPA estimates of 16–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).

How much is a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo worth?

Comparable 1998 Isuzu Rodeo listings run roughly $500–$3,000, typically around $1,243 (from 7 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.