Model year guide

2002 Isuzu Rodeo

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2002 Isuzu Rodeo — representative photo
Representative photo

2002 Isuzu Rodeo at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints101
Combined16–18 mpg

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

2002 Isuzu Rodeo recalls 2

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…

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #05V466000 · 07/10/2005

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.

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 DIF…

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.

2002 Isuzu Rodeo common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2002 Isuzu Rodeo safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Frontal crash test — 2002 Isuzu Rodeo 4-DR.Frontal crash test

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2002 Isuzu Rodeo MPG & running costs

Combined16–18 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,950
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 11 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,750
Fuel only$19,750
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.

2002 Isuzu Rodeo vehicles on record

Other Isuzu Rodeo model years

2002 Isuzu Rodeo — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2002 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 2002 Isuzu Rodeo?

Across all 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are structure, service brakes, power train.

What is the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo crash-test ratings of frontal 3★, side 5★, rollover 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo get?

The 2002 Isuzu Rodeo has U.S. EPA estimates of 16–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (11 versions).

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