24th Mar 2014, 20:22
I have a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo LS that is 14 years old and just surpassed 113,000 miles. I bought it new in 2000 and it has never been in the shop for anything other than oil changes and regular servicing, except for a new fan clutch, and a new fuel pump and fuel level sensor assembly. Everything else on it, minus tires, filters and accessory drive belt, is original.
Only in the last couple of months have I had any real problems. It recently developed a minor transmission leak, goes through about a 1/2 quart of oil between changes, and has a steady check engine light. All of this I will take care of in a few days.
I am pretty sure the check engine light has something to do with ethanol fuel, as it never came on when I lived where I could put non-ethanol fuel in it. About 6 months after I moved here, where all of the fuel stations sell fuel with a minimum of 10% ethanol, is where my problems started. I suspect that it is the ethanol that is responsible for the seal damage causing the oil burn, and that is probably wrecking the fuel & emissions system, thus the check engine light, and that caused my fuel pump and tank level sensor to fail almost simultaneously.
But, overall I have been very happy with this car, especially when I read about some of the problems others have had with their Rodeos.
29th Jul 2014, 20:53
I own a 2001 Rodeo LS 3.2 liter engine with 79,000 miles, purchased new in Oct. 2001.
I was having trans problems. I had a Chrysler dealership replace the transmission pan gaskets. After repair, the vehicle mimicked symptoms of differential problems and trans slippage. Took it to a second mechanic who recommended a trans flush. Problems persisted after the flush. Long story short, I fixed the issue by checking the trans fluid and filling with 3.5 quarts of synthetic fluid. Both Chrysler and the independent mechanic performed trans work and somehow did not fill it properly.
The moral to this story; if you are experiencing trans problems, check for leaks, and ensure your trans fluid is topped off at the trans pan located beneath the Rodeo. My Rodeo is running well now. No rust thanks to south eastern Virginia weather!
3rd Dec 2011, 19:36
I have a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo, and have never had any problems with it. The gas hand does not work sometimes, but other than that, it is a very good driving SUV. Mine has about 90 thousand miles on it, just took a trip to Florida, and no problems.