8th Jun 2006, 10:18

Bought and making payments on 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. Cut off on me 1 time in traffic, but I thought it was cheap gas. Drove from Florida to Washington State. Stopped in Kansas City to rest and heard buzz underneath truck. North of Kansas City Missouri trans light comes on, got trans flushed continued on. 3,000 miles and in Seattle the trans starts acting funny. Going down hill felt like a push would occur, like a bump from behind. I was driving and then made a right turn and I had no power to go up hill. Drained out fluid and refilled with new fluid, but still no luck. Fluid looked burnt with metal flakes in it. Ready to junk it and move back to Volkswagen.

19th Jun 2006, 16:11

I came here looking for answers to an electrical problem I am having on my 2000 Rodeo LS (someone with the same problem posted it: when headlights on and pressing the brake pedal only the rear brake bar lights up, but not the tail lights) and I am surprised at the amount of problems this model has caused some. I could not be any happier about the vehicle so far. Bought it new and after 58k miles this is really the only issue I have had. I do put only premium gas (a habit I developed from experience) and perform routine maintenance myself, but overall this car has been solid for us. We have hauled everything from furniture to landscaping rocks in this thing, have taken it to the mountains, and it always performs admirably. And considering I have seen relatives and friends complain over and over again about their Cherokees, Explorers, Xterras and 4-runners I am even more pleased.

24th Jun 2006, 18:43

Well, it looks like I'm just another victim of the Passport transmission bug (and fuel sensor problem). My wife and I bought a used 2001 Passport LS with 105k. As first, the truck was having similar transmission problems with the gear indicator showing different than the actual gear you were in and the transmission shifting terrible. We had the transmission serviced and the problem seemed to be fixed. But within a few months, it happened again. We took it into the Honda dealer, but they could not reproduce the problem. So, today I was able to reproduce the problem by changing gears several times from park to drive to reverse, etc. I immediately drove it up the dealer while leaving it running. The mechanic and I then took it out for a test drive and he noticed the same problems. He said they would likely need to replace the transmission switch which will cost $366. I hope this fixes the issue b/c other than the transmission problem (and of course our fuel sensor is wacky too), we actually enjoy this vehicle.

5th Jul 2006, 11:39

My 2000 Rodeo was great for about 3 years. Now it's just a nightmare. As with everyone else the "check engine" light will not go off. Mechanics, oil change guys, no one knows why. Last time I tried to get it inspected, the inspector told me due to emissions laws, he can't pass it with a "check engine" light on. $1,300 later, light still on and I drive it around with an expired inspection.

I also have the fuel gauge up and down and flashing light issue.

But the best is this: Yesterday, the "check transmission" light came on. It did that once before and the new transmission ended up costing me $2,200.

Mechanics can never check the fluid, which, I have never figured out.

I've had it. Today, I am buying a Toyota. Never again Isuzu.

17th Jul 2006, 19:12

I purchased a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo 4x4 LS Automatic Transmission in February 2002. It had been a rental car and had 10,000 miles. Four and a half years later, I have 99,000 miles on it and have honestly had no problems with it. I've changed the oil on schedule as well replacing belts as needed. I'm not mechanically inclined, so I have no clue why it's held up so well after hearing the horror stories of most on here.

I really drive it hard and frequently take it on very long distant trips. I noticed recently it has a transmission fluid leak and after reading the manual, realized I have to take it into the dealership to have the fluid changed or even to have it added! I found that kind of odd. Other than that, I'm a very happy Rodeo owner.

28th Jul 2006, 20:35

Problems with my SUV...

1. Check engine light comes on constantly.

2. Had to replace 4WD actuator and still do 360's in rain or snow.

3. Driver power window switch had to be replaced.

4. Inner and outer front wheel bearings had to be replaced twice within two months.

5. Air conditioner will not work.

6. Rear windshield wiper only works when it wants to.

7. CD player will not work.

8. Took to the garage to troubleshoot a problem with what I thought was the back wheels locking up, and it's leaking transmission fluid and may need a gasket, and if that does not fix the problem, I will need a new transmission.

31st Jul 2006, 21:21

A horrible vehicle, our 2001 Isuzu Rodeo is a complete embarrassment to both of us. The only reason we bought it was that my eight-month pregnant wife wanted one, and we were smart enough to purchase the most-expensive extended warranty on the thing: and let me tell you, we have worked that warranty over like something seen in "Goodfellas" - with bats and stuff.

We're on our THIRD transmission - it's averaging 1 tranny every 38,000 miles.

There was the oxygen sensor, the EGR, the constant problem with squealing brakes which took a year and $1,000+ to solve, the pathetic gas mileage. We get a rental car with our warranty, and the repairs on the Isuzu come so fast and furious we are able to use its regularly-scheduled warranty breakdowns to test a new make/model of car. It's actually rather convenient.

Never again. Never, never, never again.

7th Aug 2006, 12:43

I have a Isuzu Rodeo 2WD LSE. I bought it at 50k miles on it, no problems for the first three years. Then last year my transmission gave up on me at 101k miles. The second gear slips to third like a jerk or someone bumping in to you from behind. Got it fixed for $2400 at AAMCO. I'll never go to this place AGAIN!

My oxygen sensor gave up, but my mechanic said don't worry about it. And now, I get this loud vibrating sound when I do a quick acceleration from a stop. I'm assuming it's the first gear. I still have to bring to my mechanic to confirm.

I bough this SUV because it was within my budget for a used vehicle. Otherwise, if you have the money, spend it on a reliable brand. Next time I will stick to Toyota, Honda or Nissan.