3rd Nov 2009, 13:24
I have had my 2002 Rodeo for three years and didn't have any problems until March 2009. My transmission also started slipping and unfortunately it kept getting worse until it completely crashed. I spent $4,000 for a new transmission. Now the "check engine" light is on and I'm told it's the oxygen sensors. Hmm, all that sounds too familiar on here.
4th Nov 2009, 00:34
Original owner of a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo. Issue started several months ago. At first the truck would shift hard and at times would stall. Took it to a mechanic who could not figure out the issue. Kept on driving it until the transmission started to slip, brought it to AAMCO for a new tranny, worked fine for a week, then the old issue started again. Currently the truck is hard to start and shifting hard again and then stalls. Tried to return the truck to AAMCO, but since the issue is intermittent, they could not reproduce the issue. I found out that the Isuzu transmission is built by GM, and I remember reading about similar (if not the same) problems that plagued the GMC Jimmy and Chevy Blazer.
13th Jan 2010, 14:47
I purchased an 2002 Isuzu Rodeo in June of 2006 and have had problems every since. The brakes are needing to be changed very frequently. Last summer my sensor in my fuel tank went bad so when I park on an incline it looks as though I don't have any gas, I thought someone stole the gas out of the tank. It goes to E and the fuel tank light comes on. Just 2 days ago I took it to get look out because it was making a very loud noise. I was told I need new spark plugs, engine wires and gaskets replaced. Not to mention a new Manifold intake and to replace the sensor I have to replace the whole fuel tank. Resulting in $2300.00 worth of work. I am very disappointed in this car. Time to get a new one definitely.
8th Feb 2010, 17:28
I have a 2002 Isuzu which I have had it for 3 years. At one time I though the transmission was going bad, dealer cost would have been 4000 + dollars. Did not have. But come to find out it just need a rod.
Now radio/6 changer CD do not work. Have been driving this SUV for a year without music. What can consumer do about a faulty manufacturer? Even if I had my auto for years, they should have to answer to building bad parts for these autos. People work too hard for their money to just keep buying parts for their auto because they do not build them right. Auto dealers should also be accountable for selling these autos.
10th Apr 2010, 14:47
Had our 02 Rodeo since new in Dec 2009.
6 disc changer wouldn't release my CDs and was replaced soon after purchase (within a year) under warranty.
With 50k, motor was replaced under warranty (bolt broke off in head while checking a leak... metal throughout so they replaced the whole thing).
Front edge of hood was rusting from inside out (under the lip) so we got a new hood under the corrosion warranty, just a few months before it expired...
Just a few months back, my key got stuck in the ignition. Dealer said the column needed "re-adjustment" and wasn't covered, so that was $300 out of pocket.
Today the check engine light came on. BIL will be hooking to scanner later to find the source. Hope it's the O2 sensor (inexpensive); but if it's something major, my 120k warranty still has 4k miles and plenty of months left =) Ready to fight with the dealer Monday if it is. They always like to play like you're stupid and not aware of the coverage...
Overall it's been a good truck, considering we've had it 8 years. Just paid it off in Dec. 09.
16th Apr 2010, 09:33
My 2002 Rodeo has been a nightmare... air compressor locked up... burns 2 qt. of oil every 150 miles... CD changer don't work... can't keep brakes on it... tail lights work when 'they' want to... window trim doesn't allow window to roll back up after you roll all the way down...
Why should the American people stand and allow this... Could be we're so broke we don't have a choice!
7th Jul 2010, 20:09
I bought a 02 Rodeo and it was a reliable vehicle until the tranny started slipping at 72K. $2300.00 to get that fixed then 20K later it started knocking. I got it checked out, and they told me nothing could be done; needed a new motor! To cut a long story short, never get a Rodeo! Ever!
9th Nov 2010, 16:07
I am the first owner of this 2002 Isuzu Rodeo, and had nothing but headaches, with countless hours of traveling back and forth to dealership for repairs. Fortunately, the warranty took care of 80% of the repairs.
Now, having the head gasket replaced by warranty... something went wrong, and I am told I need a new engine (not covered by warranty).
I would never recommend investing in another Isuzu vehicle. Honestly, the warranty company is better off buying me another vehicle versus covering repairs for the past few years.
26th Nov 2010, 15:26
I have an 2002 Rodeo LS with 124k miles going on 9 years. The problems I had with this SUV:
1. Oxygen sensor - $300+.
2. 6 disc changer jamming and eventually had to replace - $100+.
3. Transfer gear replaced - $1000.
4. Universal joint replaced - free, because they thought it was the transfer gear!
5. Transmission is slipping slowly, and don't know what the cost is yet.
The two big ticket items happened after the warranty ran out. I loved the Rodeo, but it's not worth the price to keep it going now.
10th Jan 2011, 15:16
Bought a 2002 Rodeo last year as an extra car. Within one year, replaced brakes, cracked radiator and now need to rebuild the transmission $2100. Never should have bought it, but without fixing the transmission... it is pretty much worthless as a trade in or to sell.
16th Jan 2011, 15:09
I bought my Isuzu Rodeo new in 2002. Starting fall of 2009, my car wouldn't go into gear until it warmed up between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on how cold the weather was. I got the gear shifter rod replaced around $900. It helped for a while, but now during cold weather again, I still have to wait until it warms up. Has anyone had this problem? The trans. is not slipping.
Thanks, Deb.
15th Sep 2009, 21:19
I just bought my best friend's 2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS from her 2 months ago. It has 67,000 miles and she bought the extended warranty. She has never had any problems with it, and in the 2 months I've had it, I've had to replace the battery, the CD player (the 6-disc in dash player quit working, WITH 6 of my CDs in it), and now it's at the dealership getting a new transmission because it apparently has bits of metal floating around in it and has been slipping when it's in Drive. Luckily they are covering it under the warranty as it's still registered to her as the original owner. However, in reading all these posts, I'm starting to wonder if this will just continue...