18th May 2005, 20:20
I am so glad that I read all of these comments. I was considering buying a Rodeo because they are stylish and you can find them very cheap, but the oil consumption and blown engines have helped me decide to buy what I was considering in the first place, a Jeep Cherokee. I thank God for this web site all of these comments are extremely helpful. I have a Chevrolet with 190,000+ miles on it. It drops oil, but not as bad as these Rodeos burn it. My brother has a Jeep with 227,000 miles on it and it doesn't consume oil that bad either. Any time a dealer mechanic tells you that burning 1 quart of oil every 1200 miles is normal for that vehicle you should try to get rid of it ASAP. (Unless it's a Porsche some times new Porsche's burn rather large amount of oil for them to be new cars.)
Mr. Shade Tree.
25th Jul 2005, 18:03
Owner of a 1998 Isuzu Rodeo.
Everything was fine until one morning the engine began to make a horrendous sound. Dealer said the engine has to be replaced as the sound was due to rod knock.
Wish I had read these posts before, and traded in my Rodeo before. Now I have to pay for a new engine.
Anyone else having the same problem, please write, and maybe we can get together and start a litigation with Isuzu.
sum_itp <AT> yahoo.com
16th Sep 2005, 16:48
Rodeo 1999 LSE. Mileage was at 90,590 when I noticed that the 'Check A/T' light would come on. About a day later my engine knots upon accelerating from a stop. Finally, at a light, it refuse to move forward (backing up works though) when I stepped on the gas. Just got it back from the transmission shop today. The damage was a mere 1,847. Transmission has to be rebuilt, cylinoid burn out, metal bad, etc, etc. I echo a lot of the sentiments here... I love it when I first bought it. Now the cost of ownership is crazy. I had the 30k, 60k maintainance done at the dealership for about $500 each time. Was about to take it in for the 90k check when the transmission went out. Oh well, I'm down 2k for the trans, so I figured I shell out another $500 for the 90k service. Maybe then I can keep it for another 20-30k. Shoulda trade it in a long time back. Other problems...
- Right brake light does not work for over 2 years now. Keep changing bulbs. They burn out about a week later.
- Intermittant wipes does not work in this setting any more. Sometimes the next low setting does not work either.
- Oil comsumption is high. Has to change oil every 3k instead of the the '5k' in the manual. In between changes, it requires about a qt. to sustain normal level.
WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ISUZU AGAIN!
12th Mar 2006, 13:48
To the poster of Feb. 18th:
You drive an SUV and are surprised you are getting "bad" gas mileage? If that's one of your priorities I suggest you look into compact cars.
No one buys an SUV expecting any type of remarkable mileage, EVER.
19th Mar 2006, 02:17
If the dealers say you will get 20 miles per gallon, then you should get 20 miles a gallon give or take 2 or 3 miles! If your only getting 14 miles per gallon, that's a legitimate complaint!!!
23rd Mar 2006, 10:24
My Isuzu Rodeo has all of the same problems plus more that has been listed here, everything from the gas gauge that refuses to work to the Intermittent wipers no working the brakes to the transmission that I just replaced.
My advice is to stay away from Rodeos! And I would love to take part in a class action suit.
24th Mar 2006, 07:42
I own a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS with 130,000 miles on it. It seems to me that I have a coolant leak, but no mechanic can find the leak. I have to replace the coolant almost every four weeks. What could be the problem?
28th Mar 2006, 14:02
I bought a new 99 rodeo. At 30k we had the ABS serviced. That is the only non-scheduled maintenance we have ever had. The thing gets 19 mpg and goes 3k without burning a full qt of oil. She is about to go over 100k. This is the best vehicle we have ever had. This is also the last of the real Isuzus. If you are having problems, check your model and parts. A lot of the problems stem from the infusion of GM parts. As to the comment of not buying another Isuzu and buying domestic, everything sold in America with an Isuzu label is made by GM starting in 03 I think.
23rd May 2006, 13:15
I purchased a 1999 LS brand new. I am having the same VERY annoying problem with the fuel reading and my driver side panel for the power windows does not work properly (problem started in 2003). Has anyone heard of a recall for the fuel reading??
The only major problem I've experienced was having to replace the transmission last year after 120K miles. I've not had as much problems as everyone else, but there definitely seems to be many problems stemming from how this model was manufactured. I am disappointed with Isuzu for not taking care of these obvious issues properly.
31st May 2006, 11:55
I own a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo LSE my check engine light came on and the diagnostics indicated a possible EGR Switch problem, I am not in a position to get taken by the dealer Service Center, I have a volunteer to clean it to see if this helps, could someone point to where this switch is located, any assistance would be greatly appreciated wcr@tslinc.com.
7th Jun 2006, 15:20
I bought my first ever brand new vehicle in 2000. By my bad luck, I happened to fall in love with the Rodeo LS. I was actually fortunate enough to lease it for the first 3 years. At the end of the lease, the mileage on the truck was so low that the buy out appeared to be extremely reasonable. Now, I swear on my children’s lives, that the second the pen hit the paper things began to go array. Aside from the oil consumption problem, the list includes: rear wiper rusted over so bad, that the wiper barely moved ($148), replace the front and rear rotors after 24000K ($989), 6 disc factory CD player won’t play CD’s (I refuse to fix that, but I probably will. Thank You IPOD), locking mechanism for the rear door and window became dislodged to the point where it was a 50/50 chance the rear hatch would even open ($137). I’m a 3L of oil every 1200K kind of guy. My mechanic recently suggested trying synthetic oil to at least try to alleviate the problem citing that the cheaper oil breaks down at a lower temperature. I’m game for anything. Aside from the above-mentioned issues, and the fact that Isuzu/Saturn/GM Canada completely bailed on any responsibility with regard to this oil mess, I like my truck. Too bad they don’t back up their products. Never again, will I purchase GM vehicles. Shame on you GM!! It’s a wonder you’re pulling up the rear and in such financial trouble.
22nd Mar 2005, 20:59
2000 Isuzu Trooper 3.5 Oil Consumption Problems Persist.
A visit to the dealer prior to 40k/4yr expiration didn't help. The dealers have their story down.
I hear the "ticking" even though never below the add mark and can imagine the problem -- down the road. Consumers are at a huge disadvantage these days and class action lawsuits seem to be a thing of the past.
Most of the experiences of others are exactly the same for me: Corporate and Dealership.