Head-to-head reliability
Isuzu Rodeo vs Toyota Camry
How the Isuzu Rodeo and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Isuzu Rodeo vs Toyota Camry: The Rodeo averaged 177.6 complaints per year over 5 years, while the Camry averaged 214.3 over 10 years. The Rodeo had 58 crash-related complaints and 45 injuries; the Camry had 181 crashes and 163 injuries. Both have recalls, but the Camry has more (31 vs 15). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Isuzu Rodeo or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Isuzu Rodeo
The Isuzu Rodeo is a mid-size SUV that, based on owner complaints, demands careful inspection before purchase. Over five years, it averaged 177.6 complaints per year, with many reports of structural instability, suspension rust, and engine oil consumption. Recalls for brake fluid warning, rear suspension, and fuel pump add to the list of known trouble spots. Buyers should expect a vehicle that needs thorough checks, especially for rust and front-end integrity.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular sedan with a generally strong reputation, but NHTSA data shows 214.3 complaints per year over ten years. Owners report power train issues like transmission grinding, engine sudden acceleration, and brake failures. Recalls for air bag sensors, seats, and wheel studs are also present. While many Camrys serve reliably, the volume of complaints means a used buyer should verify recall repairs and inspect key systems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Isuzu Rodeo | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 888 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 58 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 177.6 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 45 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Isuzu Rodeo
- 01STRUCTURE350
- 02SUSPENSION224
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING90
- 04SERVICE BRAKES89
- 05FUEL SYSTEM78
Owners report the vehicle becoming unstable on uneven roads and even stalling without warning, leading to crashes. These structural issues can affect control and safety, so a buyer should check for frame damage or prior accidents.
Complaints include severe rust causing flat slabs to fall from the undercarriage, especially in salt-belt states. This can compromise the rear suspension and spare tire mounting, making a rust inspection critical.
Excessive oil consumption (a quart every 250 miles) and repeated intake manifold gasket failures are common. These can lead to engine damage and costly repairs if not addressed.
Owners describe the vehicle leaning to one side and uneven braking, sometimes with no response from the brake pedal. This suggests brake system or suspension-related issues that need immediate attention.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, THE VEHICLE BECAME UNSTABLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU RODEO. THE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FO…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Grinding noises from the front end upon acceleration often indicate transmission failure, with some owners needing a full replacement. This is a major expense and a key test-drive check.
Reports of uncontrollable sudden acceleration and coolant valve bypass issues (code P268115) can lead to crashes or engine damage. Buyers should verify any related recalls were performed.
Some owners experience a complete loss of brake response, especially on hills or when braking gently. This is a serious safety concern that warrants a professional brake inspection.
Recurring HVAC odors (like vinegar or mildew) and AC condenser damage from road debris are common annoyances. These are not safety-critical but can be costly to fix.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Isuzu Rodeo — 15 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE IN THE EVENT OF DECREASED BRAKE FLUID VOLUME.
The fix: THE DIODES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.
The defect: Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,…
The risk: The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and 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 corrosio…
The defect: 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 LAUNC…
The risk: A FUEL LEAK COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
The 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 EQUI…
The defect: Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey,…
The risk: The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Isuzu will notify owners, and 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 corrosio…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Isuzu Rodeo or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Isuzu Rodeo has fewer complaints per year (177.6) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Rodeo's issues often involve structural and suspension failures that can be severe. The Camry's higher annual rate includes more power train and brake complaints. In practice, the Rodeo may need more rust and engine checks, while the Camry demands attention to transmission and brake function.
Key differences
- The Isuzu Rodeo has 888 complaints over 5 years (177.6/year), while the Toyota Camry has 2143 over 10 years (214.3/year).
- Rodeo complaints often involve structure (350) and suspension (224), with reports of rust and instability; Camry complaints lead with power train (395) and engine (315), including transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Rodeo has 15 recalls, including brake fluid warning and fuel pump; the Camry has 31 recalls, including air bag sensors and wheel studs.
- Crash-related complaints: Rodeo 58, Camry 181; injuries: Rodeo 45, Camry 163; deaths: Rodeo 0, Camry 1.
- Check the undercarriage and rear suspension for severe rust, especially if the vehicle has been in a salt-belt state; owners report rust slabs falling off.
- Test drive on uneven roads and listen for unusual noises or instability; some owners experienced stalling and loss of control.
- During a test drive, accelerate and listen for grinding noises from the front; this may indicate transmission problems requiring replacement.
- Test the brakes on a hill or at low speeds; some owners reported no brake response, which is a critical safety issue.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been repaired, especially for the Rodeo's brake fluid warning and fuel pump, and the Camry's air bag sensors and wheel studs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Rodeo for rust, especially on the frame and suspension, and check oil consumption and manifold gasket condition.
- For the Camry, have a mechanic check transmission function, brake system, and engine for sudden acceleration or coolant valve issues.
- Test drive both vehicles on varied roads, including hills and uneven surfaces, to feel for instability, brake response, and unusual noises.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if known issues like Rodeo's oil consumption or Camry's transmission service have been addressed.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Isuzu Rodeo or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Isuzu Rodeo vs Toyota Camry
- Isuzu Rodeo total complaints
- 888
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Isuzu Rodeo total recalls
- 15
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Isuzu Rodeo avg complaints/year
- 177.6
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Isuzu Rodeo
- Isuzu Rodeo top complaint area
- STRUCTURE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN