Before you buy
This 2002 Isuzu Rodeo has 101 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Structural Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2002 Isuzu Rodeo Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2002 Isuzu Rodeo trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2002 Isuzu Rodeo Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
ISUZU RODEO 2002 has 101 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Top issues include structural problems (22 complaints) and brake system failures (18 complaints). Buyers should inspect for frame damage and brake wear. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Isuzu
- Model
- Rodeo
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 101
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 17
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 15 / 19
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Isuzu Rodeo problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Brake System
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Brake System, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Isuzu Rodeo?
The 2002 Isuzu Rodeo is a high-risk purchase due to numerous structural and brake complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Structural and brake complaints can indicate safety risks and expensive repairs. These patterns suggest the vehicle may have underlying design or durability issues.
May Suit
This year may suit a budget-conscious buyer willing to invest in repairs and who can verify all issues have been addressed.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable, low-maintenance SUV should avoid this year due to the high complaint volume.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
Inspection Focus
- Inspect frame and body for rust, cracks, or previous repairs.
- Check brake pads, rotors, lines, and master cylinder for wear or leaks.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and listen for unusual noises.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect structural components for damage or corrosion.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Isuzu Rodeo, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo shows a high number of complaints relative to its single model year, with structural problems (22 complaints) and brake system issues (18 complaints) being the most reported. The low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2002 has the highest complaint count, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: With 2 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Structural problems account for 22 of 101 total complaints.
- Brake system issues represent 18 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain and engine problems each have 18 and 17 complaints respectively.
- Structural Problems (22 complaints) – potential frame or body integrity issues.
- Brake System (18 complaints) – possible braking performance or component failures.
- Transmission/Drivetrain (18 complaints) – may indicate shifting or power delivery problems.
Full breakdown
All 2002 Isuzu Rodeo complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 22 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 5 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact recently became aware of severe corrosion on the frame of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V436000 (Suspension) approximately 10 years ago. The contact believed that the r…
The contact owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that as she was coasting to the right to stop on the shoulder, she observed that there was smoke in the cabin. The contact stated that after…
The contact's son owns a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. The contact stated while driving downhill at 40 MPH around a curve with a child sitting in the rear seat, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that upon turning the steering wh…
Frame rust condition which makes the SUV un repairable
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED OUT. THE DEALER WAS NOT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION NEAR THE AXLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUD…
TAKATA AIR BAG, MY 2002 RODEO AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, ON THE DASHBOARD, I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID ITS NOT PART OF THE RECALLS, IT IS A VEHICLE MADE BY HONDA AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALLS, ITS THE SAME VEHICLE AS THE HONDA PASSPORT JUST A DIFFERENT YR AND ITS A FLORI…
I HAVE 110,000 MILES ON VEHICLE AND WAS JUST TOLD FRAME IS RUSTING OUT. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR HAS MANY MILES LEFT ON ENGINE, NOT HAPPY ABOUT RUSTED FRAME I HAVE HEARD ABOUT , ALSO ABS LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON.
I PULLED INTO A HANDICAP PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A SUPERMARKET, PUT IT IN PARK, SET THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. GOT OUT OUT VEHICLE, LOCKED THE DOORS. STARTED TO WALK AWAY AND A GUY THAT WAS SITTING AT A TABLE IN FRONT OF STORE YELLED THERE GOES YOUR CAR. I RAN BESIDE THE CAR TO TRY…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FUEL ODOR WAS NOTICED AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
"TAKATA RECALL " MY STABILIZER BAR UNDER MY CAR BROKE OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE THRUWAY I ALMOST CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND I RAN OFF THE ROAD.
DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING CALL AND STEERING SUDDENLY SEEMED "FUNNY". PULLED OVER, HAD CAR TOWED AND WAS TOLD THE MOUNTING BRACKET FOR THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SWAY BAR RUSTED FROM THE MAINFRAME OF THE CAR AND THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN. RESEARCHED ON WEB AND ISUZU HAD A RECALL ON TH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…
ONLY A FEW WEEKS AFTER VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WHILE DRIVING THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE LITERALLY CRACKED AND SEPARATED. THE REAR PASSENGER FRAME PIECE WAS HANGING DOWN AND FORWARD! WE WERE SO GRATEFUL THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN JUST A FEW MILES BEFORE WHEN WE WERE ON THE FREEWAY TRAVELING …
WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY TRACTION BAR FELL OFF CAUSING ME TO CRASH INTO THE CURB. THE WHOLE FRAME IS ROTTING OUT I HAD NO IDEA OF THE RECALL UNTIL I LOOKED INTO IT NOW. HOW CAN I GET MY TRUCK FIXED? *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AREA WHERE THE REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS WERE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V436000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEH…
WHILE TRAVELING ON A ROAD, A HORSE RAN ACROSS AND CAUSED A COLLISION. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IS DAMAGED, AS WELL AS, BOTH SIDE WINDOWS AND THE RADIATOR. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING INJURIES TO TWO PEOPLE IN THE VEHICLE. THE OFFICER AT THE SCENE SAID THE AIRBAGS SHOULD …
VEHICLE STALLS IN SLOW TURNS, REDUCED POWER LIGHT COMES ON ONCE EVERY THREE WEEKS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,381.
TODAY WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY. MY ISUZU RODEO STARTED TO SWAY ON THE HIGHWAY. AND WHEN I LET OFF THE GAS THE REAR END BEGAN CLUNKING AS IT SLOWED. IT FEELS LIKE IM TOWING DEAD WEIGHT. I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND IT WAS SMOKING UNDER THE REAR END. ITS UNSAFE TO DRI…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo.
Safety recalls
2002 Isuzu Rodeo recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. With 2 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SUSPENSION:REAR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Isuzu Rodeo buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 101 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Isuzu Rodeo is a high-risk purchase due to numerous structural and brake complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo?▾
#1: Structural Problems (22 complaints). #2: Brake System (18 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (18 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 101 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR. With 2 recalls, it is essential to verify that all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Isuzu Rodeo?▾
The 2002 Isuzu Rodeo is a high-risk purchase due to numerous structural and brake complaints. Only consider if you are prepared for potential major repairs and have a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Structural and brake complaints can indicate safety risks and expensive repairs. These patterns suggest the vehicle may have underlying design or durability issues. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Isuzu Rodeo reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.