Isuzu

Rodeo Sport (2002)

2002 · Compact SUV · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.0)
24 NHTSA Complaints
2 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
1 Crash Reports
📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

6VD1

3.2L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.0)
19 complaints 19.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
8
body
4
other
3
engine
3
cooling
3

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (8 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (4 complaints)
Engine Issues (3 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Isuzu Rodeo Sport Unidentified Engine

Recommended (4.4)
3 complaints 3.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
2
suspension
1
other
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (2 complaints)
Suspension Issues (1 complaints)

Y22SE

2.2L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
cooling
1
other
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Isuzu Rodeo Sport regardless of engine variant.

Suspension Issues (9 complaints)
suspension critical
Body/Trim Issues (6 complaints)
body cosmetic

Recalls (2)

12V306000Jun 28, 2012serious
Suspension

ISUZU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1998-2000 AMIGO AND MODEL YEAR 2001-2002 RODEO SPORT VEHICLES, THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, IN THE STATES OF MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, MARYLAND, THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WEST VIRGINIA, OHIO, INDIANA, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, IOWA, MISSOURI, AND KENTUCKY. THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CORROSION IN THE VICINITY OF THE FORWARD MOUNTING POINT BRACKET FOR THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION LOWER LINK.

05V466000Jul 9, 2005serious
Fuel System

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 LAUNCHED FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN TEXAS AND THE FOUR SURROUNDING STATES: OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO AND LOUISIANA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport problems?

The 2002-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport has accumulated 24 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Suspension, Body/Trim, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Isuzu Rodeo Sport engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.2L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport a good used car?

The 2002-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 24 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport have?

The 2002-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport has 24 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport?

There are 2 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Isuzu Rodeo Sport?

Before buying a used Isuzu Rodeo Sport, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Suspension, Body/Trim, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Rodeo Sport have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 24 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-05-22.

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