1999 Isuzu Rodeo LE from North America - Comments

Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-58

11th Jul 2005, 03:52

"The vehicle takes away the joy of driving."

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Initially the ABS system was replaced through the Isuzu recall. We are still having problems with it responding to hard stops at times. Reaction is delayed.

Then, the Check Engine Light came on though the vehicle was running well.

Shortly after this the Gas Gauge began to fail and the low fuel light began to flash though the tank was full.

These problems have persisted for approximately 40000 miles.

The newest problem has been an increase consumption of oil.

General comments?

I have enjoyed my 99 Isuzu Rodeo, but have learned these problems are common among Rodeo owners. I have not heard whether Isuzu has owned up to correcting these problems or even addressing them. Dealers are quick to try an make a big buck off the owners without trying to address these issues through Isuzu. The fuel problem is found to be a bad sending unit, but the dealers want to replace it and the fuel pump at a costs of over $500. The sending unit costs about $40 and can be done by yourself with the proper instructions saving a bundle.

The Check Engine Light is due to a EGR Valve. Of course, the dealer wants a premium price to replace it as well.


16th Jul 2005, 23:50

I am the owner of a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS. So far the only problems I have experienced were the fuel gauge not working and oil consumption.

Vote:

8th Aug 2005, 15:51

I also have a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo. I paid it off in February, 2005. By March, everything started going wrong. First, the windshield wipers stopped working on hesitate, though the other speeds are just fine. Next, the fuel sending unit went bad and now I rely on mileage to know how much gas I have. Then the relays on the master window controller started going bad and now the driver window does not go down and the rear driver side window won't go up unless you use the controller on that door. About a month ago, the transmission started acting up and I noticed that when shifting into drive, the light on the dash telling you what gear you are in, flashes from low to drive, I am assuming it is not locking in to a gear. Then, last week, my check engine light came on and it is now the EGR valve going bad. Isuzu made sure to build a car that will last only as long as you are paying on it. How did they manage to be so precise? I work in the automotive manufacturing field, I make diesel fuel injectors, and we believe in quality and integrity. I am glad I can say that the parts I make do not go to Isuzu.

Vote:

8th Sep 2005, 08:31

I bought a 99 Rodeo about a year ago and I have had 2 problems so far. First, the fuel gauge does not work and the the fuel light flashes constantly, second, the exhaust manifold gasket began to leak. I am going to change the fuel level sensor in the gas tank myself. Does anyone know if this will cure the fuel gauge problem?

Vote:

16th Sep 2005, 21:01

You will have to replace the sending unit. That is the part that has a sliding resistor on it. The contacts on that resistor go bad and the sending unit goes on default (empty). The problem is that it is hard to find the sending unit itself. Usually they sell it together with the fuel pump as one item which is quite expensive.

Vote:

3rd Oct 2005, 11:41

Stephen, and all others with the fuel gauge issue.

I have a 2001 isuzu rodeo. I have had two fuel pumps, now going for a third, replaced. The fuel gauge\fuel pump is one unit. If your experiencing an issue with the gauge then it is all up to you to fix it. If your having issues with your pump, usually seen by fuel gauge not working and shortly afterwards your car running in "reduced power" mode and the "check engine" light coming on and car running very rough. The fuel pump is covered under the power train warranty.

Vote:

26th Oct 2005, 10:39

I have a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo 2WD w/2.2L Engine w/Std 5-Speed transmission. I had the complete engine replaced at 24K miles due to a "bad timing belt" in the early '99 models. Fortunately for me, Isuzu of America replaced the complete engine. I now have 85K on my vehicle (61K on the new engine). The only three (3) problems I have experienced are: (1) Exhaust system (incl. catalytic converter) had to be replaced and because the problem was so wide spread, it took 111 days to get the new exhaust system installed through my dealer (was told the sub-contractor who built the exhaust system ran out due to the high demand for warranty replacements reqd; (2) a similar problem identified by many other owners - the intermittent wiper speed does not work on the front and the back windshield wiper will not work. I've just lived with that; (3) the "check engine light comes on, goes off, comes on and stays on for a long time. I have been told the O2 sensor and/or EGR valve is/are bad and need replacing. My catalytic converter and emissions are well within limits because I took it to a neighboring county who does emissions testing. My engine runs very well and my fuel mileage is fantastic. I just changed my spark plugs and plug wires and it's "right on" specs on machine test! OBVIOUSLY ISUZU RODEOS HAVE HAD A RASH OF THIS PROBLEM IDENTIFIED WITH O2 SENSORS & EGR VALVES. Won't take it back to dealership because parts are three (3) times expensive as getting them through "parts places on-line!"

THREE (3) ASE CERTIFIED MECHANICS STATE "DON'T DO ANYTHING, BUT IF YOU FEEL YOU MUST, GET THE PARTS THROUGH WHOLESALER & REPLACE/INSTALL YOURSELF!"

Vote:

11th Nov 2005, 14:55

I am the owner of a 99 Rodeo and it is amazing to me how many of the same problems I am experiencing as other posters here. My gas gauge quit working not long after I got it (almost 4 yrs. ago) and now my check engine light comes on, stays on for days, goes off for a short time, then back on. It drives me crazy. Just like the other poster, I have to rely on my mileage to tell me how much gas I have. I just reset my odometer every time I fill up. I have suffered the consequences of running out of gas once. I wonder why all these items were not a recall for Isuzu? I think they should have fixed these things.

Vote:

25th Nov 2005, 19:28

I have a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo, 3.2 4wd, manual transmission. Like virtually all owners of this vehicle, my fuel gauge does not work. I am hoping the new sending unit will resolve this. I have also had to replace my EGR and MAF sensor. All-in-all, the vehicle hasn't been too bad. Gas consumption is bad, but nothing like the vehicle's oil consumption! Where does all that oil go?! It's ridiculous.

Vote:

2nd Dec 2005, 11:03

Ran into others comments searching for my gas gauge problem. Guess I'm not alone! The auto repair place I called said right away it was the sending unit when I described on the phone. The only problems I have had with my 99 Rodeo are the same as most others... had to replace ABS at my cost, oil seems to evaporate, and now my fuel gauge seems possessed... says empty when full and then goes back to normal after driving for awhile. I find it very annoying that these were not recall items covered by the manufacturer.

Vote:

9th Dec 2005, 11:18

I was looking for info on the ERG Valve for my 99 Rodeo, and I have had the exact same problems as everyone else. I thought I had just bought a lemon, but I guess not. The Fuel gauge does not work, the wipers quit working on intermittent,

it uses oil like it going out of style, but does not smoke. The ABS is messed up and now the check engine light is on, and they tell me it is the ERG valve. At least I'm not alone.

Vote:

13th Dec 2005, 00:01

Have a 2000 Isuzu Rodeo, first the intake gasket started leaking, then the fuel gauge problem like everyone else, and now the intermittent wiper issue and the rear wiper will not operate, is there a relay for this wiper issue?

Vote:

5th Jan 2006, 15:00

I had the same three problems with my Rodeo. Luckily for me it was still under warranty. Dealer repaired my gas gauge problem and ABS problem. Unfortunatly, my A/C compressor went out about a month after warranty expired.

Vote:

5th Jan 2006, 21:54

I own a 2000 rodeo v6 and 5 speed. I too wonder where all the oil is going and if I will be walking because of the broken fuel gauge. my latest problem is that the 4x4 will not engage. iwould like to say that this is a nice vehicle, but it has been a money pit since day one.

Vote:

7th Jan 2006, 23:02

Bought my 99 Rodeo in september and have been fixing numerous things. Most were because if poor maintenance by previous owners. Fuel sending unit was bad when I bought it. Can buy a new one for St. Charles Isuzu for $35 with free shipping. Search the isuzu forums for ways to take care of the oil burning issue, lots of info. Mine has only burned 1/4 of a quart in 3000 miles. The are tough and very capable 4x4's when well maintained. Like all vehicles they have some inherent problems though. Wiper relays can be replaced. Check the hall of fame section at planetisuzoo.com.

Vote:

9th Jan 2006, 21:14

Hi, my girlfriends Rodeo is a great car and we love to take it on trips, but the previous owners didn't care for it well. Her fuel gauge doesn't work along with her ABS light is on yet the ABS is working fine. And, her EGR valve is what I think is the cause for her check Eng light. Does anyone know if I have to drop the tank to replace the pump? or if it is accessible through the floor?

Vote:

Next 15 comments

All Isuzu Rodeo reviews