The 1991 Isuzu Rodeo has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 3,023 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
POWER TRAIN91V1180001991-07-123,023 affected
Defect
THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVEL GAUGES (DIP STICKS) INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT TO DESIGNED SPECIFICATIONS. THE GAUGE INDICATES THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID SHOULD BE ADDED WHEN IT IS AT THE CORRECT LEVEL.
Consequence
ADDING MORE TRANSMISSION FLUID THAN REQUIRED WILL CAUSETHE FLUID TO LEAK THROUGH THE FLUID LEVEL GAUGE TUBE ONTO THE MANIFOLD AS THEENGINE TEMPERATURE RISES. THIS CREATES A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Remedy
REPLACE OIL LEVEL GAUGE AND NOTIFY OWNERS TO USE ONLY THE SPECIFIED AMOUNT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.
Complaints by component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
6
4fires2injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
5
5fires
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
3
3fires
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
2
1fires
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
2
2fires
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
2
1crashes
Total complaints60
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1991 isuzu rodeo. The contact went to get an exhaust at a muffler shop and was informed that the vehicle's frame was rusted. She noticed that the tubular step used to enter the vehicle was rusted and fell off. The manufacturer has not yet been notified. The vin was unknown.…”
“Drivers seat belt pops out of locking mechanism at will. Also,seat belt has been released from locking mechanism by driver's elbow unintentionally while driving. *ak”
“Dt: vehicle was destroyed in a fire. Transmission indicator light came on, and driver pulled over and saw flames coming from under the hood. Vehicle had a recall but callers vehicle was not involved in the recall due to vin. Attempts were made to contact manufacturer, but caller couldn't reach…”
“Consumer received recall 95v103009 notice concerning seat belt buckle assembly failure. After recall repairs were done seat belt became undone while driving on both passenger and driver sides. Vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who installed a guide kit, but problem recurred. *ak dealer only…”
“Possible engine failure resulted in vehicle fire. (ohio traffic crash report) *mjs”
“Coming off of the intwerstate, the emgine cought on fire for no apparent reason. A fire truck had to put the flames out. The car was totaled.”
“Coming off of the intwerstate, the emgine cought on fire for no apparent reason. A fire truck had to put the flames out. The car was totaled.”
“Coming off of the intwerstate, the emgine cought on fire for no apparent reason. A fire truck had to put the flames out. The car was totaled.”
Defect investigations
InvestigationEA95009 Opened 1995-03-10 · closed 1995-08-02
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1991 Isuzu Rodeo as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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