1994 Isuzu Rodeo: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo: 4 recalls, 82 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #94V132000 · 1994 · 122,297 vehicles
What's wrong: Constant expansion and contraction of the cylinder head causes the camshaft seal end plug can become dislodged from the cylinder head. This allows oil to leak from the camshaft.
Why it matters: This can cause engine damage and possible engine fire from oil leaking onto the hot exhaust system.
The fix: Dealers will install camshaft end seal plug retainer plates.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #96V170002 · 1996 · 36,075 vehicles
What's wrong: The latch plate used in the seat belt buckle was not manufactured according to design dimensions. If the seat belt tongue is inserted slowly at an angle into the buckle, there is a possibility of partial engagement.
Why it matters: This condition can cause the seat belt tongue to come out of the buckle in the event of a collision or hard braking of the vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury to an occupant of the seat.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the buckle and, if necessary, replace the buckle assembly with a new buckle.
Electrical Vehicle recall #97V034001 · 1997 · 118,485 vehicles
What's wrong: An integrated circuit within the voltage regulator can contain manufacturing errors.
Why it matters: This can cause excessive electrical charging of the vehicle's alternator, resulting in engine control malfunction, and/or eventual engine stall.
The fix: Dealers will replace the voltage regulator with a new regulator.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #02V281000 · 2002 · 14,449 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, the latch plate used in the seat belt buckle was not manufactured according to design dimensions. If the seat belt tongue is inserted slowly at an angle into the buckle, there is a possibility of partial engagement.
Why it matters: This condition can cause the seat belt tongue to come out of the buckle in the event of a collision or hard braking of the vehicle increasing the risk of personal injury to an occupant of the seat.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the buckle and, if necessary, replace the buckle assembly with a new buckle. Owner notification is expected to begin during mid-December 2002.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E065000 · 2006 · 3,593 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aj motorsport combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Aj motorsport will notify owners and offer reimbursement for the lamps. The recall began on July 31, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (15): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (6).
- Engine & cooling (14): the most common themes are leaks (10), noise or vibration (2), fire / smoke (2).
- Electrical (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4), electrical failure (4), door / lock issues (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (10): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1994 Isuzu Rodeo has 82 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 15 Rodeo model years for complaints (well below the 165 average). Complaints peaked in 1995 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 140,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (34 complaints, 1 recalls), 1995 (176 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 16 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1994 Isuzu Rodeo problems?
Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (15), engine & cooling (14), electrical (13).
What gas mileage does the 1994 Isuzu Rodeo get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (2.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1994 Isuzu Rodeo repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.