2002 Isuzu Rodeo Rod Knocking

Hi - I bought my son a 2002 Rodeo - it has 65K miles on it now. 5K over the warranty. The engine needs to be replaced because of a rod problem. From what I've read on different sites, these cars are notorious for this problem. Isuzu could not care less about it since it's not under warranty, even though it's clear this problem started with massive oil consumption quite a while ago.

Is there any one else out there that has had this problem and has any advice on how to proceed? I don't want to put that much $$ in this car for a new engine, don't think it's worth it. Has anyone gone up against Isuzu after warranty?

Thanks for any help ==

:frown: Were you the orginal owner of the truck? If you were it should still be covered by the power-train warrity:frown: Andie

For what it's worth - I have read that an apparent rod-knock is often confused with a loose timing-belt tensioner on the V6 engines.

Here's a thread (one of many)

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?t=16845&highlight=rod+knock+tensioner

http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?p=107422&highlight=#107422

Here is a recent post of another Isuzu owner going to court.

The manual states that 1 qt per 1000 miles is within spec. If you don't check the oil and wait 3000 miles there is a chance the engine will destroy itself.

I had the same issue. 2002 Izuzu rodeo LS 4WD blew a rod at 50k miles.
Izuzu replaced the engine block at no charge, but it still is the same block with the same problem of how the oil flows around the block. This was a notorious problem that affected alot of Rodeo's. I used to get my oil changed every 2500 miles and when they drained the oil I would be lucky if they were 2 quarts that came out. Trading it in tomorrow.

Isuzu isn't going to do anything for you and they shouldn't. The destruction of the engine is easily avoidable by checking the oil often enough. Yes, it may be a design flaw but, again, the destruction is avoidable by the owner of the vehicle.


Saturns had a similar deal with their automatic transmissions. They would start to have problems and eventually fail. The thing is, the failure was completely avoidable by simply following the factory recommendations for servicing the transmission which is super easy with their ingenious spin-on transmission filter.

I also bought my 99 with a rod knock. I pulled the engine, replaced the crank, rod bearings and main bearings. I check my oil frequently and it's ran like a dream ever since.