Isuzu may have stopped selling passenger cars here in early 2009, but there are still plenty of Isuzu vehicles on our roads. This week, Isuzu and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall for the Amigo and Rodeo Sport crossovers. The recall actually only affects one vehicle: in 2001, Isuzu renamed the Amigo as the Rodeo Sport, to better pair with the company's Rodeo five-door.
1998-2000 Isuzu Amigo, 2001-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport The Problem: Models sold or registered in "salt belt" states may have excessive corrosion on certain suspension components. The left or right rear suspension bracket may have rusted, which could cause it to separate from the vehicle's frame, potentially causing a crash. Per Isuzu, states in which vehicles may be affected are Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
The Fix: On vehicles without significant rust on the suspension components, Isuzu will apply a special anti-corrosion coating. If rust has already damaged the mounting bracket or mounting location, Isuzu will apply special reinforcement brackets. And if the car has already rusted beyond repair, Isuzu will in certain circumstances purchase the vehicle from consumers, based on the car's Kelley Blue Book value.
Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 7917 Isuzu Amigos, and 3304 Isuzu Rodeo Sports.