Complain about a product or service

Isuzu - Timing Belt

Isuzu • Engine failure • Timing belt • ABS failure • Other problems ---- • Isuzu Surrenders; Will Leave U.S. • Isuzu Fading to Black?

Rajan of Cartersville GA (11/22/03):
I own a 99 Isuzu Rodeo (V6) with 78,000 miles. Couple of weeks back the engine developed an abnormal noise, and apparently timing gear tensioner bolt broke causing major damage to engine. Although the Isuzu Extended warranty is still in effect, Isuzu refuses to honor it. They say though timing belt and gears are covered under warranty, but belt tensioner is not (tensioner is not wear and tear or maintenance part).

I have to document for all my services done at regular interval. I have to spend $5000 for repairs, towing the vehcle & rental car.

Kelly of Altamonte Springs FL (11/13/03):
I own an Isuzu Rodeo. I have done the recommended maintenance, had warranty work done, and had in for minor repairs. My car has 90,000 miles on it and while driving the other day my pulleys froze up resulting in timing chain breaking and damaging all my valves. There was a recall on timing belts on thsi vehicle and I had that replaced at 50,800 miles. But this still occurred.

Now my car is worthless. Isuzu is denying that there is any problem with this but I have found others that had the same thing occur. Cost of new factory engine they are telling me will be $3800. Valves bent, idler pulley broken, and other damage. They do not recommend trying to repair engine as other problems may now exist. My car is only valued at about $5000 and they want me to put $3800 into it.

Stephen of Tampa (10/21/03):
My '99 Isuzu had a timing belt failure that destroyed the engine. Thirteen months earlier I had the timing belt replaced as part of a recall and would last for another 50,000 miles. I was told that it broke as a result of another part in the timing belt assembly. After speaking with the service manager where I have my service done - and where the recall work was done - they NOW replace all items in the assembly, not just the belt. That between Isuzu with this engine type - 4 cyclinder - and Daewoo, he has 10-12 vehicles with this problem per week. He says that Isuzu of America knows of this problem and is doing nothing about it. The Zone Rep for the area where my Rodeo died is Paul Isenberg, and I can't even get him to contact me.

My business involves sales, but service as well. I live in Tampa, Fl, but cover the South East part of the state, that includes West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. This has put me out of business! I have lost business, the means to service existing customers and unable to call on new opportunities. I estimate a loss of at least $40,000.00 in sales since my vehicle stopped working.

Carol of Claremore, OK writes (10/10/02):
We purchased a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo in Sept of 2001. This vehicle has 50,000 miles on it. The timing chain has broken, bending valves. Tthe mechanic has told me that this has been a problem with these vehicles. The 2 pulleys froze up resulting in the timing chain breaking causing damage to the motor. I was told this was a manufacturer defect.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Back to the top | Automotive