2005 Isuzu Rodeo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Isuzu Rodeos, from 450 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 450 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2005 Isuzu Rodeos than on all cars registered in 2005.
- Wheel bearings5.5× usualIsuzu Rodeo20.2% All 2005 cars3.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.
- Chassis rust or damage5.2× usualIsuzu Rodeo18.7% All 2005 cars3.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 1% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Rear fog light8.7× usualIsuzu Rodeo11.3% All 2005 cars1.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 11.3%, against 1.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Ball joint2.4× usualIsuzu Rodeo15.3% All 2005 cars6.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
By area
The share of 2005 Isuzu Rodeo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics46% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes37% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Rust and bodywork22% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Tyres22% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks19% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 205 | Lights and electrics 52% |
| 2011 | 662 | Lights and electrics 51% |
| 2010 | 796 | Lights and electrics 57% |
| 2009 | 418 | Lights and electrics 59% |
| 2008 | 405 | Lights and electrics 57% |
| 2007 | 494 | Suspension 52% |
| 2006 | 477 | Suspension 50% |
| 2004 | 331 | Suspension 49% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Isuzu Rodeos registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score