2012 Isuzu Rodeo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Isuzu Rodeos, from 205 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 205 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 2012 Isuzu Rodeos than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Rigid brake pipes5.1× usualIsuzu Rodeo28.3% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Wheel bearings13.3× usualIsuzu Rodeo20% All 2012 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.6% of all 2012 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.
- Exhaust system2.9× usualIsuzu Rodeo16.1% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Shock absorbers2.5× usualIsuzu Rodeo16.1% All 2012 cars6.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.7% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Ball joint2.6× usualIsuzu Rodeo14.6% All 2012 cars5.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 3% of all 2012 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 2012 Isuzu Rodeo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics52% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension47% 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.
- Brakes43% 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.
- Tyres23% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Rust and bodywork16% 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.
Looking at an Isuzu Rodeo?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| 2005 | 450 | Suspension 48% |
| 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 2012 Isuzu Rodeos registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score