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Campaign 12V306 Posted June 29, 2012 14,756 units

1998-2002 Isuzu Amigo/Rodeo Sport Recall 12V306: Rear Rust

Recall 12V306 covers 14,756 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport and Amigo vehicles for rear suspension bracket corrosion. Ask an Isuzu dealer about the free remedy.

Isuzu recall 12V306 covers 14,756 1998-2002 Rodeo Sport and Amigo vehicles originally sold or registered in specified states because corrosion can attack the rear suspension lower link bracket. If that bracket detaches from the frame, handling is affected and crash risk increases; the Isuzu dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The rear suspension lower link on the 1998-2002 Isuzu Amigo and Rodeo Sport is a metal suspension arm that helps locate the rear axle under the SUV. Its forward mounting point bracket is where that link attaches to the vehicle structure. That bracket area has to stay solid so the rear suspension can hold its position while the vehicle accelerates, brakes, and turns.

On affected SUVs, the area near the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear lower link can develop excessive corrosion. Corrosion removes metal and weakens the bracket area that carries suspension loads. If that mounting point loses strength, the lower link no longer has the secure attachment it was designed to have.

There is no warning sign before failure. Because the issue is corrosion around a suspension mounting point, owners should not rely on a noise, dashboard light, or handling change to confirm whether their VIN is included.

Who's affected?

Spans the Rodeo Sport and Amigo across five model years, with rear suspension listed for each vehicle line.

2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport rear suspension
2000 Isuzu Amigo rear suspension
1999 Isuzu Amigo rear suspension
1998 Isuzu Amigo rear suspension
2001 Isuzu Amigo rear suspension
Units affected14,756

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.

What's the safety risk?

Excessive corrosion can cause the rear suspension lower link bracket to separate from the frame, affecting handling and increasing crash risk. If the vehicle feels loose, unstable, or different from normal, stop driving and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Isuzu dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport or Amigo is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Isuzu service facility to ask about the rear-suspension corrosion inspection for your VIN.
  3. Schedule the inspection that checks whether corrosion has weakened the rear suspension lower link bracket at the frame.
  4. Ask the dealer which free remedy applies: anti-corrosion treatment, a reinforcement bracket, or Isuzu's repurchase path for severe corrosion.
  5. Bring the recall notice if Isuzu mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V306 when you call.
  6. Drive cautiously until the inspection and repair are complete, since a detached rear suspension bracket affects handling.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, an Isuzu technician inspects the rear suspension lower link bracket area for corrosion. If little or no corrosion is found, the area receives an anti-corrosive compound. If corrosion has damaged the bracket connection to the frame, the technician installs a reinforcement bracket. If corrosion is too severe for that repair, Isuzu offers to repurchase the vehicle using the Kelley Blue Book private party price basis. Isuzu opened this recall during July 2012. The remedy was free for vehicles 10 years old or less, with a limited free remedy window for older vehicles.

Timeline

June 29, 2012 NHTSA published the recall
July 26, 2012 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 12V306?

Recall 12V306 covers 14,756 1998-2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport and Amigo vehicles in listed corrosion states. Excessive corrosion near a rear suspension lower link bracket can let the bracket detach from the frame, affecting handling and increasing crash risk.

What should I do if my 1998-2001 Isuzu Amigo or 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V306. If it is, contact an Isuzu service facility dealer and ask for the rear suspension lower link bracket inspection. Reference recall number 12V306 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes, under the recall terms Isuzu provides the inspection and required remedy free of charge. The remedy is anti-corrosion treatment, a reinforcement bracket, or, when corrosion is too severe for the bracket repair, a repurchase offer based on the Kelley Blue Book private party price.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is loss of secure attachment at the rear suspension lower link bracket. If corrosion lets the left or right bracket detach from the frame, vehicle handling is affected and crash risk increases. Have the bracket area inspected before continuing normal use.

What if I bought this Isuzu used?

The VIN decides whether the recall applies, not whether you received the original owner letter. This recall also depends on where the vehicle was first sold or is currently registered, so check your VIN and registration history before calling an Isuzu service facility dealer.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V306000
Isuzu customer service1-800-255-6727
NHTSA recall #12V306
NHTSA recall # (full)12V306000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →