Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Insufficient strength of the mounting base on the upper end of the front struts can lead to breakage of the mounting bolts that attach the upper end of the front struts to the vehicle body.
1988-1997 · 10 model years
Suzuki Sidekick Problems by year
Owners have filed 215 complaints about the Suzuki Sidekick across 10 model years, and it has 4 recalls. The 1996 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (66), while 1988, 1989, 1992 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain, followed by the suspension.
- Complaints
- 215
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 17
- Fires
- 8
- Injuries
- 22
- Deaths
- 1
Sidekick complaints by model year
Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.
Most common Sidekick problems
Suzuki Sidekick recalls 4
The fuel tank on these vehicles can become punctured by a fuel tank flange attachment reinforcement during rear-end collisions. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "Fuel tank integrity."
Covers1996 Suzuki Sidekick
The front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. These red plastic release buttons are marked "press." If a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.
The right rear and left axle shaft housing tubes were incorrectly welded and can fracture. Fracture of the rear axle shaft housing can result in separation of the affected wheel assembly and separation of the brake line.
Latest Sidekick complaints
Two rapid deflations of tires, just weeks apart, due to sidewall failure. First happened rounding a corner at about 20 mph, and the second while parked.
Defective avon roar rider motorcycle tires. Side wall cracks http://www.Thegsresources.Com/_forum/showthread.Php?T=140853&highlight=avon+cracks http://www.Thegsresources.Com/_forum/showthread.Php?T=195660&highlight=avon+cracks. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1989 suzuki sidekick. The contact noticed that the check engine light was constantly illuminated on the instrument panel. On two occasions, he took the vehicle to the dealer and paid $100 to have the light turned off. There is a switch in the circuit that he cannot locate, but needs to remove it in order to prevent the check engine light from illuminating again. The suzuki dealer will not remove the switch because it is a federally mandated malfunction, according to the paperwork the...
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contact was provided. If the switch is not removed, the warning indicator will illuminate and prevent the contact from receiving an emissions sticker. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 81,000. Updated 5/5/09 *cn the dealer recommended replacing the oxygen sensor. Updated 05/06/09.*Jb
Clutch pedal separates from pivot shaft. Weld brakes, pedal detaches, vehicle disabled. Third occurrence. Oem pedal replacement reveals no-warranty, common occurrence failure mode. Pedal re-attached to shaft by professional welders on two previous occurrences. Have replaced clutch cable, clutch plate & throwout bearing without resolution. Hydraulic replacement investigation in progress. *Tr
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 1996 suzuki sidekick sport on an icy afternoon he pulled into the driveway at 5 mph and hit the utility pole, and both airbags deployed. The passenger side airbag popped and burst into flames in the center of the bag. A neighbor saw what happened ,came over, opened the passenger door, and beat the flames until the fire was out. The driver side airbag deployed and forced the contact left hand to go through the driver's side window which shatter,ed,and caused...
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contusions to his knuckles. The contact contacted the police and there was report. The officer couldn't understand how the airbags could have deployed because the utility pole had no damage, but the vehicle did receive a ding. The contact has pictures available of the vehicle and the utility pole. The current mileage was 76000.*Ak updated 03/19/07.*Jb
Consumer states that her vehicle caught fire. She states that she got into her vehicle and inserted the key. She said that when she turned the key, it sounded as if the battery was dead. She states she turned the ignition off, waited and then turned the ignition on again, then she smelled and saw smoke, then there was fire. She said her husband and the neighbor put the fire out. She had the vehicle towed to a private mechanic, who stated that the she had an electrical fire . She said she had to purchase a new/used motor. She said she called the manufacturer and they did not seem concerned. *Jb
Questions about the Suzuki Sidekick
Which Suzuki Sidekick years have the most problems?
Which Suzuki Sidekick years have the fewest complaints?
What are the most common Suzuki Sidekick problems?
Across every model year, owners report problems with the transmission & drivetrain (35), suspension (32), seats & seat belts (28) most often.
How many recalls does the Suzuki Sidekick have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls across all Suzuki Sidekick model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data