- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with an automatic transaxle. The shift lever appears to be in "park," but can easily be moved from the "park" position without the use of the key, transaxle lever detent button, or depressing the brake.
- The risk
- If the shift lever were to come out of "park" while the vehicle is parked on a non-level surface, the vehicle could roll increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the shifter assembly. Until the vehicle is serviced, owners are advised when shifting to "park," always apply the park brake before releasing the service brake.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Suzuki Swift Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 1997 Suzuki Swift with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (3) and the airbags (1). Those complaints describe 2 crashes and 4 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in October 1998 for the park / neutral start interlock switch.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Swift year, for its age
#209 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 4
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Suzuki Swift problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Suzuki Swift recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
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4 complaints about the 1997 Suzuki Swift
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
After the crash the airbag deployed very slightly, smoke started coming out from the steering wheel.
From park to neutral car down a hill, across a yard, across a street and hit a pole. No keys were in the vehicle, automatic car, totalled lost
RECALL # 98V225002. PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. *AK
Recall 98v225002. The shift lever will move freely without depressing the brakes or the button. Dealer contacted, and cannot duplicate the problem. Parts are not available, other incidents occur than what are included in the recall. *Ak
Suzuki Swift: every year compared
All Swift years1997 Suzuki Swift vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Suzuki Swift | 4 | 1 | D | |
| 1997 Suzuki Sidekick | 48 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki TL1000S | 11 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki Esteem | 7 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki Suzuki Motorcycle | 5 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki Intruder | 3 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki GSX-R750 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki GSX-R600 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Suzuki Swift
Does the 1997 Suzuki Swift have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Suzuki Swift: park / neutral start interlock switch (October 1998). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Suzuki Swift?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (3), airbags (1).
How many complaints has the 1997 Suzuki Swift had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 17, 1998 and the latest on June 19, 2001. Of these, 2 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 4 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Suzuki Swift a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 36 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Suzuki Swift year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Suzuki Swift years have the most complaints?
1993 (8), 1991 (7), 1989 (5). See every Suzuki Swift year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Suzuki Swift has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data