1994 Suzuki Sidekick: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1994
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Consumer heard a creaking noise while driving, during inspection of vehicle the dealer noticed that the undercarriage has disconnected from the frame in the front of the vehicle, all the welds came apart. Nlm”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2002
“Vehicle started to catch on fire while consumer was driving, fire began on the left side of vehicle. Contacted dealer.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2002
“While drivin gon highway car lost control. Car would not steer or brake going across the road. Then it slowed down and stopped. Took to dealer and they said that brake housing differential cracked. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 1999
Show 6 more owner reports
“The driver lost control of the vehicle by oversteering, the vehicle had veered off of the roadway and the driver turned the vehicle sharply to the right, which caused it to roll over approximately 5 times, 3 out of four occupants had been thrown from the vehicle, there were 2 severe injuries and 1 death because of the accident, seat belts had not been used. (attorney for client) *slc”Owner report · Structure · May 1999
“When driving heard a humble noise, and noticed that the speedometer jumped. Consumer can't determine how fast they are traveling. Now the entire needle is off the speedometer and is lying on the dashboard. *ak *ml”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 1998
“Plastic portion or the rear door latch keeps melting within days of being installed. No obvious reason for failure. Door will not stay latched. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Jul 1998
“Had braking (ABS) problem 1 yr ago, at service center mechanic said wrong caliper put on, now problem still exists, took it to mechanic in middle of night, informed caliper seal had busted & had wrong rotors on left side of vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 1996
“Upon turning on head lamp switch on steering column, noticed smoke, then flames, fanned out, result head lamp and park lights are inoperative. *ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting
“Mount bolt at a/c compressor adjustment broke causing the serpentine belt to loose tension resulting in power steering loss. Nlm”Owner report · Steering
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS OF THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES ON INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE COMPLETE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1994 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sidekick by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension:rear. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.