1996 Suzuki Sidekick: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 59 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (25% of complaints); the 1994 and 1995 and 1998 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2007
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2004
“The vehicle experienced the same defect as NHTSA recall 96-v-121-002 related to the fuel tank. The consumers vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. *nlm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“Consumer states, the temperature gauge always indicated hot, due to the radiator cap which is defected, has been change three times. And reocurring the problem.. Please provide further information. Ts”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2002
“Recall 00 v 008000 /front struts: c after contacting the dealer: (knoxville, ford lincoln, suzuki; knoxville, tn; phone# 865/688-4600, he stated that they would inspect the struts, and only make repairs if it needed. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2002
“Right front dropped while pulling into driveway. Vehicle taken to repair shop, and informed consumer that front struts needed to be replaced. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2002
“Clutch well arm broke while driving. Was unable to disengage the clutch. Dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time. Provide any further information on this matter.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2001
“It seems these troubles are unusual for any car owner and very costly!! The speedometer was relaced by my husband with a part bought online for $50 in one day, where the dealer would have had it for a week and charged us $350. However, the clutch is a much bigger problem. The dealer quoted the part at $51, with labor at $700. I cannot afford to fix this problem that should have never happened in the first place. It is a safety factor, since I could not engage the clutch while the vehicle was in motion, and am terrified to attempt to drive it until it has been properly fixed. Can the manufacturer be held responsible?*ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2001
“Cross member of vehicle is held in place by one bolt, bolt fell off while driving, vehicle was shaking badly. Hard to control, almost lost driveshaft.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2001
“Received recall notice 00v008000 in mail & contacted dealership for an appointment. Was informed by service manager that no parts were available for the front struts. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL TWO NEW SHIELD GUSSETS BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND ATTACHMENT BRACKETS TO PREVENT THE REINFORCEMENT FROM PUNCTURING THE FUEL TANK WALL.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A REINFORCEMENT, FOR BOTH FRONT STRUTS, BETWEEN THE FRONT STRUT MOUNTING BASE AND THE VEHICLE BODY. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT STRUT MOUNTING BASES, MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS, AND STRUT BAR STAYS WILL BE REPLACED.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 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 1996 Suzuki Sidekick reliable?
NHTSA has 59 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick. The most complained-about area is suspension (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Suzuki Sidekick problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 76,421 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. 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.