1997 Suzuki Sidekick: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 36 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (20% of complaints).
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 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The clutch pedal attachment clip in the passenger compartment spot weld broke allowing the pedal to detach from the linkage. When the owner entered the truck the pedal was already detached. Please describe details ts”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2002
“NHTSA id# 00v-008-000 manufacture id #w2 the dealership is refusing to service the recall because the computer reading shows that the front struts where already serviced on april 13, 2000. The consumer debates the print from the manufacturer. Nlm”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2002
“While traveling on highway, there is a knocking noise underneath vehicle. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak consumer states front of car started to shake causing loose steering, causing an accident where two people were injured. *yd”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“The vehicle struts broke while driving, the consumer never received recall notice 00v-008 relating to the strut rod. Nlm”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2001
“While driving at 55 mph consumer suddenly lost control of the vehicle and it crashed into a concrete wall. Dealership examined vehicle, and found that strut rod had broken, causing the crash. *ak the left tie rod assembly has separated between the inner link and the adjusting sleeve. *slc”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2001
“Consumer was driving at approximately 65 mph when driver noticed that gear was in the 2nd gear ,consumer went to shift gear when it shifted into reverse, causing the vehicle to spin and roll over. Vehicle was totaled, resulting in injuires to driver. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2000
“Engine stalled when let off gas during turn in intersection almost lost control. This vehicle is standard shift, need 3 feet to drive. This appears to possably be the same issue as odi id 781364, 824717, 713749, 805550. Dealer says engine defective.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2000
“While driving the bracket that the cooling fan and air conditioning compressor mount to cracked and separated. The cooling fan was thrown into the radiator and caused the radiator to fail suddenly. The cooling fan and bracket piece also damaged the front of the air conditioning compressor causing failure.”Owner report · Equipment · Apr 2000
“Recall repair completed (00v-008), however the mechanic failed to repair correctly, consumer had to return for additional repair. *mjs”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2000
“While driving lost control of vehicle. Steering wheel got hard, and driver could not steer. Recall 200v008000/front end struts was issued for this problem, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 1997 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 1997 Suzuki Sidekick reliable?
NHTSA has 36 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick. The most complained-about area is suspension (20% of complaints).
Does the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension. 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.