2012 Suzuki SX4: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 40 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (38% of complaints); the 2010 and 2011 and 2013 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2012 Suzuki SX4. The contact stated while driving at approximately 73 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously serviced under an undisclosed NHTSA recall that was associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2025
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the front passenger's side seat warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to sarasota mitsubishi (6826 s tamiami trail, sarasota, fl 34231) where it was diagnosed as passenger side seat bottom malfunction. The dealer informed the contact that the front passenger's side seat needed to be replaced however, the part was not available. The contact contacted the manufacturer and was informed that he would receive a callback however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 46,000.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2021
“Nothing yet. I continue to get recall noticed but no one has parts for it anymore and can't get them in. The car is drivable but I worry about an incident happening one day”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v587000 (steering). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the part was not available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2019
“Campaign number 18v804000, suzuki has no plan to correct power steering issue. I had it fixed myself and sent suzuki a copy of the bill requesting repayment, denied because of a used part installed. I spoke with suzuki headquarters and the car dealership I bought the car from new, they were no help.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. While driving approximately 60 mph, the steering lost power. The dealer was not called. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v587000 (steering); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2019
“I was notified of a second recall (18v-804) of the power steering at the end of 2018 stating that the power steering may go out under really cold conditions. I live in minnesota, there is no way to avoid the cold! My power steering went out on january 18, 2019. I could no longer hold out and got something fixed on it but it has gone out again. Our mechanic is now telling me it is a hazard to drive because the power steering fluid has leaked all over and could cause a fire. Suzuki has yet to send any new information and is useless when I call them (today the phone just kept ringing when I tried).”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. The contact called NHTSA regarding NHTSA campaign number: 15v587000 (steering). While the vehicle was at a complete stop, the engine started to rattle uncontrollably. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2018
“I was sent a recall notice for my car and the problem is that the service provider that is near my home has closed down and the other one that is on the list is 50 miles away from my home. All other places are out of my state. Help”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2018
“The passenger side seat sensor has failed to register a passenger and communicate with the computer. This will cause the airbags to not deploy and can seriously injure the passenger. Suzuki was notified and refuses to repair the issue. Instead they want over $2000 for a new seat. Years 2007 - 2011 had the same issue and was recalled for the exact same thing. Please make them accountable and do a recall for this.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2012-2103 Suzuki SX4 vehicles manufactured September 3, 2011, to April 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, insufficient clearance between the power steering pump body and the power steering fluid control valve may cause improper movement of the valve, and as a result, the power steering pump may seize.
Remedy: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki's customer service number at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VS.
Suzuki Motor America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Suzuki SX4 vehicles. The power steering pump may seize causing a loss of steering assist.
Remedy: Suzuki has notified owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2019. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is CZ.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 SX4 vehicles manufactured July 16, 2009, to November 1, 2012, and 2010-2013 Kizashi vehicles manufactured October 13, 2009, to October 31, 2012. The shift selector can be moved out of the "Park" position without depressing the brake pedal.
Remedy: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift selector assembly and inspect, and if necessary, replace the shift knob, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-714-996-7040. Suzuki's number for this recall is VL.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact SX4 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 2012 Suzuki SX4 reliable?
NHTSA has 40 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Suzuki SX4. The most complained-about area is steering (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Suzuki SX4 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,000 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Suzuki SX4 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:hydraulic power assist:pump. 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.