Suzuki Sidekick Problems by Year
NHTSA has 149 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the Suzuki Sidekick, across 5 model years (1995–2000). The 1996 model year has the most complaints (59). The most reported problem area overall is suspension.
Suzuki Sidekick years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Sidekick year: 1996. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1996 Sidekick: 59 complaints, 2 recalls
- 1997 Sidekick: 36 complaints, 1 recall
- 1998 Sidekick: 27 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Suzuki Sidekick problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 30 | 4 | 2 |
| Power Train | 29 | 4 | 2 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 27 | 4 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 17 | 3 | 11 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 15 | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Equipment | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | 3 | 1 |
| Steering | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Seats | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Suzuki Sidekick model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Sidekick | 1 | 0 | — | Visibility | |
| 1998 Sidekick | 27 | 0 | — | Air Bags | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1997 Sidekick | 36 | 1 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | More complaints than other years |
| 1996 Sidekick | 59 | 2 | — | Suspension | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1995 Sidekick | 26 | 0 | — | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
More from Suzuki: all Suzuki models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Suzuki Sidekick years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1996 (59) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Sidekick year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Suzuki Sidekick?
Suspension, with 30 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Suzuki Sidekick have?
2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.