2012 Suzuki SX4 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 11, 2026 · 40 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other SX4 years
More complaints than other years 4th of 8 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
4 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Suzuki SX4. That ranks 4th out of 8 SX4 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (16 complaints, 40%), typically at around 75,751 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Suzuki SX4
Suzuki SX4. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Thomas doerfer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2012 Suzuki SX4 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Steering16 · ~75,751 mi
Air Bags14 · ~41,824 mi
Power Train5 · ~122,654 mi
Seats3 · ~39,500 mi
Engine2 · ~18,100 mi
Vehicle Speed Control2 · ~1,100 mi
Electrical System1 · ~87,036 mi
Exterior Lighting1 · ~88,120 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~200 mi
Structure1 · ~87,036 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Steering1640%75,751——
Air Bags1435%41,824——
Power Train513%122,654——
Seats38%39,500——
Engine25%18,100——
Vehicle Speed Control25%1,100——
Electrical System13%87,036——
Exterior Lighting13%88,120——
Service Brakes13%200——
Structure13%87,036——
Tires13%———
Unknown or Other13%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2015, with 9 complaints
2012: 1201212013: 1201312014: 4201442015: 9201592016: 6201662017: 2201722018: 1201812019: 8201982020: 2202022021: 3202132024: 1202412025: 1202512026: 120261

n = 40 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2012 Suzuki SX4 recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Steering:hydraulic power assist:pumpNov 14, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V804000 · 18,673 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A seizure of the power steering pump would cause a loss of power steering assist, requiring extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

Steering:hydraulic power assist:pumpSep 22, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V587000 · 18,673 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: A seizure of the power steering pump would cause a loss of power steering assist, requiring extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)Dec 22, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V811000 · 60,823 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the shift selector is moved out of the "Park" position while the brake pedal is not depressed, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2012 Suzuki SX4. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and the engine was running, the air bags independently deployed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact was on the outside of the vehicle, removing items from the rear seat on the rear…

Air Bags · received Feb 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11717298

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…

Steering · received Feb 7, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11641336

The airbag sensor in the passenger seat failed. There is a known Supplemental Restraint System issue/recall in 2007-2011 Suzuki SX4s, however there has not been a recall for the 2012 model despite this being an issue beyond the aforementioned years. Affected vehicles may develop an electrical…

Air Bags · received Feb 18, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11572611

2012 suzuki sx4. Consumer writes seeking reimbursement for power steering pump safety recall.

Steering · received Jun 28, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11422596

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…

Seats · received Mar 8, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11399704

Other Suzuki SX4 years

← 2011 SX4 · 2013 SX4 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2013 SX4155
2012403
2011 SX4133
2010 SX4215
2009 SX4483
2008 SX41013
2007 SX4732
2000 SX410

See all Suzuki SX4 problems by year, every Suzuki model, or the VIN decoder.

Similar Suzuki models

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Suzuki SX4?

Owners most often report steering, air bags, power train problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 16 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Suzuki SX4?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2012 Suzuki SX4 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other SX4 model years, the 2012 has more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.