Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 27 | −29% | — | Airbag | Average |
| 1997 | 36 | 1.4× | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 1996 | 59 | 2.1× | 2 | Suspension | Avoid |
| 1995 | 26 | −26% | — | Transmission | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Sidekick year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Suzuki Sidekick problems
Latest Suzuki Sidekick recalls
Suspension
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…
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Suzuki Sidekick should you avoid?
1996 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Sidekick years at the same age, led by suspension problems in the 1996.
What is the best year for the Suzuki Sidekick?
1998 has the fewest complaints compared with other Sidekick years at the same age, followed by 1995. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Suzuki Sidekick problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the suspension (30), transmission & drivetrain (29) and engine & cooling (27). Suspension complaints peak in the 1996 model year.
How many recalls has the Suzuki Sidekick had?
2 recalls across 1995–1998. The model year with the most is 1996.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.