Most common 1997 Suzuki Sidekick problems
Share of the 36 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Suzuki Sidekick complaints by model year
Best Sidekick years: 1998, 1995. Years to avoid: 1996. Compare all years →
1997 Suzuki Sidekick recalls (1)
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…
What 1997 Suzuki Sidekick owners say
Engine & cooling
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.
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.
Suspension
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
While traveling on highway, there is a knocking noise underneath vehicle. Dealership is aware of problem. Consumer states front of car started to shake causing loose steering, causing an accident where two people were injured.
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
I had just pulled onto a major highway, luckily was only going 40 MPH in 4th gear when the driveshaft came off the motor mount, but stayed attached to the rear. My truck came up off the ground 3 ft. According to a witness who was behind me at the time. I was able to pull off the highway. Per the ser vice mananger at david mcdavid, the bolts were missing from the motor mount. I am not hard on this vehicle, and in my opinion, and that of the service mgr. This is a quality issue with Suzuki. I did contact the tx. Rep. For Suzuki, she was very rude! It took 17 days for the service dept. At the dealership to get a new drive shaft. They stated there was not "one" in all of north America or Canada." they had to have one brought in by boat. I do not feel safe in this vehicle any longer, and would never buy another Suzuki. …
1997 Suzuki Sidekick engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 21 / 24 / 22 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 21 / 24 / 22 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 23 / 21 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | RWD | 21 / 22 / 21 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 23 / 21 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 23 / 21 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 21 / 22 / 21 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 23 / 21 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 22 / 20 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 22 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: —.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick a good car?
Based on 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Sidekick rates average: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Sidekick at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick?
The engine & cooling — 9 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the suspension (9) and transmission & drivetrain (7).
How many recalls does the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick, the most recent from January 20, 2000 (suspension). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Suzuki Sidekick?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1998 and 1995. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1996. See the full Suzuki Sidekick years comparison.
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.