Most common 1998 Suzuki Sidekick problems
Share of the 27 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 →
What 1998 Suzuki Sidekick owners say
Air bags
Was in a frontal accident. Front end of car pretty much totaled. Airbags did not deploy, and no problems with the codes or light before this.
On April 12th 2000, while driving my susuki Sidekick my air bages deployed with out being involved in a collision. At no time did I hit another vehicle or was I hit by another vehicle. Both myself and the passneger inthe front seat were wearing seat belts but we did susatin minor injuries. Including air bag burns and lacerations on hte face. I have called susuki derectly as well as the dealer. No one has acknowledge ther is a problem and the company is expecting me to pay for the damages and to have the car repaired. I have been without a car for the time since the accident but I have now again started to use the car because I have no other choice. I do not feel that this vehicle is safe and I would like to return it to the company and be let out of my lease. I would also like to be compensated dor my time I did not use the vehicle. …
Engine & cooling
Exhaust bolts vibrated loose/broke off (7/15/98;1/4/99;11/19/99) idler pulley has been changed 3 times(1/4/99;11/17/99;11/19/99); drive belt has been replaced 2 times(1/15/99;11/19/99); motor mounts needed to be secured (2/26/99); clutch slave cylinder needs to be replaced (complained 7/15/98;1/25/00. Diagnosed 6/12/00); noise coming from transmission(6/12/00 told noise normal); driveshaft cv joint bad (6/12/00 told by dealer noise normal. 6/14/00 told driveshaft cv joint bad due to poor design. 6/16/00 2nd estimate driveshaft cv joint bad). The manufacturer has been notified numerous times but continues to stonewall regarding issues with my car. Also wrong , smaller size gas tank was installed vehicle. Manfacturer is not sending NHTSA information regarding TSB or recalls.
Consumer was told that wrong size gas tank is equipped on vehicle. Premature clutch failure, driveshaft failure. Bolts vibrated out of exhaust namifold. Recurring noise from engine pulley area.
Fuel & propulsion system
While drinving at about 65 another vehicle rammed into the back of consumer's vehicle on right hand side. Upon impact, driver's and passenger's seats totally callapsed. Also, gas tank bursted, and fuel splashed into consumers face. Consumer felt seats should not have broken loose because they were designed to hold passenger in place.
The fuel tank pressure sensor has been replaced three times, and the last one has been "reset" still not functioning, also engine has intermittent skipping, frequent shaking problems, and stalling, followed by hard starting, and power surges. Engine idles, then vehicle is put back in drive, and with lite pressure on accelerator pedal, vehicle takes off, with r.p.m.'s exceeding 5,000 rpms.
1998 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 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 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 1998 Suzuki Sidekick a good car?
Based on 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Sidekick rates average: 29% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sidekick at the same age. It is one of the best Sidekick years by this measure. 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 1998 Suzuki Sidekick?
The air bags — 9 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and fuel & propulsion system (4).
How many recalls does the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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.
At what mileage do 1998 Suzuki Sidekick problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 335,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.