MYRModel Year Report

1988 Suzuki Samurai

○ Not enough data
1988 Suzuki Samurai
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:42:33.006Z

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Suzuki Samurai Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1988 highlighted. 1986: 5 complaints 1986 1987: 6 complaints 1988: 20 complaints 1988 1989: 2 complaints 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1994: 2 complaints 1998: 1 complaints 1998
1988: 20 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19865
19876
198820
19892
19902
19913
19924
19942
19981

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SEAT BELTS

11 of 20 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

CRASH INJURY
TIRES

2 of 20 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

CRASH INJURY
SUSPENSION

2 of 20 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing front.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

FRAME IS TO SMALL. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950425

Also filed under STRUCTURE

STRUCTURE

2 of 20 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and door.

CRASH INJURY
STEERING

1 of 20 total reports mentions: steering.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

TRAVELING ON RAMP HIT CURB LOST CONTROL VEHICLE ROLLED OVER IN THE AIR. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950426

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19880225 — DP (closed 19880901)

ROLLOVER

I 19880802 — DP (closed 19880901)

VEHICLE STABILITY

I 19950310 — EA (closed 19950802)

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE

R 19951205 — seat belts

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE

Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES A

Campaign 95V103008 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Suzuki Samurai — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 95V103008 (seat belts) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 Suzuki Samurai reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Suzuki Samurai?

The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Suzuki Samurai have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.