MYRModel Year Report

1988 Suzuki Samurai

○ Not enough data
1988 Suzuki Samurai
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:38:54.400Z

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
20

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1986: 5 complaints 1986 1987: 6 complaints 1988: 20 complaints 1988 20 1989: 2 complaints 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1994: 2 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1998
1986: 5 complaints 1986 1987: 6 complaints 1987 1988: 20 complaints 1988 20 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1998: 1 complaint 1998
1986: 5 complaints 1986 1987: 6 complaints 1987 1988: 20 complaints 1988 20 1989: 2 complaints 1989 1990: 2 complaints 1990 1991: 3 complaints 1991 1992: 4 complaints 1992 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1998: 1 complaint 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.

CRASHINJURY

Tires

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

CRASHINJURY

Suspension

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

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Frame is to small.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-25

Also filed under Structure

Structure

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

CRASHINJURY

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, 1995-04-26

Safety timeline

1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1988-02-25Defect petitionClosed 1988-09-01 Rollover
  2. I
    1988-08-02Defect petitionClosed 1988-09-01 Vehicle stability
  3. I
    1995-03-10Engineering analysisClosed 1995-08-02 Takata seat belt buckle failure
  4. R
    1995-12-05Seat belts95V103008 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Suzuki Samurai — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seat belts: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V103008 · Seat belts
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 2026-10-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.