1989 Suzuki Samurai
Only 2 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 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 5 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 20 |
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 4 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE TRAVELING 55MPH HEARD A NOISE. VEHICLE STARTED TO SHIMMY. PULLED VEHICLE OVER & CHECKED ON TIRES. NOTICED LEFT FRONT TIRE, A SPARE, HAD LOST ITS TREAD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010116
1 of 2 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
RECEIVED ARECALL NOTICE FOR SEAT BELT BUCKLES. AFTER RECALL WORK WAS DONE, SEAT BELTS NOW ARE WORST. CHILD ALMOST FLEW OUT OF SEAT BECAUSE OF REPLACEMENT BUCKLES. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970616
SAFETY TIMELINE
TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE
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
1989 Suzuki Samurai — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V103008 (seat belts) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1989 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 1989 Suzuki Samurai?
The most-reported component is tires:tread/belt, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Suzuki Samurai have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.