MYRModel Year Report

1989 Suzuki Sidekick

○ Not enough data
1989 Suzuki Sidekick
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:48:08.034Z

Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
7

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1988: 1 complaint 1989: 7 complaints 1989 7 1990: 5 complaints 1991: 14 complaints 1992: 10 complaints 1992 1993: 14 complaints 1994: 21 complaints 1994 1995: 26 complaints 1996: 59 complaints 1996 1997: 36 complaints 1998: 27 complaints 1998 2000: 1 complaint
1988: 1 complaint 1988 1989: 7 complaints 1989 7 1990: 5 complaints 1990 1991: 14 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1992 1993: 14 complaints 1993 1994: 21 complaints 1994 1995: 26 complaints 1995 1996: 59 complaints 1996 1997: 36 complaints 1997 1998: 27 complaints 1998 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1988: 1 complaint 1988 1989: 7 complaints 1989 7 1990: 5 complaints 1990 1991: 14 complaints 1991 1992: 10 complaints 1992 1993: 14 complaints 1993 1994: 21 complaints 1994 1995: 26 complaints 1995 1996: 59 complaints 1996 1997: 36 complaints 1997 1998: 27 complaints 1998 2000: 1 complaint 2000

1989: 7 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19881
19897
19905
199114
199210
199314
199421
199526
199659
199736
199827
20001

Known problem areas

Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

5 of 7 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and module.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owns a 1989 Suzuki Sidekick. The contact noticed that the check engine light was constantly illuminated on the instrument panel. On two occasions, he took the vehicle to the dealer and paid $100 to have the light turned off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-04-21

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Seat belts

4 of 7 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Ft passenger side seat belt buckle broke, replaced, replacement broke also. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-22

Seat belt buckle will not latch will pop out while driving. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-08

Drivers side seatbelt does not unlock. Please explain. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-27

Engine and engine cooling

2 of 7 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and emission control.

Visibility

1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing linkages.

Fuel system, gasoline

1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    1989-10-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-04-30 Weld failure in structure
  2. I
    1995-03-10Engineering analysisClosed 1995-08-02 Takata seat belt buckle failure
  3. 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

1989 Suzuki Sidekick — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 95V103008 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick 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 Sidekick?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 71% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick 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.