1989 Suzuki Sidekick
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 7 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 1991 | 14 |
| 1992 | 10 |
| 1993 | 14 |
| 1994 | 21 |
| 1995 | 26 |
| 1996 | 59 |
| 1997 | 36 |
| 1998 | 27 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
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, 20090421
Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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, 19950522
SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT LATCH WILL POP OUT WHILE DRIVING. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950308
DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT DOES NOT UNLOCK. PLEASE EXPLAIN. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950227
2 of 7 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and emission control.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing linkages.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel injection system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
WELD FAILURE IN STRUCTURE
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 Sidekick — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 95V103008 (seat belts) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.