1989 Suzuki Sidekick

○ Not enough data
1989 Suzuki Sidekick
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:41:20.756Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Suzuki Sidekick Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 highlighted. 1988: 1 complaints 1988 1989: 7 complaints 1989 1990: 5 complaints 1990 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 complaints 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.

SEAT BELTS

4 of 7 total reports mention: seat belts.

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

VISIBILITY

1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 of 7 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 7 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 7 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

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

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19891019 — PE (closed 19900430)

WELD FAILURE IN STRUCTURE

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

1989 Suzuki Sidekick — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 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 seat belts:front:buckle assembly, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick 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.