1996 Suzuki Sidekick
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
- Complaints
- 59
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
27% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 59 complaints
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
27% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing macpherson strut and front.
Power train
27% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing clutch assembly and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).
Show complaint excerpts
This car has been in the shop almost from the day I purschased it from largo Honda in key largo Florida; dec. Of 1999.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-04
Engine and engine cooling
22% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine compartment fire, cause unknown. While driving smoking started coming through vents inside vehicle, heard popping noise. Vehicle with dealer for inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-08-21
Service brakes
20% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Air bags
7% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick sport on an icy afternoon he pulled into the driveway at 5 MPH and hit the utility pole, and both airbags deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-02-12
While driving down highway consumer hit a patch of ice ,slid and hit the highway sliding. Air bags did not deploy , however driver was not injured.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-01-14
Passive restraints, air bags: driving approximately 25MPH when vehicle came to an intersection , other vehicle did not stop and was hit head-on. Neither air bag deployed.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-05-20
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1996-07-19Fuel system, gasoline96V121002 The fuel tank on these vehicles can become punctured by a fuel tank flange attachment reinforcement during rear-end collisions. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 301, "Fuel…
Remedy: Dealers will install two new shield gussets between the fuel tank and attachment brackets to prevent the reinforcement from puncturing the fuel tank wall.
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R
2000-03-03Suspension00V008000 Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Insufficient strength of the mounting base on the upper end of the front struts can lead to breakage of the mounting bolts that attach the upper end…
Remedy: Dealers will add a reinforcement, for both front struts, between the front strut mounting base and the vehicle body. In addition, the front strut mounting bases, mounting bolts and nuts, and strut…
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Suzuki Sidekick — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V121002 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 00V008000 · Suspension
FAQ
- Is the 1996 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 1996 Suzuki Sidekick?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.