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 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
27% of complaints: suspension — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing macpherson strut and front.
27% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20020904
22% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. WHILE DRIVING SMOKING STARTED COMING THROUGH VENTS INSIDE VEHICLE, HEARD POPPING NOISE. VEHICLE WITH DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970821
20% of complaints: service brakes — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
7% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20070212
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. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980114
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, 19970520
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 TANK
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.
Campaign 96V121002 — check if this car was fixed
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 O
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 BA
Campaign 00V008000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Suzuki Sidekick — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V121002 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V008000 (suspension) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.