1997 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
14% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.
INJURY11% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN DRIVER NOTICED THAT GEAR WAS IN THE 2ND GEAR ,CONSUMER WENT TO SHIFT GEAR WHEN IT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AND ROLL OVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000929
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: equipment — 3 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1997 Suzuki Sidekick — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V008000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 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 1997 Suzuki Sidekick?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 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.