1997 Suzuki Swift
Only 4 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 4 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 | 0 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1990 | 3 |
| 1991 | 7 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 7 |
| 1994 | 5 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
RECALL 98V225002. THE SHIFT LEVER WILL MOVE FREELY WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKES OR THE BUTTON. DEALER CONTACTED, AND CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, OTHER INCIDENTS OCCUR THAN WHAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19981117
1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
FROM PARK TO NEUTRAL CAR DOWN A HILL, ACROSS A YARD, ACROSS A STREET AND HIT A POLE. NO KEYS WERE IN THE VEHICLE, AUTOMATIC CAR, TOTALLED LOST
NHTSA ODI report, 20000727
1 of 4 total reports mentions: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AFTER THE CRASH THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED VERY SLIGHTLY, SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010802
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE. THE SHIFT LEVER APPEARS TO BE IN "PARK," BUT CAN EASILY BE MOVED FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITHOUT THE USE OF THE KEY, TR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, OWNERS ARE ADVISED WHEN SHIFTING TO "PARK," ALWAYS APPLY THE PARK BRAKE BEFORE RELEASING THE SERVICE BRAKE.
Campaign 98V225002 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Suzuki Swift — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V225002 (power train) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Suzuki Swift 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 Swift?
The most-reported component is power train:manual transmission:shift pattern indicator, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Suzuki Swift 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.