Suzuki Sidekick 1998
Model Sidekick made in 1998 by Suzuki got 41 consumer complains as well as 2 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to air bags and electrical system. Technical service bulletines regarding electrical system and engine and engine cooling. The car has 2 modeles with engines 1.6 and 1.8.
Model 1998
| Engine [L] | Cylinders | Transmission | Drive | Estimate MPG (city/highway/combined) | Unadjusted MPG (city/highway/combined) | Fuel | Fuel cost | Class | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 4 | Lockup/automatic, 3 gears | R | 23/24/24 | 25.6/31.4/27.9208 | Regular | 782 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 2WD | |
| 1.6 | 4 | Manual, 5 gears | R | 24/26/25 | 26.3/33/28.9445 | Regular | 750 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 2WD | |
| 1.6 | 4 | Lockup/automatic, 4 gears | R | 22/26/23 | 24.2806/33.122/27.5954 | Regular | 816 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 2WD | |
| 1.6 | 4 | Manual, 5 gears | R | 23/26/24 | 25.6073/33.3695/28.6011 | Regular | 782 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 2WD | |
| 1.8 | 4 | Lockup/automatic, 4 gears | R | 21/24/23 | 23.7714/31.1762/26.6161 | Regular | 816 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 2WD | |
| 1.8 | 4 | Manual, 5 gears | R | 23/25/24 | 25.1/31.8/27.729 | Regular | 782 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 2WD | |
| 1.6 | 4 | Lockup/automatic, 3 gears | 4 | 23/24/24 | 25.6/31.4/27.9208 | Regular | 782 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 4WD | |
| 1.6 | 4 | Manual, 5 gears | 4 | 24/26/25 | 26.3/33/28.9445 | Regular | 750 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 4WD | |
| 1.6 | 4 | Lockup/automatic, 4 gears | 4 | 22/26/23 | 24.2785/33.12/27.5933 | Regular | 816 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 4WD | |
| 1.6 | 4 | Manual, 5 gears | 4 | 23/26/24 | 25.6042/33.3655/28.5977 | Regular | 782 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 4WD | |
| 1.8 | 4 | Lockup/automatic, 4 gears | 4 | 21/24/23 | 23.7684/31.1723/26.6128 | Regular | 816 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 4WD | |
| 1.8 | 4 | Manual, 5 gears | 4 | 23/25/24 | 25.1/31.8/27.729 | Regular | 782 | SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE 4WD |
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||||
| SW07 | 05/04/2000 | 610525 | This bulletin contains the revised claims submission procedures for replacement batteries under warranty. *tt | 05/04/2000 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 0204145 | 10014818 | Correct coolant usage. *eh | 05/10/2005 | ||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS - FRONTAL | |||
| While traveling at normal speed and without any indication air bags deployed as a result of a vehicle crash. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 04/12/2000 | 01/01/1998 | ||
| On april 12th 2000, while driving my susuki sidekick my air bages deployed with out being involved in a collision. at no time did i hit another vehicle or was i hit by another vehicle. both myself and the passneger inthe front seat were wearing seat belts but we did susatin minor injuries. including air bag burns and lacerations on hte face. i have called susuki derectly as well as the dealer. no one has acknowledge ther is a problem and the company is expecting me to pay for the damages and to have the car repaired. i have been without a car for the time since the accident but i have now again started to use the car because i have no other choice. i do not feel that this vehicle is safe and i would like to return it to the company and be let out of my lease. i would also like to be compensated dor my time i did not use the vehicle. i continue to pay the lease onthe car because i am obligated to pay per the agreement. i feel susuki is obligated to give me a vehcile that is operating per their agreement. i have not been able to get any weher with them. i would appreciate and help you could offer me in this situation. sincerly michelle buteau. *ak | |||
| 06/28/1999 | 1 | ||
| On 6-28-99 airbags deployed violently when vehicle went in a ditch causing serious injury to the driver and passenger. *yc | |||
| 05/23/1999 | 0 | ||
| Consumer was in an accident, and air bag did not deploy. *ak | |||
| 01/03/1999 | 1 | ||
| Consumer had a head-on collision at 30mph. smashed the front end completely, and the air bags did not deploy, as a result the driver dislocated shoulder. *ak *et | |||
| 08/20/1998 | 2 | ||
| Air bag did not deploy. | |||
| AIR BAGS - FRONTAL - SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE | |||
| 08/28/1998 | 05/25/1998 | ||
| Air bag warning light stays on at various speeds. light then went off when ignition was shut off. | |||
| AIR BAGS - ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY | |||
| 1 | |||
| After receiving authorization for on/off switch could not have switch installed. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 05/25/2001 | |||
| While driving 25 mph vehicle stalled. towed to dealer, who found ignition coil was too close to engine block, and had shorted out. dealer rewired ignition coil.*ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 04/09/1998 | 3 | 02/28/1998 | |
| Fuel pump drawing to much current. | |||
| 05/08/1998 | 3 | 02/28/1998 | |
| Wires fused in main wiring harness, could cause fire. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 08/28/1998 | 1 | 07/24/1998 | |
| Thermometer, temperature gauge. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||
| 08/28/1998 | 1 | 07/24/1998 | |
| Thermometer, temperature gauge. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 05/30/1998 | 1 | 05/30/1998 | |
| Consumer was told that wrong size gas tank is equipped on vehicle. *ak premature clutch failure, driveshaft failure. bolts vibrated out of exhaust namifold. recurring noise from engine pulley area. *slc | |||
| 01/15/1999 | 1 | 05/01/1998 | |
| Exhaust bolts vibrated loose/broke off (7/15/98;1/4/99;11/19/99) idler pulley has been changed 3 times(1/4/99;11/17/99;11/19/99); drive belt has been replaced 2 times(1/15/99;11/19/99); motor mounts needed to be secured (2/26/99); clutch slave cylinder needs to be replaced (complained 7/15/98;1/25/00. diagnosed 6/12/00); noise coming from transmission(6/12/00 told noise normal); driveshaft cv joint bad (6/12/00 told by dealer noise normal. 6/14/00 told driveshaft cv joint bad due to poor design. 6/16/00 2nd estimate driveshaft cv joint bad). the manufacturer has been notified numerous times but continues to stonewall regarding issues with my car. *ak also wrong , smaller size gas tank was installed vehicle. manfacturer is not sending nhtsa information regarding tsb or recalls. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 02/13/2001 | 1 | 02/12/2001 | |
| Possible engine failure caused the vehicle to catch on fire in the engine compartment one day after the vehicle was purchased (case # 01-250-843-501, report # 1023282). nlm | |||
| 1 | |||
| Motorcycle experienced engine oil leakage from the rear main oil seal. *mjs | |||
| 01/21/2000 | 2 | ||
| Our sidekick is a 98 and the engine broke down on the highway we have also had to buy new head lights every tree months. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 01/15/1999 | 1 | 05/01/1998 | |
| Exhaust bolts vibrated loose/broke off (7/15/98;1/4/99;11/19/99) idler pulley has been changed 3 times(1/4/99;11/17/99;11/19/99); drive belt has been replaced 2 times(1/15/99;11/19/99); motor mounts needed to be secured (2/26/99); clutch slave cylinder needs to be replaced (complained 7/15/98;1/25/00. diagnosed 6/12/00); noise coming from transmission(6/12/00 told noise normal); driveshaft cv joint bad (6/12/00 told by dealer noise normal. 6/14/00 told driveshaft cv joint bad due to poor design. 6/16/00 2nd estimate driveshaft cv joint bad). the manufacturer has been notified numerous times but continues to stonewall regarding issues with my car. *ak also wrong , smaller size gas tank was installed vehicle. manfacturer is not sending nhtsa information regarding tsb or recalls. | |||
| EQUIPMENT - MECHANICAL - WRECKER AND WHEEL LIFT DEVICES | |||
| Roadmaster tow bar that was installed on the truck continued rubbing against the tires, causing excessive wear of the tires. consumer has contacted manufacturer. please provide any further details. *ak | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | |||
| 01/21/2000 | 2 | ||
| Our sidekick is a 98 and the engine broke down on the highway we have also had to buy new head lights every tree months. *ak | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - CARBURETOR SYSTEM | |||
| 05/30/1998 | 1 | 05/30/1998 | |
| Consumer was told that wrong size gas tank is equipped on vehicle. *ak premature clutch failure, driveshaft failure. bolts vibrated out of exhaust namifold. recurring noise from engine pulley area. *slc | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY | |||
| 04/09/1998 | 3 | 02/28/1998 | |
| Fuel pump drawing to much current. | |||
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY | |||
| 05/30/1998 | 1 | 05/30/1998 | |
| Consumer was told that wrong size gas tank is equipped on vehicle. *ak premature clutch failure, driveshaft failure. bolts vibrated out of exhaust namifold. recurring noise from engine pulley area. *slc | |||
| 04/01/1999 | 0 | ||
| While drinving at about 65 another vehicle rammed into the back of consumer's vehicle on right hand side. upon impact, driver's and passenger's seats totally callapsed. also, gas tank bursted, and fuel splashed into consumers face. consumer felt seats should not have broken loose because they were designed to hold passenger in place. *ak | |||
| 09/30/1998 | 4 | 09/01/1998 | |
| The fuel tank pressure sensor has been replaced three times, and the last one has been reset still not functioning, also engine has intermittent skipping, frequent shaking problems, and stalling, followed by hard starting, and power surges. engine idles, then vehicle is put back in drive, and with lite pressure on accelerator pedal, vehicle takes off, with r.p.m.'s exceeding 5,000 rpms. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | |||
| 07/01/1998 | |||
| Instability when cornering, severe instability in windy conditions, top heavy, and transmission shifting roughly when engine is cold. *ak | |||
| POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY | |||
| 01/15/1999 | 1 | 05/01/1998 | |
| Exhaust bolts vibrated loose/broke off (7/15/98;1/4/99;11/19/99) idler pulley has been changed 3 times(1/4/99;11/17/99;11/19/99); drive belt has been replaced 2 times(1/15/99;11/19/99); motor mounts needed to be secured (2/26/99); clutch slave cylinder needs to be replaced (complained 7/15/98;1/25/00. diagnosed 6/12/00); noise coming from transmission(6/12/00 told noise normal); driveshaft cv joint bad (6/12/00 told by dealer noise normal. 6/14/00 told driveshaft cv joint bad due to poor design. 6/16/00 2nd estimate driveshaft cv joint bad). the manufacturer has been notified numerous times but continues to stonewall regarding issues with my car. *ak also wrong , smaller size gas tank was installed vehicle. manfacturer is not sending nhtsa information regarding tsb or recalls. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT | |||
| 01/15/1999 | 1 | 05/01/1998 | |
| Exhaust bolts vibrated loose/broke off (7/15/98;1/4/99;11/19/99) idler pulley has been changed 3 times(1/4/99;11/17/99;11/19/99); drive belt has been replaced 2 times(1/15/99;11/19/99); motor mounts needed to be secured (2/26/99); clutch slave cylinder needs to be replaced (complained 7/15/98;1/25/00. diagnosed 6/12/00); noise coming from transmission(6/12/00 told noise normal); driveshaft cv joint bad (6/12/00 told by dealer noise normal. 6/14/00 told driveshaft cv joint bad due to poor design. 6/16/00 2nd estimate driveshaft cv joint bad). the manufacturer has been notified numerous times but continues to stonewall regarding issues with my car. *ak also wrong , smaller size gas tank was installed vehicle. manfacturer is not sending nhtsa information regarding tsb or recalls. | |||
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION | |||
| 05/30/1998 | 1 | 05/30/1998 | |
| Consumer was told that wrong size gas tank is equipped on vehicle. *ak premature clutch failure, driveshaft failure. bolts vibrated out of exhaust namifold. recurring noise from engine pulley area. *slc | |||
| SEATS - FRONT ASSEMBLY - RECLINER | |||
| 04/01/1999 | 0 | ||
| While drinving at about 65 another vehicle rammed into the back of consumer's vehicle on right hand side. upon impact, driver's and passenger's seats totally callapsed. also, gas tank bursted, and fuel splashed into consumers face. consumer felt seats should not have broken loose because they were designed to hold passenger in place. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 11/27/1998 | 1 | ||
| While driving approximately 55-60mph front right tire started smoking. pulled to side & checked. noticed a problem with brakes. had vehicle towed. mechanic found nothing. had pads, rotors & shoes changed. after trying to stop, had no brakes. brake pedal went to floor. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 04/12/2001 | 1 | 03/01/2001 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 10/13/2000 | 1 | 09/01/1998 | |
| I suddenly heard a whirring and sound and the brakes started to grind when trying to stop. i had not experienced any braking problem prior to this event. *ak | |||
| 11/27/1998 | 1 | ||
| While driving approximately 55-60mph front right tire started smoking. pulled to side & checked. noticed a problem with brakes. had vehicle towed. mechanic found nothing. had pads, rotors & shoes changed. after trying to stop, had no brakes. brake pedal went to floor. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 07/01/1998 | |||
| Instability when cornering, severe instability in windy conditions, top heavy, and transmission shifting roughly when engine is cold. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 05/30/1998 | 1 | 05/30/1998 | |
| Consumer was told that wrong size gas tank is equipped on vehicle. *ak premature clutch failure, driveshaft failure. bolts vibrated out of exhaust namifold. recurring noise from engine pulley area. *slc | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 08/21/2000 | 0 | ||
| Consume rwas traveling about 45mph on highway and was going up a hill. when reaching the top of the hill, rear end came forward, and vehicle was sideways on the ramp. vehicle veered over into an enbankment, and then at the and then came out of enbankment. vehicle was still running . rear driver's side tire had exploded.*ak | |||
| VISIBILITY - DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM - WINDSHIELD - CONTROLS/WIRING | |||
| All the windows except the front windshield fogged up while driving this vehicle and the defoster does not defog the windows. dealer has been contacted. *ak | |||