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1997 Suzuki SidekickProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

52
CarFlaw IndexSolid year6% below the Sidekick median · #3 of 8 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints369 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem9Suspension

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 10, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick has problems

36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Suspension91
Engine and engine cooling90
Power train71
Air bags42
Visibility40
Electrical system30
Equipment30
Service brakes, hydraulic30
Steering32
3 other systems31

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1997 Suzuki Sidekick recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Suspension

Recall 00V-008 · Jan 20, 2000 · 13,461 vehicles

Risk. IF THE STRUT BROKE LOOSE, A DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Suzuki.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Sidekick year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sidekick median. How we score

'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'00
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1997 Suzuki Sidekick safety ratings

1997 Suzuki Sidekick 2-DR. 4x4 in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Sidekick owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY, THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE UNDERNEATH VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATES FRONT OF CAR STARTED TO SHAKE CAUSING LOOSE STEERING, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WHERE TWO PEOPLE WERE INJURED. *YD
Complaint 8008801 · Apr 29, 2002
NHTSA ID# 00V-008-000 MANUFACTURE ID #W2 THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO SERVICE THE RECALL BECAUSE THE COMPUTER READING SHOWS THAT THE FRONT STRUTS WHERE ALREADY SERVICED ON APRIL 13, 2000. THE CONSUMER DEBATES THE PRINT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. NLM
Complaint 8007787 · Apr 17, 2002
CONSUMER TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET DEALER TO REPAIR VEHICLE UNDER RECALL. BUT NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Complaint 862766 · May 31, 2000

Own a 1997 Sidekick?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.