1993 Suzuki Sidekick
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Suzuki › Sidekick › 1993
These records cover every 1993 Suzuki Sidekick. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick. Newest first.
The right rear and left axle shaft housing tubes were incorrectly welded and can fracture. Fracture of the rear axle shaft housing can result in separation of the affected wheel assembly and separation of the brake line.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Separation of the wheel assembly can cause loss of vehicle control and separation of the brake line results in loss of one-half ofthe braking system, increasing stopping distance. In either case, an accidentcan occur.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the welds of the rear axle assemblies on involved vehicles and, if necessary, replace the complete rear axle assembly.
Owner complaints
14 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
Approximately. 14 mo. After purchase, speedometer cable assembly began making noise, got worse (intermittently), and culminated 7 yrs. Later in a "frozen" speedometer plus extremely loud screeching (stuck cable head) at speeds over 20 mph. replacement of complete speedometer/odometer assembly by…
Approximately. 14 mo. After purchase, speedometer cable assembly began making noise, got worse (intermittently), and culminated 7 yrs. Later in a "frozen" speedometer plus extremely loud screeching (stuck cable head) at speeds over 20 mph. replacement of complete speedometer/odometer assembly by independent auto repair shop was complicated by lack of available used units (we looked unsuccessfully for over 8 mos.). used unit finally found but not correctly digitized (5 settings instead of manufactured 6 settings). only option offered by dealer was new unit at cost of $700. I paid $300 to install used (and incorrectly digitized) replacement. this problem was reported to dealer within first 14 months of ownership, and was repeatedly brought to their attention every year as noise grew worse. dealer was non-responsive every time. However, I now understand from three different auto repair shops that this problem was very common to 1993 - 1995 vehicles of my make and model, which IS why no correct used units were available to me for replacement. it appears that suzuki has either never acknowledged this defect, or never notified owners of a fix. *la
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
At approx. 90,000 mi., turn signal stem began making loud buzzing noise intermittently when moved upward (right blink). problem increased so that by 138,000 mi. Buzzing happened whenever stem was moved upward or downward (right or left blink). by 140,000 mi. Buzzing was constant, whether turn…
At approx. 90,000 mi., turn signal stem began making loud buzzing noise intermittently when moved upward (right blink). problem increased so that by 138,000 mi. Buzzing happened whenever stem was moved upward or downward (right or left blink). by 140,000 mi. Buzzing was constant, whether turn signal stem was engaged or not. this problem was brought to attention of dealer from 1997 - 1999. dealer was non-responsive, saying they could not duplicate problem. wiring was repaired by independent auto shop, costing over $200. problem IS beginning intermittently again less than 500 miles later. there appears to be faulty oem wiring inside steering column and dashboard. vehicle (original owner) has never been roughly used or in any type of accident. *jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
As my wife was driving on the freeway at approx. 60 mph, the left rear tire tread peeled off a chunck of tread. She was able to pull off the freeway, where I was called to change it with my spare, which IS a bridgestone( dot number: 19681 tire size: p20575r15 )
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Power passenger window will not roll up due to regulator going out. possible shorting out and window rolling down by itself. vehicle was secured when left, and when returned passenger window was down. estimated cost of repairs: 350.00 because suzuki does not make regulator's without a whole new motor.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Tailgate › Latch
The spring which controls the rear liftgate got out of its plastic due to wire melting the plastic, and caused the rear door to open unexpectedly which may have causd injuries. the rear door will not shut closed. please provide further information and vin#. *ak
- Electrical system
Electrical fire.
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
The rear passenger's seat belt on the driver side locks where it can not come out of its retractor and IS unable to be used at this time. please describe details. *ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Lack of grill over air vents allows rodents to enter ventilation system.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle fire.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
Continuous wear on the front brake pads and disc. Describe in more detail. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
While unscrewing gas cap, fire ball came out of gas tank into driver's face, fire engulfed driver's head; gas tank was not fully removed. *ak
- Seats
Consumer was in an accident and driver side seat failure seat broke in half. tt
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving engine failed/blew estimated speed 40 mph due to rod failure. Please describe details. tt
- Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
Steering knuckle between steering column and steering box wore prematurely at 50,000 miles. tt
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear axle housing failure
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10152052This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension lower arm ball joints to prevent the ball stud from becoming separated from the suspension lower arm.
- 10014818Correct coolant usage.
- 45880Torque converter clutch (tcc) chuggle/hunting condition.*sd
- 39604Modification of automatic transmission internal parts.
- 39603Modification of intake manifold and thermostat.
Every Suzuki Sidekick model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.