1998 Suzuki Sidekick
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Suzuki › Sidekick › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Suzuki Sidekick. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
27 complaints9 involved a crash1 involved a fire11 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
3 years ago I bought a set of 4 goodyear warngler duratrac tires for my suzuki vitara. after aprox 1,5 years I go to tire service shop to repair air loss around the rim. with tire unmounted we found inner layer separation. I reported this to the seller and after checking with goodyear…
3 years ago I bought a set of 4 goodyear warngler duratrac tires for my suzuki vitara. after aprox 1,5 years I go to tire service shop to repair air loss around the rim. with tire unmounted we found inner layer separation. I reported this to the seller and after checking with goodyear represantive they changed the tire with new one. after another aprox 1,5 years I have to go to tire shop for another repair and found another tire with split layers. We checked all other tires minus warranty replaced one and they all are split from inside. I reported this to the seller and goodyear representive but they didn't offer any solution yet.
- Air bags
Was in a frontal accident. Front end of car pretty much totaled. Airbags did not deploy, and no problems with the codes or light before this.
- 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
- Electrical system › Ignition
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Power train › Manual transmission · Suspension › Front
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Power train › Clutch assembly · Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
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…
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.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
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
- Suspension › Rear
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Suspension
Instability when cornering, severe instability in windy conditions, top heavy, and transmission shifting roughly when engine IS cold. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal
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.…
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Motorcycle experienced engine oil leakage from the rear main oil seal. *mjs
- 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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Exterior lighting › Headlights
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 · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Thermometer, temperature gauge.
- Air bags › Frontal
On 6-28-99 airbags deployed violently when vehicle went in a ditch causing serious injury to the driver and passenger. *yc
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer was in an accident, and air bag did not deploy. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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.
- Air bags › On-off switch assembly
After receiving authorization for on/off switch could not have switch installed.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element
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
- Air bags › Frontal
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
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Air bag warning light stays on at various speeds. Light then went off when ignition was shut off.
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.
- 10216558Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.
- 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.
- 610525This bulletin contains the revised claims submission procedures for replacement batteries under warranty.
Every Suzuki Sidekick model year
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