1997 Suzuki Sidekick problems
NHTSA has received 52 complaints about the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick, and 17% of them involve suspension. After that come engine (10%) and air bags (8%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 52 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Suspension 17% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 5 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 7 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What the data shows
Safety-related details: 5 complaints mention a crash; 7 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1997 ranks 2nd most-complained-about out of 5 model years of the Suzuki Sidekick with enough data (41 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Consumer was driving at approximately 65 MPH when driver noticed that gear was in the 2nd gear ,consumer went to shift gear when it shifted into reverse, causing the vehicle to spin and roll over. Vehicle was totaled, resulting in injuires to driver.
Consumer was traveling at approximately 35 to 40 MPH under cold/ dry conditions when vehicle hit a dip in road, causing loss of control, and vehicle went over a snow bank, and impacted a tree on front center area of vehicle. Drivers and passengers air bags failed to deploy. Dealership has not given consumer any reason for cause of defect. *suzuki was in possession of air bags, and vehicle was considered to be a total loss. *slc
While driving about 60 MPH on road at night, then woke up in hospital. Witness said that driver lost control of vehicle, and hit middle of the road, then rolled over. Dealer was contacted. Please provide more information.