Clutch pedal separates from pivot shaft. Weld brakes, pedal detaches, vehicle disabled. Third occurrence. Oem pedal replacement reveals no-warranty, common occurrence failure mode. Pedal re-attached to shaft by professional welders on two previous occurrences. Have replaced clutch cable, clutch plate & throwout bearing without resolution. Hydraulic replacement investigation in progress.
The worst 1996 Suzuki Sidekick problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Suspension15
- Transmission14
- Brakes9
- Engine9
- Airbags4
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Suspension15
- Transmission14
- Brakes9
- Engine9
- Airbags4
- Body3
- Electrical2
- Fuel system2
- Seat belts2
- Visibility2
- Acceleration1
- Lights1
- Seats1
- Steering1
Recalls 2
Suspension
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Insufficient strength of the mounting base on the upper end of the front struts can lead to breakage of the mounting bolts that attach the upper end of the front struts to the vehicle body.
- Risk
- If the strut broke loose, a driver could lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will add a reinforcement, for both front struts, between the front strut mounting base and the vehicle body. In addition, the front strut mounting bases, mounting bolts and nuts, and strut bar stays will be replaced.
Recall number 00V008000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- The fuel tank on these vehicles can become punctured by a fuel tank flange attachment reinforcement during rear-end collisions. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel tank integrity."
- Risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: if an ignition source was present, fuel leakage resulting from this puncture could result in a post-crash fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install two new shield gussets between the fuel tank and attachment brackets to prevent the reinforcement from puncturing the fuel tank wall.
Recall number 96V121002 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick 4
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
1996 Suzuki Sidekick fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | RWD | 19-21 | 22-24 | 21-22 |
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 19-21 | 22-24 | 21-22 |
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 19-20 | 22-23 | 20-21 |
What 1996 Suzuki Sidekick owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 1996 suzuki sidekick sport on an icy afternoon he pulled into the driveway at 5 MPH and hit the utility pole, and both airbags deployed. The passenger side airbag popped and burst into flames in the center of the bag. A neighbor saw what happened ,came over, opened the passenger door, and beat the flames until the fire was out. The driver side airbag deployed and forced the contact left hand to go through the driver's side window which shatter,ed,and caused contusions to his knuckles. The contact contacted the police and there was report. The officer couldn't understand how the airbags could have deployed because the utility pole had no damage, but the vehicle did receive a ding. The contact has pictures available of the vehicle and the utility pole. The current mileage was 76000.*ak updated 03/19/07.
Consumer states that her vehicle caught fire. She states that she got into her vehicle and inserted the key. She said that when she turned the key, it sounded as if the battery was dead. She states she turned the ignition off, waited and then turned the ignition on again, then she smelled and saw smoke, then there was fire. She said her husband and the neighbor put the fire out. She had the vehicle towed to a private mechanic, who stated that the she had an electrical fire . She said she had to purchase a new/used motor. She said she called the manufacturer and they did not seem concerned.
The vehicle experienced the same defect as the federal safety agency recall 96-v-121-002 related to the fuel tank. The consumers vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
Consumer states, the temperature gauge always indicated hot, due to the radiator cap which is defected, has been change three times. And reocurring the problem.. Please provide further information. Ts
This car has been in the shop almost from the day I purschased it from largo honda in key largo florida; dec. Of 1999. Although I purschased an extended service contract for $8,000, I was never able to get satifaction from the dealer, the seller, or my warrenty co. Always at my expence , towing, {rental cars =$1,700 04/05/00 - 50,373 miles auto doc of key largo, 305] 453-0977, replaced fan, clutch, adjuster, radiator, water pump.... Now this where my most receient begains. *south motors of miami. I was notified about a second w2 recall the federal safety agency id # 00v008000, 96v121002- I called suzki, I called south motors - took auto to south motors 6am, for the day, recieved estimated $29 oil change that ended up being $139, but they did not do the power lock problem I had asked for , and told me that all recall work had been compleated - blew me off. Still no power locks, fule filter seemed more stuffed up than before, = points, plugs, coils, "service engin lights" etc. On july 30, 2002 a bolt apparently broke off that had been holding the aircondioner to rest of the car, the fan belt was replaced andbolt welded
Right front dropped while pulling into driveway. Vehicle taken to repair shop, and informed consumer that front struts needed to be replaced. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
Consumer received recall notification last year in 2001,to datethe dealership has not been able to supply the replacement component for the vehicle. Nlv consumer has received second notice for safety recall.
Recall 00 v 008000 /front struts: c after contacting the dealer: (knoxville, ford lincoln, suzuki; knoxville, tn; phone# 865/688-4600, he stated that they would inspect the struts, and only make repairs if it needed. Feel free to provide any further information.
Clutch well arm broke while driving. Was unable to disengage the clutch. Dealer / manufacturer were not notified at this time. Provide any further information on this matter.
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Questions about the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
Is the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick reliable?
Owners have filed 58 complaints about the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick, 2.8 times a typical Sidekick model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick?
Suspension, with 15 complaints. Next is transmission (14).
How many recalls does the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick have?
2 recalls, covering suspension and fuel system, gasoline.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick suspension?
Yes, 1 recall: 00V008000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick get?
Official estimates for the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 19-21 city and 22-24 highway.
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