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1997 Suzuki Sidekick problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick is engine and cooling. It has 1.7 times the complaints of a typical Sidekick model year.

Typical year1.7x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
36
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
4
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
20-22mpg

The worst 1997 Suzuki Sidekick problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    9
  • Suspension
    9
  • Transmission
    7
  • Airbags
    4
  • Brakes
    4

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    9
  • Suspension
    9
  • Transmission
    7
  • Airbags
    4
  • Brakes
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Electrical
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 1

SuspensionReported January 20, 2000 · 13,461 vehicles affected
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

See all 1 recalls for the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1997 Suzuki Sidekick fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cylRWD19-2122-2421-22
1.6L 4‑cyl4WD19-2122-2421-22
1.8L 4‑cylRWD1922-2320-21
1.8L 4‑cyl4WD1922-2320-21

What 1997 Suzuki Sidekick owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 10, 2003 · Tires · TX

While driving and without warning front and rear passenger side tires separated. *cb

Filed Nov 8, 2002 · Transmission · OH

The clutch pedal attachment clip in the passenger compartment spot weld broke allowing the pedal to detach from the linkage. When the owner entered the truck the pedal was already detached. Please describe details ts

Filed Jul 10, 2002 · Suspension · UT

The vehicle struts broke while driving, the consumer never received recall notice 00v‑008 relating to the strut rod. Nlm

Filed Apr 29, 2002 · Body, Suspension · SC · 2 injuries

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.

Filed Apr 17, 2002 · Suspension · FL

The federal safety agency 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

Filed Feb 26, 2002 · Steering · AZ · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Aug 25, 2001 · Transmission · TN

Purchased this sidekick july 24, 2001. Within days the " engine soon" light came on and stayed on. Due to a 30 day 1000 mile extended warranty I took the sidekick to the ford dealership purchased at. The sidekick was taken to the suzuki dealership for evaluation. It was determined that the solenoid and valve body were defected. A remanufactured transmission was placed in the vehicle due to cost analysis. After 1.5 weeks in the shop I picked up "my" sidekick. Within 3 days the "check engine soon" light came on and stayed on. Returned the sidekick to the ford dealership where purchased. The suzuki dealership determined that the remanufactured transmission needed replaced. It was relayed to me that the suzuki remanufactured transmissions had a valve body defect. Transmission number 2 was pulled and in went remanufactured transmission number 3. I picked up the sidekick this morning. Within 2 hours and less than 30 miles the "service engine soon" light came on and stayed on. Contacted the ford dealership where purchased. The sidekick will be picked up monday morning and I'll be driving another loaner vehicle (for which I'm very grateful). I'll find out in 2-3 days whether my new to me used to you gets transmission number 4. I've had this vehicle for 31 days, had the priviledge of driving it for 7 days tops. The 30 day 1000 mile extended warranty has now expired. I've requested a collateral trade. I won't find out about that until the owner of the dealership returns monday. I've had more transmissions in this one vehicle in one month than I've had in all my vehicles in the past 15 years! Like to know what our rights are. I've not even made the first payment yet. Would like some inormation on our rights as consumers. Thanks!

Filed Aug 15, 2001 · Steering · NY · crash

While driving at 55 MPH consumer suddenly lost control of the vehicle and it crashed into a concrete wall. Dealership examined vehicle, and found that strut rod had broken, causing the crash. *ak the left tie rod assembly has separated between the inner link and the adjusting sleeve.

Filed Jul 13, 2001 · Transmission · OH

Clutch keep prematurely failing about 6-10 months due to a white piece that goes around clutch that keeps breaking. Consumer has already replaced clutch 6 times.

Filed Jul 10, 2001 · Transmission · CA

These parts were replaced when I had transmission failure.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 Suzuki Sidekick before you buy

Compare the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick

Other model years

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Questions about the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick

Is the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick reliable?

Owners have filed 36 complaints about the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick, 1.7 times a typical Sidekick model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick?

Engine and cooling, with 9 complaints. Next is suspension (9).

How many recalls does the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick have?

1 recall, covering suspension.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick get?

Official estimates for the 1997 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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