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2012 Suzuki SX4 problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Suzuki SX4 is steering, typically around 76,502 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical SX4 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
40
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
4
Worst area
Steering
Fuel economy
25-28mpg

The worst 2012 Suzuki SX4 problems

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

Problems by type

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

  • Steering
    16
  • Airbags
    14
  • Transmission
    5
  • Seats
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Suzuki SX4

Airbag light 6

Recalls 3

Steering: hydraulic power assist: pumpReported November 14, 2018 · 18,673 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Suzuki Motor America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Suzuki SX4 vehicles. The power steering pump may seize causing a loss of steering assist.
Risk
A seizure of the power steering pump would cause a loss of power steering assist, requiring extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Suzuki has notified owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2019. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1‑800‑934‑0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is CZ.

Recall number 18V804000 · Recall details

Steering: hydraulic power assist: pumpReported September 22, 2015 · 18,673 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2012-2103 Suzuki SX4 vehicles manufactured September 3, 2011, to April 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, insufficient clearance between the power steering pump body and the power steering fluid control valve may cause improper movement of the valve, and as a result, the power steering pump may seize.
Risk
A seizure of the power steering pump would cause a loss of power steering assist, requiring extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki's customer service number at 1‑800‑934‑0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VS.

Recall number 15V587000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported December 22, 2014 · 60,823 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 SX4 vehicles manufactured July 16, 2009, to November 1, 2012, and 2010-2013 Kizashi vehicles manufactured October 13, 2009, to October 31, 2012. The shift selector can be moved out of the "Park" position without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk
If the shift selector is moved out of the "Park" position while the brake pedal is not depressed, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift selector assembly and inspect, and if necessary, replace the shift knob, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1‑714‑996‑7040. Suzuki's number for this recall is VL.

Recall number 14V811000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2012 Suzuki SX4

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Suzuki SX4 4

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

2012 Suzuki SX4 fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD22-2529-3225-28
2.0L 4‑cylAWD22-232925

What 2012 Suzuki SX4 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Airbags · 153,750 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2012 Suzuki SX4. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and the engine was running, the air bags independently deployed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact was on the outside of the vehicle, removing items from the rear seat on the rear passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear seat lever was lifted to lower the rear seat, and the front driver's side curtain air bag, and the rear passenger's side pillar air bag independently deployed. The failure occurred instantly when the rear seat was lowered. There was a loud sound but no smoke. The contact fell to the ground when the air bags deployed. The front passenger's seat belt was latched at the time; however, the front passenger's seat was unoccupied. The front passenger's seat belt became inoperable after the failure. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,750.

Filed Feb 7, 2025 · Steering · 121,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2012 Suzuki SX4. The contact stated while driving at approximately 73 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously serviced under an undisclosed the federal safety agency recall that was associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

Filed Feb 18, 2024 · Airbags · MA

The airbag sensor in the passenger seat failed. There is a known Supplemental Restraint System issue/recall in 2007-2011 Suzuki SX4s, however there has not been a recall for the 2012 model despite this being an issue beyond the aforementioned years. Affected vehicles may develop an electrical circuit disconnection within the front passenger sensing system sensor mat that is built into the front passenger seat bottom cushion. The disconnection is due to repeated flexing of the sensor mat from use of the front passenger seat. If this condition occurs, the “AIR BAG” light in the instrument cluster and, the front passenger’s seat belt reminder light will come on. Also, the “PASS AIR BAG OFF” indicator light will remain off because the front passenger air bag will remain enabled. In a frontal impact of significant magnitude, the front air bag will deploy with full force - even with a child, or small adult, in the front seat. Air bag deployment with a child or small adult in the front passenger seat increases the risk of severe injury or death to that occupant. Replacement front seats are backordered, likely because of the recall in 2007-2011 vehicles, and despite placing an order for a new seat in May 2023, I have been waiting 9 months for a pallet to ship from Suzuki. Given the danger of traveling with a passenger given the vehicle's condition, and the fact that this was a known issue for the 5 prior years of this vehicle, this is an unacceptable amount of time to wait for a replacement part, and this should be investigated as a potential necessary recall for 2012 Suzuki SX4s.

Filed Jun 28, 2021 · Steering · NC

2012 suzuki sx4. Consumer writes seeking reimbursement for power steering pump safety recall.

Filed Mar 8, 2021 · Seats · 46,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the front passenger's side seat warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to sarasota mitsubishi (6826 s tamiami trail, sarasota, fl 34231) where it was diagnosed as passenger side seat bottom malfunction. The dealer informed the contact that the front passenger's side seat needed to be replaced however, the part was not available. The contact contacted the manufacturer and was informed that he would receive a callback however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 46,000.

Filed Feb 20, 2021 · Steering · MD

I was sent a recall notice for my car and the problem is that the service provider that is near my home has closed down and the other one that is on the list is 50 miles away from my home. All other places are out of my state. Help

Filed Jul 30, 2020 · Steering · KS

Nothing yet. I continue to get recall noticed but no one has parts for it anymore and can't get them in. The car is drivable but I worry about an incident happening one day

Filed Jan 21, 2020 · Steering · NE

2012 suzuki sx4. Consumer writes in regards to defective power steering pump. *ld

Filed Dec 20, 2019 · Steering · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v587000 (steering). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the part was not available for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Nov 6, 2019 · Engine, Steering · 36,000 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. The contact called the federal safety agency regarding the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v587000 (steering). While the vehicle was at a complete stop, the engine started to rattle uncontrollably. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

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Questions about the 2012 Suzuki SX4

Is the 2012 Suzuki SX4 reliable?

Owners have filed 40 complaints about the 2012 Suzuki SX4, close to a typical SX4 model year.

What is the 2012 Suzuki SX4 year score?

The 2012 Suzuki SX4 scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Suzuki SX4: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Suzuki SX4?

Steering, with 16 complaints, typically around 76,502 miles. Next is airbags (14).

How many recalls does the 2012 Suzuki SX4 have?

3 recalls, covering steering and power train.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Suzuki SX4 steering?

Yes, 2 recalls: 18V804000, 15V587000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Suzuki SX4 get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Suzuki SX4 range from 25 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-25 city and 29-32 highway.

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