VehicleVerdict

2012 Suzuki Kizashi problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2012 Suzuki Kizashi sits mid-pack among Kizashi years: 43 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 31, with 5 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (8), airbags (8), and steering (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

43

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Kizashi years?

Kizashi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted43 complaints2010: 33 complaints2011: 29 complaints2012: 43 complaints2013: 6 complaints
Kizashi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kizashi years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Suzuki Kizashi problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags819%
Transmission819%
Speed Control49%
Fuel System49%
Steering49%
Engine37%
Seats25%
Suspension25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Electrical System25%
Body & Structure12%
Other12%
Lighting12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V343000AirbagsMay 2, 2019 · 21,052 units

Defect

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling 2010-2013 Kizashi vehicles. The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) may misclassify an adult occupant as child and deactivate the front air bag.

Consequence

The deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Suzuki will notify owners, and service providers will replace the front passenger seat cushion, which includes a new OCS mat assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed on October 29, 2021. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is C5.

19V187000AirbagsMarch 7, 2019 · 31,302 units

Defect

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an adult or child is occupying the seat.

Consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's numbers for this recall are 4011 and 4012.

18V769000Fuel SystemOctober 31, 2018 · 21,063 units

Defect

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Suzuki Kizashi vehicles. Dust can enter the vent line that provides fresh air to the carbon canister, restricting its air flow and possibly creating excessive negative pressure in the fuel tank which may result in the fuel tank cracking.

Consequence

A cracked tank may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Suzuki has sent owners an initial notification to inform them of the recall. When parts are available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will install a cover over the opening near the suction pipe inlet, and relocate the suction filter. The fuel cap and fuel tank will also be replaced with improved parts. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934.

14V811000TransmissionDecember 22, 2014 · 60,823 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

14V464000Fuel SystemJuly 30, 2014 · 19,249 units

Defect

Suzuki Motor Of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kizashi vehicles manufactured October 2009 through July 2012. In the affected vehicles, spiders may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent hose, blocking it and causing the fuel tank to have an excessive amount of negative pressure.

Consequence

Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Suzuki is in the process of notifying owners, and dealers will replace the evaporative canister vent line on the affected vehicles with a vent line that has a filter on the end. If the canister vent line is found to be obstructed by a spider web, the fuel tank will also be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VG.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF. THIS STATEMENT LIGHTS UP ON MY DASH BOARD WHEN A PASSENGER PLACES THEM SELVES ON THE PASSENGER SEAT, AND STAYS LIGHT UP UNTIL THE PASSENGER REMOVES THEM SELVES FROM THE SEAT. THIS PROBLEM EXISTS ON A RECALL PLACED BY YOUR ORGANIZATION FOR 2006-2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 1, 2018

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE OHIO AND PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. SPEED LIMIT IS 70 MILES PER HOUR IN THIS ZONE LOSS OF ACCELERATION LED TO A ABRUPT STOP GOING UPHILL. PEDAL IS FULLY PUSH TO THE MAXIMUM ACCELERATION POINT. THIS USUALLY TAKES PLACE WHEN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 3, 2020

WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING LIGHT COMES ON AND MAKES THE STEERING VERY HARD TO HANDLE. VERY SCARY ORDEAL. NOT BEING ABLE TO PULL IN SOMEWHERE TO GET OUT OF THE TRAFFIC HOPING NO ONE HITS US FROM BEHIND.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 3, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUZUKI KIZASHI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE AIR BAGS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, AND FUEL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. PLANET SUZUKI (110 NORTHCHASE DR,…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 28, 2019

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, AND THE SERVICE ESP SYSTEM CAME ON, RIGHT AFTER THAT THE REAR CAR STARTED SWAYING BACK AND FORTH. WHEN THIS STARTED I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE GAS AND THE CAR KEPT DOING THIS, AND THE CAR THEN SPENT AROUND AND I WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY BACKWARDS FOR ABOUT 100 PLUS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 18, 2012 · crash

2012 Suzuki Kizashi — common questions

Is the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi reliable?

It is close to typical for the Kizashi: 43 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 Kizashi problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (8 complaints), airbags (8 complaints), steering (4 complaints).

Does the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.