VehicleVerdict

Suzuki Sidekick years to avoid

The Suzuki Sidekick years to avoid are 1996, 1997, 1998, 1994 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2000 is the cleanest year on record.

298

Total complaints

4

Recall campaigns

1988–2000

Years covered

4

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

Suzuki Sidekick NHTSA complaints by model year81 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 15 complaints1990: 5 complaints1991: 16 complaints1992: 11 complaints1993: 14 complaints1994: 32 complaints1995: 29 complaints1996: 81 complaints1997: 52 complaints1998: 41 complaints2000: 1 complaints
Suzuki Sidekick NHTSA complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Sidekick years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
1996High complaint rate81
1997High complaint rate52
1998High complaint rate41
1994High complaint rate32

Every Sidekick year

YearComplaintsRecalls
200010
1998avoid410
1997avoid521
1996avoid812
1995290
1994avoid321
1993141
1992110
1991161
199051
1989151
198810

Common questions

What are the worst Suzuki Sidekick years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Sidekick years to avoid are 1996, 1997, 1998, 1994. The cleanest year on record is 2000.

What is the best year for the Suzuki Sidekick?

By complaint volume, 2000 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Sidekick years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Suzuki Sidekick have?

Across all model years, the Sidekick has 4 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 298 consumer complaints on file.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.