VehicleVerdict

1989 Suzuki Sidekick problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

15

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Sidekick years?

Sidekick NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted81 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
Sidekick NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sidekick years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Suzuki Sidekick problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System747%
Seat Belts427%
Engine213%
Fuel System17%
Visibility & Wipers17%

Does the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

95V103008Seat BeltsMay 24, 1995 · 127,155 units

Defect

THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.

Consequence

THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 SUZUKI SIDEKICK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ON TWO OCCASIONS, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND PAID $100 TO HAVE THE LIGHT TURNED OFF. THERE IS A SWITCH IN THE CIRCUIT THAT HE CANNOT LOCATE, BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 18, 2008

“FRONT PASSENGER SHOULDER/LAP BELT EXPLODED INTO BUNCH OF LITTLE PIECES, NOW INOPERATIVE, HAPPENED AS RELEASE BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 25, 1996

“EXHAUST LEAK, CONSUMER REPORTED BURNED REAR PASSENGER SEAT AREA WHILE DRIVING, CAUSED BY LEAK FROM THE TAIL PIPE PE91-1260. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 2, 1996

1989 Suzuki Sidekick — common questions

Is the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick reliable?

The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1989 Sidekick problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (7 complaints), seat belts (4 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Suzuki Sidekick years should you avoid?

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

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.