VehicleVerdict

1990 Suzuki Sidekick problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 1990 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.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1990 compare to other Sidekick years?

Sidekick NHTSA complaints by model year, 1990 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, 1990 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sidekick years to avoid →

What are the most common 1990 Suzuki Sidekick problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts360%
Brakes120%
Body & Structure120%

Does the 1990 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.

“FIREWALL CRACKED AFTE CLUTCH WAS INSTALLED IN VEHICLE. CONSUMER TOOK IT TO DEALER, AND WAS TOLD BY MECHANIIC THAT THERE WAS A WEAK SPOT IN FIREWALL. COST TO HAVE IT REPAIRED WAS $1700.OO. CONSUMER THINKS THIS MAY OR SHOULD BE A RECALL.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 20, 2002

“THE MASTER CYLINDER IS DEFECTIVE. THE BRAKES DRAG INTERMITENTLY, AND THE MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THAT THE "CHECK VALVE" INSIDE THE MASTER CYLINDER IS FAILING TO RELEASE WHEN I TAKE MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN THE CHECK VALVE FAILS TO RELEASE, THE BRAKES DRAG, AND IF I NEED TO STOP, THE BRAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 4, 2001

1990 Suzuki Sidekick — common questions

Is the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.