VehicleVerdict

1991 Suzuki Sidekick problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 1991 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.

16

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Sidekick years?

Sidekick NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sidekick years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Suzuki Sidekick problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts1063%
Fuel System213%
Child Seat16%
Electrical System16%
Body & Structure16%
Tires & Wheels16%

Does the 1991 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.

“THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR LEFT SEAT BELTS ON OUR 1991 SUZUKI SIDEKICK HAVE BOTH FAILED THIS WEEK. WE HAVE HAD NO ACCIDENTS IN THE CAR. THE FRONT RIGHT SEAT BELT HAS LOCKED IN ITS CASE, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO USE. THE LEFT REAR SEATBELT NO LONGER LO. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · May 31, 1999

“I HAVE A CENTURY CARSEAT, MODEL 4387LHT, MFG DATE 010697, THAT HAS A BUCKLE THAT SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. IT WOULD NO LONGER BUCKLE CLOSED. UPON CALLING CENTURY PRODUCTS I WAS TOLD THAT OFTEN KIDS STICK FOREIGN ITEMS IN THE HOLE WHERE THE BUCKLE IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. I CAN ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Child Seat

1991 Suzuki Sidekick — common questions

Is the 1991 Suzuki Sidekick reliable?

The record is thin — 16 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 1991 Sidekick problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (10 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints), child seat (1 complaints).

Does the 1991 Suzuki Sidekick have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1991 Suzuki Sidekick. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 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.