VehicleVerdict

1993 Suzuki Sidekick problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 1993 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.

14

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Sidekick years?

Sidekick NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 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, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sidekick years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Suzuki Sidekick problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System321%
Engine214%
Latches & Locks17%
Seat Belts17%
Seats17%
Speed Control17%
Steering17%
Tires & Wheels17%
Brakes17%
Visibility & Wipers17%
Fuel System17%

Does the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick have recalls?

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

94V073002SuspensionApril 16, 1994 · 5,247 units

Defect

THE RIGHT REAR AND LEFT AXLE SHAFT HOUSING TUBES WERE INCORRECTLY WELDED AND CAN FRACTURE. FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE SHAFT HOUSING CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE AFFECTED WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE LINE.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE LINE RESULTS IN LOSS OF ONE-HALF OFTHE BRAKING SYSTEM, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCE. IN EITHER CASE, AN ACCIDENTCAN OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS OF THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES ON INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE COMPLETE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“POWER PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL UP DUE TO REGULATOR GOING OUT. POSSIBLE SHORTING OUT AND WINDOW ROLLING DOWN BY ITSELF. VEHICLE WAS SECURED WHEN LEFT, AND WHEN RETURNED PASSENGER WINDOW WAS DOWN. ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIRS: 350.00 BECAUSE SUZUKI DOES NOT MAKE REGULATOR'S WITHOUT A WHOLE NEW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 29, 1999

“THE SPRING WHICH CONTROLS THE REAR LIFTGATE GOT OUT OF ITS PLASTIC DUE TO WIRE MELTING THE PLASTIC, AND CAUSED THE REAR DOOR TO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSD INJURIES. THE REAR DOOR WILL NOT SHUT CLOSED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · March 26, 1999

1993 Suzuki Sidekick — common questions

Is the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick reliable?

The record is thin — 14 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 1993 Sidekick problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (3 complaints), engine (2 complaints), speed control (1 complaints).

Does the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 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.