VehicleVerdict

1997 Suzuki Sidekick problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 52 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median Sidekick year — the 1997 model ranks #2 of 12 Sidekick years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (9), engine (9), and transmission (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

52

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Sidekick years?

Sidekick NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sidekick years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Suzuki Sidekick problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine917%
Suspension917%
Transmission713%
Airbags48%
Other48%
Visibility & Wipers48%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)36%
Steering36%
Electrical System36%
Brakes36%
Tires & Wheels12%
Body & Structure12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick have recalls?

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

00V008000SuspensionJanuary 20, 2000 · 13,461 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING BASE ON THE UPPER END OF THE FRONT STRUTS CAN LEAD TO BREAKAGE OF THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE UPPER END OF THE FRONT STRUTS TO THE VEHICLE BODY.

Consequence

IF THE STRUT BROKE LOOSE, A DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD A REINFORCEMENT, FOR BOTH FRONT STRUTS, BETWEEN THE FRONT STRUT MOUNTING BASE AND THE VEHICLE BODY. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT STRUT MOUNTING BASES, MOUNTING BOLTS AND NUTS, AND STRUT BAR STAYS WILL BE REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“NHTSA ID# 00V-008-000 MANUFACTURE ID #W2 THE DEALERSHIP IS REFUSING TO SERVICE THE RECALL BECAUSE THE COMPUTER READING SHOWS THAT THE FRONT STRUTS WHERE ALREADY SERVICED ON APRIL 13, 2000. THE CONSUMER DEBATES THE PRINT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 4, 2002

“WHILE DRIVING THE BRACKET THAT THE COOLING FAN AND AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR MOUNT TO CRACKED AND SEPARATED. THE COOLING FAN WAS THROWN INTO THE RADIATOR AND CAUSED THE RADIATOR TO FAIL SUDDENLY. THE COOLING FAN AND BRACKET PIECE ALSO DAMAGED THE FRONT OF THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR CAUSING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 20, 2000

“CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN DRIVER NOTICED THAT GEAR WAS IN THE 2ND GEAR ,CONSUMER WENT TO SHIFT GEAR WHEN IT SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AND ROLL OVER. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED, RESULTING IN INJUIRES TO DRIVER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 26, 2000 · crash

“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 TO 40 MPH UNDER COLD/ DRY CONDITIONS WHEN VEHICLE HIT A DIP IN ROAD, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, AND VEHICLE WENT OVER A SNOW BANK, AND IMPACTED A TREE ON FRONT CENTER AREA OF VEHICLE. DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT GIVEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 17, 2000 · crash

“WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG HAD TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION/VEHICLE IS PULLING TO THE LEFT, AND THERE IS NOISE COMING FROM THE HEATER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 22, 1999

1997 Suzuki Sidekick — common questions

Is the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 52 complaints put the 1997 model at #2 of 12 Sidekick years. It is one of the Sidekick years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Sidekick problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (9 complaints), engine (9 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.