VehicleVerdict

1997 Suzuki Swift problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1997 Suzuki Swift — 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.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Swift years?

Swift NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted12 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 5 complaints1990: 3 complaints1991: 12 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 8 complaints1994: 9 complaints1995: 3 complaints1997: 4 complaints1998: 2 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 2 complaints
Swift NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Swift years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Suzuki Swift problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission375%
Airbags125%

Does the 1997 Suzuki Swift have recalls?

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

98V225002TransmissionOctober 6, 1998 · 1,198 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE. THE SHIFT LEVER APPEARS TO BE IN "PARK," BUT CAN EASILY BE MOVED FROM THE "PARK" POSITION WITHOUT THE USE OF THE KEY, TRANSAXLE LEVER DETENT BUTTON, OR DEPRESSING THE BRAKE.

Consequence

IF THE SHIFT LEVER WERE TO COME OUT OF "PARK" WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A NON-LEVEL SURFACE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED, OWNERS ARE ADVISED WHEN SHIFTING TO "PARK," ALWAYS APPLY THE PARK BRAKE BEFORE RELEASING THE SERVICE BRAKE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“FROM PARK TO NEUTRAL CAR DOWN A HILL, ACROSS A YARD, ACROSS A STREET AND HIT A POLE. NO KEYS WERE IN THE VEHICLE, AUTOMATIC CAR, TOTALLED LOST”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 27, 2000 · crash

1997 Suzuki Swift — common questions

Is the 1997 Suzuki Swift reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Suzuki Swift have recalls?

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

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.