VehicleVerdict

2012 Suzuki SX4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2012 Suzuki SX4 sits mid-pack among SX4 years: 50 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (34% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

50

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other SX4 years?

SX4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted140 complaints2000: 3 complaints2007: 106 complaints2008: 140 complaints2009: 65 complaints2010: 29 complaints2011: 16 complaints2012: 50 complaints2013: 18 complaints
SX4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all SX4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Suzuki SX4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1734%
Airbags1530%
Transmission510%
Seats36%
Engine24%
Speed Control24%
Lighting12%
Brakes12%
Electrical System12%
Body & Structure12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Other12%

Does the 2012 Suzuki SX4 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V804000SteeringNovember 14, 2018 · 18,673 units

Defect

Suzuki Motor America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Suzuki SX4 vehicles. The power steering pump may seize causing a loss of steering assist.

Consequence

A seizure of the power steering pump would cause a loss of power steering assist, requiring extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Suzuki has notified owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2019. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is CZ.

15V587000SteeringSeptember 22, 2015 · 18,673 units

Defect

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2012-2103 Suzuki SX4 vehicles manufactured September 3, 2011, to April 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, insufficient clearance between the power steering pump body and the power steering fluid control valve may cause improper movement of the valve, and as a result, the power steering pump may seize.

Consequence

A seizure of the power steering pump would cause a loss of power steering assist, requiring extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki's customer service number at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VS.

14V811000TransmissionDecember 22, 2014 · 60,823 units

Defect

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 SX4 vehicles manufactured July 16, 2009, to November 1, 2012, and 2010-2013 Kizashi vehicles manufactured October 13, 2009, to October 31, 2012. The shift selector can be moved out of the "Park" position without depressing the brake pedal.

Consequence

If the shift selector is moved out of the "Park" position while the brake pedal is not depressed, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift selector assembly and inspect, and if necessary, replace the shift knob, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-714-996-7040. Suzuki's number for this recall is VL.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUZUKI SX4. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 31, 2015

“TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I REAR ENDED A CAR THAT WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT ON A CITY STREET, SPEED LIMIT 25-35, GOING UPHILL. UPON IMPACT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT OF MY CAR WAS SEVERELY CRUSHED HAVING GONE UNDER THE SUV. SPARE TIRE ON SUV SAVED MY LIFE. I BELIEVE THAT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 20, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V811000 (POWER TRAIN) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE ONLY FIVE PARTS A MONTH BEING RECEIVED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 1, 2015

“THE SUN MELTED MY SEAT AND SHIFTER AREA HERE IN FLORIDA. I IN FORM SUZUKI CORP. BUT THEY REFUSE TO REPLY TO THE ISSUE EVEN AFTER SUBMITTING PHOTOS AND GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP . I AM ALSO VERY CONCERN ABOUT FIRE STARTING IN THE CAR AS THE SUN MELTED THE INSIDE COULD AS WELL START A FIRE. THE CAR IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · July 9, 2013 · fire

“WHILE BRAKING TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, THE ENGINE SURGED RADICALLY AND COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. THE CAR COASTED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BEFORE VIOLENTLY JOLTING TO A STOP BEFORE HITTING THE CURB. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOLID AS A ROCK WHILE APPLYING. THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME TWO DAYS LATER. BOTH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 25, 2012

2012 Suzuki SX4 — common questions

Is the 2012 Suzuki SX4 reliable?

It is close to typical for the SX4: 50 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2012 SX4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (17 complaints), airbags (15 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 2012 Suzuki SX4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Suzuki SX4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Suzuki SX4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the SX4 years to avoid are 2008, 2007, 2009. The cleanest record among SX4 years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2012 Suzuki SX4?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Suzuki SX4 earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.