1988 Suzuki Samurai Problems
- Complaints
- 20filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 1.3L 4-cyl 4WD/AWD · 24 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Suzuki Samurai (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 1988 Suzuki Samurai. The part named most often is seat belts, with 11 complaints (55% of the total), followed by body and structure (2) and suspension (2). Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the buckle assembly and 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Seat belts11 55%
- Body and structure2 10%
- Suspension2 10%
- Tires2 10%
- Engine cooling1 5.0%
- Seats1 5.0%
- Steering1 5.0%
Example complaints
Seat belts: “Recall #95v103 seat belt buckle: received notice in oct. Of 96 called to take vehicle in and was told they were too busy. Made an appointment in november 1996 and was told it would be three to four days before they could get to it. Vehicle still has not been repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #810409, filed 1997-03Tires: “Bridgestone, p205/70r15, DOT unknown, replacement tire, milage unknown on a 1988, Suzuki, Samurai. While driving 55 MPH heard a noise. Then, vehicle started to fishtail, spun around 180 degrees and hit a tree. Damage to vehicle unknown. No injuries. Rear driver's side tire had tread separation, a 2 1/2 feet long piece of tread came off, tire was not flat. Tread separation caused damage to the entire drivers side, convertible top and rear tire, driver sustained back/neck pain. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #893013, filed 2001-07Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1988 Suzuki Samurai version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samurai Convertible 4WD/AWD | 1.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Samurai Hardtop 4WD/AWD | 1.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 27 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 95V103008May 24, 1995Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Suzuki Samurai 1988–1991, Swift 1989–1991, Sidekick 1989–1991
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.
Recall details for the 1988 Suzuki Samurai → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA95006Takata seat belt buckle failureClosed · Mar 10, 1995
- DP88019Vehicle stabilityClosed · Aug 2, 1988
- DP88011ROLLOVERClosed · Feb 25, 1988
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10152052Nov 20, 2018Suspension, Equipment. This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension…
- 10014819May 10, 2005Engine cooling. Correct coolant usage.
Other model years of the Suzuki Samurai
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 20 | — | 1 | — | 25 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 5 | — | 0 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
All Suzuki Samurai model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Suzuki Samurai have?
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 1988 Suzuki Samurai as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Suzuki Samurai is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 11 complaints (55% of the total), followed by body and structure with 2.
Has the 1988 Suzuki Samurai been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1988 Suzuki Samurai get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Suzuki Samurai (Samurai Convertible, 1.3L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 24 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.