1990 Suzuki Sidekick Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl RWD · 23 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick. The part named most often is seat belts, with 3 complaints (60% of the total), followed by brakes (1) and body and structure (1). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 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 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 belts3 60%
- Brakes1 20%
- Body and structure1 20%
Example complaints
Body and structure: “Firewall cracked afte clutch was installed in vehicle. Consumer took it to dealer, and was told by mechaniic that there was a weak spot in firewall. Cost to have it repaired was $1700.oo. Consumer thinks this may or should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #8011335, filed 2002-06Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidekick · coupe | not rated | 1 / 1 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1990 Suzuki Sidekick 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sidekick 2WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 26 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Sidekick Hardtop 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 26 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Sidekick Hardtop 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 23 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sidekick Soft-top 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 26 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Sidekick Soft-top 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 23 | 22 | $3,050 |
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 Sidekick 1989–1991, Samurai 1988–1991, Swift 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 1990 Suzuki Sidekick → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
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…
- 10014818May 10, 2005Engine cooling. Correct coolant usage.
Other model years of the Suzuki Sidekick
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 27 | 247,000 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 36 | — | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 59 | 76,421 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 26 | — | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 21 | — | 1 | — | 21 | — | Stable |
| 1993 | 14 | 51,000 | 1 | — | 22 | — | Not enough data |
| 1992 | 10 | — | 0 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 14 | 170,000 | 1 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 5 | — | 1 | — | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 7 | 50,000 | 1 | — | 25 | — | Not enough data |
All Suzuki Sidekick model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 3 complaints (60% of the total), followed by brakes with 1.
Has the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick 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 1990 Suzuki Sidekick get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Suzuki Sidekick (Sidekick 2WD, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 23 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 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 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.