1994 Suzuki Sidekick Problems
- Complaints
- 21filed 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
- 21 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl RWD · 21 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick. The part named most often is body and structure, with 4 complaints (19% of the total), followed by suspension (3) and tires (3). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year. Suspension complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin 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.
- Body and structure4 19%
- Suspension3 14%
- Tires3 14%
- Brakes2 9.5%
- Electrical system2 9.5%
- Engine cooling2 9.5%
- Exterior lighting1 4.8%
- Steering1 4.8%
Example complaints
Body and structure: “The driver lost control of the vehicle by oversteering, the vehicle had veered off of the roadway and the driver turned the vehicle sharply to the right, which caused it to roll over approximately 5 times, 3 out of four occupants had been thrown from the vehicle, there were 2 severe injuries and 1 death because of the accident, seat belts had not been used. (attorney for client)”
NHTSA complaint #557675, filed 2000-11Transmission and drivetrain: “When driving heard a humble noise, and noticed that the speedometer jumped. Consumer can't determine how fast they are traveling. Now the entire needle is off the speedometer and is lying on the dashboard.”
NHTSA complaint #830336, filed 1998-11Complaints 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 1994 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 2Door 2WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 24 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Sidekick 2Door 2WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sidekick 2Door 2WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 22 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sidekick 2Door 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 24 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Sidekick 2Door 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sidekick 2Door 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 22 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sidekick 4Door 2WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sidekick 4Door 2WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sidekick 4Door 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sidekick 4Door 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
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
- 94V073002Apr 16, 1994Suspension › RearCovers: Suzuki Sidekick 1993–1994
The right rear and left axle shaft housing tubes were incorrectly welded and can fracture. Fracture of the rear axle shaft housing can result in separation of the affected wheel assembly and separation of the brake line.
Recall details for the 1994 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 1994 Suzuki Sidekick have?
NHTSA recorded 21 consumer complaints for the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 4 complaints (19% of the total), followed by suspension with 3.
Has the 1994 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 1994 Suzuki Sidekick get?
The EPA rates the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick (Sidekick 2Door 2WD, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 21 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 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 28, 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.