1996 Suzuki Sidekick Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick, 7% of the 59 complaints for this model year. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Passive restraints, air bags: driving approximately 25mph when vehicle came to an intersection , other vehicle did not stop and was hit head-on. Neither air bag deployed. Took vehicle into dealer for repairs, and he said that sometimes it's best if airbags don't deploy . Dealer would not perform repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #810953, filed 1997-05“- the contact stated that while driving the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick sport on an icy afternoon he pulled into the driveway at 5 MPH and hit the utility pole, and both airbags deployed. The passenger side airbag popped and burst into flames in the center of the bag. A neighbor saw what happened ,came over, opened the passenger door, and beat the flames until the fire was out. The driver side airbag deployed and forced the contact left hand to go through the driver's side window which shatter,ed,and caused contusions to his knuckles. The contact contacted the police and there was report. …”
NHTSA complaint #10182340, filed 2007-02“Consumer was sitting in parking lot with engine on, heard loud hissing noise, smelled foul odor, and noticed that propelant or chemicals of airbag was being released inside vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #828187, filed 1998-09Air bags: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology