1996 Suzuki Sidekick Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 17%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 10 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick, 17% of the 59 complaints for this model year. 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.
“This car has been in the shop almost from the day I purschased it from largo honda in key largo florida; dec. Of 1999. Although I purschased an extended service contract for $8,000, I was never able to get satifaction from the dealer, the seller, or my warrenty co. Always at my expence , towing, {rental cars =$1,700 04/05/00 - 50,373 miles auto doc of key largo, 305] 453-0977, replaced fan, clutch, adjuster, radiator, water pump.... Now this where my most receient begains. *south motors of miami. …”
NHTSA complaint #766501, filed 2002-08“Consumer states, the temperature gauge always indicated hot, due to the radiator cap which is defected, has been change three times. And reocurring the problem.. Please provide further information. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8022832, filed 2002-11“Pulley assembly plate design was not thick enough for amount of pressure received, resulting in pully to be broken away from engine block damaging components within engine compartment.”
NHTSA complaint #538966, filed 1998-08“Engine compartment fire, cause unknown. While driving smoking started coming through vents inside vehicle, heard popping noise. Vehicle with dealer for inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #815588, filed 1997-08Related service bulletins
- 10014818May 10, 2005Correct coolant usage.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsAir bags
4 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 28, 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