1996 Suzuki Sidekick Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 24%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,421miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick, 24% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,421 miles.
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.
“Clutch pedal separates from pivot shaft. Weld brakes, pedal detaches, vehicle disabled. Third occurrence. Oem pedal replacement reveals no-warranty, common occurrence failure mode. Pedal re-attached to shaft by professional welders on two previous occurrences. Have replaced clutch cable, clutch plate & throwout bearing without resolution. Hydraulic replacement investigation in progress.”
NHTSA complaint #10212453, filed 2007-12, 76,421 miles“This is the second time in two years that I'll need to have my clutch repaired/replaced. It will not go into 1st or reverse without using excessive force. Passenger side power window barely goes up and down-it's been repaired before. Rear passenger side panel falling off car.”
NHTSA complaint #705522, filed 1999-04“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“It seems these troubles are unusual for any car owner and very costly!! The speedometer was relaced by my husband with a part bought online for $50 in one day, where the dealer would have had it for a week and charged us $350. However, the clutch is a much bigger problem. The dealer quoted the part at $51, with labor at $700. I cannot afford to fix this problem that should have never happened in the first place. It is a safety factor, since I could not engage the clutch while the vehicle was in motion, and am terrified to attempt to drive it until it has been properly fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #746328, filed 2001-06“Became very hard to change geers,could not shift in intersections, took two hands causing sholder pain! This is the third time this has happened. Dealership will only replace parts-clutch rod,pedal rod&clutch linkage pieces. Though they admit there is an inherent problem/defect in clutch power train.”
NHTSA complaint #718276, filed 2000-02Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick
15 complaintsEngine cooling
10 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 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