1997 Suzuki Sidekick Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 19%of 36 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick, 19% of the 36 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Purchased this Sidekick july 24, 2001. Within days the engine soon light came on and stayed on. Due to a 30 day 1000 mile extended warranty I took the Sidekick to the ford dealership purchased at. The Sidekick was taken to the Suzuki dealership for evaluation. It was determined that the solenoid and valve body were defected. A remanufactured transmission was placed in the vehicle due to cost analysis. After 1.5 weeks in the shop I picked up my Sidekick. Within 3 days the check engine soon light came on and stayed on. Returned the Sidekick to the ford dealership where purchased. …”
NHTSA complaint #751119, filed 2001-08“I had just pulled onto a major highway, luckily was only going 40 MPH in 4th gear when the driveshaft came off the motor mount, but stayed attached to the rear. My truck came up off the ground 3 ft. According to a witness who was behind me at the time. I was able to pull off the highway. Per the ser vice mananger at david mcdavid, the bolts were missing from the motor mount. I am not hard on this vehicle, and in my opinion, and that of the service mgr. This is a quality issue with Suzuki. I did contact the tx. Rep. For Suzuki, she was very rude! It took 17 days for the service dept. …”
NHTSA complaint #722934, filed 2000-05“The clutch pedal attachment clip in the passenger compartment spot weld broke allowing the pedal to detach from the linkage. When the owner entered the truck the pedal was already detached. Please describe details ts”
NHTSA complaint #8022441, filed 2002-11“Consumer was driving at approximately 65 MPH when driver noticed that gear was in the 2nd gear ,consumer went to shift gear when it shifted into reverse, causing the vehicle to spin and roll over. Vehicle was totaled, resulting in injuires to driver.”
NHTSA complaint #871855, filed 2000-09“When driving at any speed engine check light keeps coming on, and driver's side air bag had to be replaced. Also, consumer had problems with transmission/vehicle is pulling to the left, and there is noise coming from the heater.”
NHTSA complaint #834272, filed 1999-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Suzuki Sidekick
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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