1998 Suzuki Sidekick Problems
- Complaints
- 27filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 247,000miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns 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
- 22 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl RWD · 21 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 27 consumer complaints for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick. The part named most often is air bags, with 9 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling (6) and fuel system (4). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 247,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 11 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Air bags9 33%
- Engine cooling6 22%
- Fuel system4 15%
- Brakes3 11%
- Suspension3 11%
- Electrical system2 7.4%
- Equipment1 3.7%
- Exterior lighting1 3.7%
- Seats1 3.7%
Also reported: Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “On april 12th 2000, while driving my susuki Sidekick my air bages deployed with out being involved in a collision. At no time did I hit another vehicle or was I hit by another vehicle. Both myself and the passneger inthe front seat were wearing seat belts but we did susatin minor injuries. Including air bag burns and lacerations on hte face. I have called susuki derectly as well as the dealer. No one has acknowledge ther is a problem and the company is expecting me to pay for the damages and to have the car repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #724306, filed 2000-06Engine cooling: “Consumer was told that wrong size gas tank is equipped on vehicle. Premature clutch failure, driveshaft failure. Bolts vibrated out of exhaust namifold. Recurring noise from engine pulley area.”
NHTSA complaint #881518, filed 2001-02Fuel system: “While drinving at about 65 another vehicle rammed into the back of consumer's vehicle on right hand side. Upon impact, driver's and passenger's seats totally callapsed. Also, gas tank bursted, and fuel splashed into consumers face. Consumer felt seats should not have broken loose because they were designed to hold passenger in place.”
NHTSA complaint #859235, filed 2000-03Brakes: “I suddenly heard a whirring and sound and the brakes started to grind when trying to stop. I had not experienced any braking problem prior to this event.”
NHTSA complaint #735451, filed 2000-10Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 159,000 and 335,000 miles.
Complaints 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 1998 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 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sidekick 2Door 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sidekick 2Door RWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sidekick 2Door RWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sidekick 4Door 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sidekick 4Door 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Sidekick 4Door RWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Sidekick 4Door RWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10216558Jul 8, 2022Suspension, Body and structure. Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.
- 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 1998 Suzuki Sidekick have?
NHTSA recorded 27 consumer complaints for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 9 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 6.
Has the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick (Sidekick 2Door RWD, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 21 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 247,000 miles and the middle half falls between 159,000 and 335,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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.