1998 Suzuki Sidekick Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 22%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick, 22% of the 27 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.
“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 2001-02“Exhaust bolts vibrated loose/broke off (7/15/98;1/4/99;11/19/99) idler pulley has been changed 3 times(1/4/99;11/17/99;11/19/99); drive belt has been replaced 2 times(1/15/99;11/19/99); motor mounts needed to be secured (2/26/99); clutch slave cylinder needs to be replaced (complained 7/15/98;1/25/00. Diagnosed 6/12/00); noise coming from transmission(6/12/00 told noise normal); driveshaft cv joint bad (6/12/00 told by dealer noise normal. 6/14/00 told driveshaft cv joint bad due to poor design. 6/16/00 2nd estimate driveshaft cv joint bad). …”
NHTSA complaint #735624, filed 2000-11Related service bulletins
- 10014818May 10, 2005Correct coolant usage.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
9 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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