Suzuki Suzuki Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 29 consumer complaints across the 5 model years of the Suzuki Suzuki (1996–2002) that have at least 5 complaints. 1997 has the most, with 7. Across all years, the part named most often is transmission and drivetrain (7 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Suzuki model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 6 | 29,365 | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1999 | 5 | 85,000 | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1998 | 5 | — | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 7 | — | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 6 | 105,970 | 0 | 0 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Transmission and drivetrain7 23%
- Engine cooling7 23%
- Vehicle speed control3 10%
- Fuel system3 10%
- Electrical system3 10%
- Brakes3 10%
- Body and structure2 6.7%
- Equipment2 6.7%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2002: “After several misdiagnoses for the same problem with my car going into gears the problem was resolved two months after the car went out of warranty. I was charged to fix the problem which was completely unfair. The first time I brought the car in the service manager said I wasn''t pushing hard enough on the brake. The second time he said it was do to the cold weather. The third time he said that until the car could never get back into gear he was unable to fix it under warranty. The fourth time he fixed a part and it still had the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10126549, filed 2005-06, 29,365 miles1996: “I bought this car used august of 2002. I am now replacing the master cylinder for time #3. I know from the last 2 times the slave cylinder and clutch will also need to be done. This is absolutley horrid. My first replacements were 1/03 cylinders #1 and clutch #1, second time the repairs needed to be done in september, however due to an out of state move they were not done until 12/03 cylinders #2 and 1/04 clutch #2. I am at my wits end about this. I see other people have complained about multiple power train/clutch problems and replacements. …”
NHTSA complaint #10086953, filed 2004-08, 105,970 miles1998: “Consumer has been experiencing engine problems since the cosumer purchased the motorcycle. Also, consumer complained that motorcycle runs sluggish when hot. Dealer notified, and appeared to ignore cosumer's complaint. This is a marauder vz 800 motorcycle.”
NHTSA complaint #825520, filed 1998-07Other Suzuki models
907 complaintsSuzuki Grand Vitara
634 complaintsSuzuki XL7
380 complaintsSuzuki SX4
311 complaintsSuzuki Sidekick
219 complaintsSuzuki Verona
216 complaintsSuzuki Reno
173 complaintsSuzuki VZR1800
142 complaints
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. Methodology