2008 Suzuki SX4 Problems
Compared with other Suzuki SX4 years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Suzuki SX4 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 13 of its 101 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Air bag warning light on (passenger seat sensor) (60 complaints, median 51,700 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 101filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles, 75 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Suzuki SX4 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2008 Suzuki SX4 most often report the air bag warning light coming on and staying on, usually tied to the front passenger seat occupant sensor. Complaints describe the light sometimes appearing intermittently at first and later staying lit, and many say they were told the whole seat cushion must be replaced. Other reports cover seat belt warning lights that stay on alongside the air bag light, engine oil consumption and knocking, and minor electrical and mirror issues.
- Air bags
Air bag warning light on (passenger seat sensor)
- 60 complaints (59%)
- median 51,700 mi at 4.1 yrs old (47 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,500 (median of 21 quotes)
- filed 2010–2017
The air bag warning light comes on and often stays on, sometimes starting intermittently and then becoming constant. Many owners say a dealer diagnosed the occupant sensor mat built into the front passenger seat cushion and quoted a full cushion or seat replacement, sometimes over a thousand dollars. Some report the light returning after a reset or after a repair, and several mention parts for the air bag recall were not available when they asked. Mostly reported between about 18,000 and 90,000 miles, often within the first few years of ownership.
Recall 13V4050003 related service bulletins
What to check: Turn the key to start and confirm the air bag light goes out and stays out, including with a passenger seated. Ask whether the recall 13V405000 sensor mat work was performed and whether any seat cushion replacement has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The light for the airbags driver and passenger came on, then went off, 1 week later they came on and stayed on. They gave me all kinds of excuses, ex- someone must have not been sitting on the seat properly!!!!!!!! We went around for almost a year. Then they said well the mileage is over!!!!!!!!!! Then l threatened to contact you. They said Suzuki authorized them to only charge me 50% of the fee. …”
NHTSA complaint #10448446, filed 2012-02, 18,769 miles“There was no incident. The passenger seat belt light and the air bag light comes on and stays on. Initially, it blinked on and then off. Now they stay on constantly, looking at your site we see where several other people have had this problem. We feel this is a recall issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10521656, filed 2013-06, 65,000 miles - Seat belts
Seat belt warning light stays on with air bag light
- 16 complaints (16%)
- median 46,500 mi at 4.1 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,500 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2010–2014
The front passenger seat belt warning light comes on and stays lit, often together with the air bag light, whether or not the belt is buckled. Some owners were told the seat belt needed replacement, while others had the belt work done and the lights still returned. Complaints describe the two warnings appearing as a pair. Reported from roughly 12,000 to 130,000 miles, with many cases in the 30,000 to 60,000 mile range.
What to check: Buckle and unbuckle the front passenger belt with the ignition on and watch whether the belt warning clears; note whether the air bag light behaves the same way.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have an issue with the air bag sensor under the passenger seat of my 2008 Suzuki sx-4 crossover awd. The air bag light on the dash comes on and stays on, as well as the passenger seat belt light on the information display comes on and stays on. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they checked the code and found a code recorded for the airbag system. They could not determine what triggered the code however they said they reset the system and it should be fine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10453376, filed 2012-03, 29,600 miles“Our airbag and seatbelt lights came on about a month or so ago and wouldn't go off. We made an appointment with the nearest Suzuki dealer which is about 100 miles away. At first they thought it had to do with the seat belt and agreed to a goodwill repair of this. We just came back from that appointment and found out that did not fix the problem and that we need to replace a sensor which will cost over 800.00. They said the airbags would probably not deploy but couldn't be sure is one or both bags would not deploy. …”
NHTSA complaint #10484863, filed 2012-11, 61,737 miles - Air bags
Air bags not deploying in a crash
- 11 complaints (11%)
- median 40,226 mi at 4.4 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2015
A number of owners describe collisions in which the air bags did not deploy, including front impacts and a rollover, and some report injuries. In some cases the warning light had been on beforehand; in others the light was not mentioned. Complaints also describe deployed bags shredding or a smell of burning after deployment. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 28,000 to over 80,000 miles, in various crash conditions.
What to check: Check that the air bag light is off and ask for any recall or sensor-mat service records before buying; a lit warning is worth having diagnosed first.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was on a main road going south a man run a stop sign hit me on drivers side door my neck was broken, and back permently messed up , my daughter on passenger side it jam her hip's, the side air bags did not come out only front ones did and the one on the steering wheel shattered as it came out and the switch uner the steering wheel shorted out almost caught on fire, I have pictures this needs too be investigated I have tried and tried no one will listen I hope you do”
NHTSA complaint #10750162, filed 2015-08, 50,000 miles“I was a passenger in a Suzuki SX4 2008. Where we slid off the road a hit a log pile. No air bags opened. I broke my femur, neck, jaw, and ribs. Car was totaled and we at least hit the wood at 45 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #10405590, filed 2011-06, 34,000 miles - Engine
Engine oil consumption and bottom-end knocking
- 5 complaints (5%)
- median 91,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2016
Owners describe the engine using an unusual amount of oil between changes, ticking or knocking noises while driving, and in some cases the engine stopping or failing. Complaints mention rod bearing damage attributed to low oil, catalytic converter replacement advice, and warranty or arbitration disputes over coverage. Others report a cold-start rattle that mechanics attributed to the timing chain and tensioners. Mostly reported between about 45,000 and 130,000 miles.
What to check: Check the oil level and condition, listen for ticking at cold start and under load, and ask for oil change records showing how much oil was added between services.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a yellow light and and red airbag light on I already toke to the dealer and it's still the same and now the engine started knocking and the dealer in our area move nowhere to be found what can I do or where can I take it to get check”
NHTSA complaint #10861617, filed 2016-04, 100,000 miles“At a cold start there was a loud clicking noise I was told by two master mechanics to see if I still had a warranty because they said it was the timing chain and tensioners so I took it to the Suzuki dealer (brown daub) which told me that was normal I called the garage I usually go to and they think it is the timing chain and tensioners they will be letting me know this week what the problem is plus Suzuki washed their hands of it plus the noise is only getting louder.”
NHTSA complaint #10723862, filed 2015-06, 58,724 miles - Electrical system
Electrical and accessory faults (radio, warnings, wipers)
- 11 complaints (11%)
- median 33,000 mi at 3.1 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2016
Complaints describe repeated radio replacements after electrical trouble, multiple battery replacements, and warning lights on the cluster that will not clear. Others mention wipers and the rear view mirror vibrating while driving, with the wipers replaced but the problem returning. Some also note the outside mirror coming loose or fracturing. Reported from very low mileage up to about 100,000 miles, including a few cases under 5,000 miles.
Recall 10V513000Recall 10V392000
What to check: Test the radio, wipers and all warning lights on a test drive, and check that the outside mirrors are tight; ask whether the mirror screw and navigation unit recalls were completed if equipped.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Radio changed out 2x after electrical problems, light for air bag has been on for 3 yrs. Brakes have had to get worked on 2x before it hit 50,000, clip on driverside mat broke after 2 months of having car, door panels on both front and back passanger side kept falling off and kept taking car back to fix till they had no replacement parts this car should not be on the road there are many safety issues blind spots because of the design, and all the little issues from 2 batteries replaced to 2 sets of brake jobs to electricals to 3 sets of …”
NHTSA complaint #10836761, filed 2016-02, 100 miles“The contact owns a 2008 SX4 crossover. The windshield wipers and the rear view mirror vibrate when driving. The windshield wipers were replaced, but the failure resurfaced. Also the front tires and the driver-side brakes have prematurely failed . The dealer cannot identify the cause of the failure. The current mileage was 31,000. The failure mileage was 3,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10290020, filed 2009-10, 3,000 miles
Buying note. The air bag warning light is the item to check most carefully on this model year, since owners frequently link it to the passenger seat sensor and to costly cushion replacement. Confirm recall 13V405000 service was done, check the oil level and listen for engine noise, and have any lit warning light diagnosed before purchase.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 101 consumer complaints for the 2008 Suzuki SX4. 75 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 50,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 7 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 Suzuki SX4 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
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 bags74 73%
- Electrical system12 12%
- Seat belts10 9.9%
- Seats6 5.9%
- Engine5 5.0%
- Brakes3 3.0%
- Fuel system3 3.0%
- Other or unknown3 3.0%
- Body and structure3 3.0%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (3), Exterior lighting (2), Steering (2), Suspension (2), Wheels (2), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “When traction control kicks in, the rear end of the vehicle comes forward causing the vehicle to fishtail. I lost control on a straight road because I applied the brakes on a powdered snow covered road. I didn't slam the brakes, I lightly applied them. After going off the road, the car rolled in a violent spin. The nose hit the ground on the front right corner and blew the front right tire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10371035, filed 2010-12, 59,000 milesElectrical system: “The car doesn't start when I turn the key, if its too hot out or cold out. It takes 30 minutes of turning the key over before the car will start. I have brought it into the dealership 4 or 5 times now, and they put a downward tail pipe on it, but still hasn't fixed the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10265306, filed 2009-04, 12,000 milesSeat belts: “Since I purchased the vehicle, the air bag light has been on. When I start the car up, it says the passenger side air bag is off. Also, the passenger side seat belt light in consistently on, regardless of whether or not someone is sitting in the passenger seat, and regardless or whether or not the seat belt is plugged in. I checked my owner's manual, as I thought perhaps something got shut off, but I see nothing in the manual that tells me how to turn the air bags on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10486729, filed 2012-12, 18,881 milesSeats: “Passenger side air bag sensor indicates the module needs replaced. Cost to repair in the $1000's. Contacted Suzuki's customer service to utilize customer assistant program, they offered no help in paying for huge expense. It is my understanding that there are others Suzuki customers experiencing the same problem with the same result. My complaint is: t Suzuki is rated high in safety ratings and I wonder why the component is not covered by warranty, and how in good faith can they claim #1 safety ratings, when in fact if I were in an accident the passenger side air bags may or may not deploy? …”
NHTSA complaint #10400092, filed 2011-05, 58,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
47% of the 75 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 36,000 and 65,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Suzuki SX4. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SX4 · sedan FWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
| SX4 · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 4 · 13.3% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Suzuki SX4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SX4 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| SX4 FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| SX4 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| SX4 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| SX4 Sedan FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| SX4 Sedan FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
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
- 13V405000Sep 6, 2013Air bagsCovers: Suzuki SX4 2007–2011, Grand Vitara 2006–2011
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the…
- 10V513000Oct 19, 2010Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › ExteriorCovers: Suzuki SX4 2007–2010
Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2007 sx4 hatchback and model year 2008-2010 sx4 hatchback and sedan passenger vehicles. The three screws that secure each of the outside rear view mirrors to the mirror base can come loose due to vibration.
- 10V392000Sep 1, 2010Equipment › Electrical › Navigational system(global positioning system)Covers: Suzuki SX4 2008–2010, Equator 2009–2010, Grand Vitara 2010
Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 sx4, 2010 grand vitara, and 2009 through 2010 equator vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750, 760, and 765 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected gps units can…
Recall details for the 2008 Suzuki SX4 → · Check a 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. 7 on record; the latest 7 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…
- 10087001Oct 14, 2016Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces the availability of an improved driveshaft flange and differential side oil seal for 4wd sx4 vehicles. The improved parts have been designed to improve prevention of…
- 10044041Jul 25, 2012Air bags. Suzuki: see document search button for owner letter. Warranty extension for 'air bag' warning light illumination. *js updated 7/25/12.
- 10044321Jun 12, 2012Air bags. Suzuki: due to repeated flexing, the front passenger sensing system circuit located within seat bottom cushion assembly, have an electric disconnection. *pe updated 04/10/2013
- 10044319May 13, 2012Air bags. Suzuki: on certain vehicles, within the front passenger seat bottom cushion, the sensing sensor mat, an electric circuit disconnection may have developed, due to repeated flexing.
- 10030328Sep 1, 2009Transmission and drivetrain. Suzuki: replacing 5th gear parts to repair manual transaxle concerns such as popping out of 5th gear while driving. Worn or failed 5th gear synchronizer, 5th gear, and related parts. Do not replace…
Other model years of the Suzuki SX4
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 15 | 36,000 | 5 | 4 | 26 | — | Falling |
| 2012 | 40 | 54,324 | 3 | 4 | 26 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 13 | 45,750 | 3 | — | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 21 | 30,000 | 5 | — | 26 | — | Falling |
| 2009 | 48 | 39,101 | 3 | — | 25 | 53 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 101 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 25 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 73 | 54,000 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Suzuki SX4 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Suzuki SX4?
Owners of the 2008 Suzuki SX4 most often report the air bag warning light coming on and staying on, usually tied to the front passenger seat occupant sensor. The issues reported most often: Air bag warning light on (passenger seat sensor); Seat belt warning light stays on with air bag light; Air bags not deploying in a crash.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Suzuki SX4 have?
NHTSA recorded 101 consumer complaints for the 2008 Suzuki SX4 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Suzuki SX4 is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 74 complaints (73% of the total), followed by electrical system with 12.
Has the 2008 Suzuki SX4 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Suzuki SX4 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Suzuki SX4 (SX4, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Suzuki SX4 reported?
Among the 75 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 50,000 miles and the middle half falls between 36,000 and 65,000 miles; 47% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.