AI Damage1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport: common problems
Owners of the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport filed 3 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 67% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 33% of all complaints
- 3 Steering 33% of all complaints
- 4 Tires 33% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (67% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Steering: 1 complaints (33% of all).
- Tires: 1 complaints (33% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The bracket which the clutch foot pedal and the arm which the main clutch valve actuator is driven by has a metal fatigue which makes the clutch inoperative. Could lead to a accident or other problems.
Then, consumer heard a thump thump noise like tire was coming apart. The tire came apart at the seams while traveling at 70 mph. It was determined to be tread separation.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 17,150 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 47% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Sidekick Sport has 3 complaints (3 years in the data). This year has 3, about average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Tires. Tire age by DOT code, bulges, wear pattern.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, engine and cooling, steering. Total complaints: 3.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1998 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.