AI Damage1993 Suzuki Sidekick: common problems
Owners of the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick filed 14 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 14
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 21% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 14% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 7% of all complaints
- 4 Latches, locks, linkages 7% of all complaints
- 5 Seat belts 7% of all complaints
- 6 Seats 7% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 7% of all complaints
- 8 Steering 7% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (21% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (14% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (7% of all).
- Latches, locks, linkages: 1 complaints (7% of all).
- Seat belts: 1 complaints (7% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.6 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: AWD, RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 14 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 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.
Consumer was in an accident and driver side seat failure seat broke in half. Tt
At approx. 90,000 mi., turn signal stem began making loud buzzing noise intermittently when moved upward (right blink). Problem increased so that by 138,000 mi. Buzzing happened whenever stem was moved upward or downward (right or left blink). By 140,000 mi.
Approximately. 14 mo. After purchase, speedometer cable assembly began making noise, got worse (intermittently), and culminated 7 yrs. Later in a "frozen" speedometer plus extremely loud screeching (stuck cable head) at speeds over 20 mph.
60 mph, the left rear tire tread peeled off a chunck of tread. She was able to pull off the freeway, where I was called to change it with my spare, which is a bridgestone( dot number: 19681 tire size: p20575r15 )
Power passenger window will not roll up due to regulator going out. Possible shorting out and window rolling down by itself. Vehicle was secured when left, and when returned passenger window was down. Estimated cost of repairs: 350.00 because suzuki does not make regulator's without a whole new motor.
The spring which controls the rear liftgate got out of its plastic due to wire melting the plastic, and caused the rear door to open unexpectedly which may have causd injuries. The rear door will not shut closed. Please provide further information and vin#.
The rear passenger's seat belt on the driver side locks where it can not come out of its retractor and is unable to be used at this time. Please describe details.
Lack of grill over air vents allows rodents to enter ventilation system.
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 9,551 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 26% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Sidekick has 17 complaints (13 years in the data). This year has 14, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Latches, locks, linkages. Door, hood and tailgate latches, especially near the impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine and cooling, fuel system. Total complaints: 14. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (21%), engine failure or replacement (7%), seat belts (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick?
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 1993 Suzuki Sidekick 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 1993 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.