The most-reported Sidekick run is JS3TD21V3T4 (1996 builds) with 6 complaints, 4.6× the typical run. Suspension problems make up 18% of reports; 1996 is the worst model year at 1.7 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for Sidekick model years 1989–1997.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Suzuki Sidekick has 124 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 13% of every Sidekick complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JS3TD21V3T4•••••• | 1996 | — | — | |
| JS3TD21V6T4•••••• | 1996 | — | 1 | |
| JS3TD21V5T4•••••• | 1996 | — | — | |
| JS3TD21V4T4•••••• | 1996 | — | — | |
| JS3TD21VXT4•••••• | 1996 | — | — | |
| JS3TD21V4V4•••••• | 1997 | — | — | |
| JS3TD21V1T4•••••• | 1996 | — | — | |
| JS3TD03VXS4•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| JS3TD03V6S4•••••• | 1995 | 1 | — | |
| JS3TE01V2P4•••••• | 1993 | — | — | |
| JS3TD01V4M4•••••• | 1991 | — | — | |
| JS3TD02V2N4•••••• | 1992 | — | — |
Each of the other 112 Sidekick runs has 2 complaints or fewer.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Suzuki Sidekick the gap between build years is 1.7×: a 1996 car draws 1.7 complaints per run, a 1989 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 15 | 15 | 3 | |
| 1997 | 30 | 24 | 3 | |
| 1996 | 45 | 26 | 3 | |
| 1995 | 22 | 20 | 3 | |
| 1994 | 13 | 12 | — | |
| 1993 | 9 | 8 | — | |
| 1992 | 8 | 7 | — | |
| 1991 | 6 | 5 | — | |
| 1989 | 6 | 6 | — |
Heaviest year here is 1996 at 1.7 complaints per run; lightest is 1989 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 18% of everything Suzuki Sidekick owners report: Suspension, 25 of 156 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 1 | — | |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | — | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | — | — | |
| Seat Belts | 1 | — | |
| Electrical System | — | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 8 | 1 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 4 recall campaigns on the Suzuki Sidekick; the 4 below cover build years 1989 to 1997. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 95V103008 | Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly | 1989–1991 |
| 00V008000 | Suspension | 1996–1997 |
| 94V073002 | Suspension:rear | 1993–1994 |
| 96V121002 | Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly | 1996 |
95V103008 was opened in 1995 on cars built from 1989: 6 years on the road before the recall.
How serious were they
Of the 156 reports on the Suzuki Sidekick, 8.3% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Suzuki Sidekick | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 156 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 13 (8.3%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 6 (3.8%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 19 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 43% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Suzuki Sidekick share of that is 156 complaints over 124 runs, 0.01% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Suzuki Sidekick VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 156 NHTSA complaints from 124 Sidekick runs and 4 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Sidekick production run has the most complaints?
JS3TD21V3T4, a 1996 build, with 6 complaints. The typical Sidekick run has 1.3.
Which Sidekick years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 1996 is heaviest at 1.7 complaints per run and 1989 lightest at 1.
How many Sidekick complaints involve a crash?
8.3% of 156 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 6 involved a fire.
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