1986 Suzuki Samurai problems
The Suzuki Jimny (Japanese: スズキ・ジムニー, Suzuki Jimunī) is a series of four-wheel drive off-road mini SUVs, manufactured and marketed by Japanese automaker Suzuki since 1970.
Originally belonging to the kei class, Japan's light automobile tax/legal class, the company continues to market a kei-compliant version for the Japanese and global markets as the Jimny, as well as versions that exceed kei-class limitations. Suzuki has marketed 2.85 million Jimnys in 194 countries through September 2018.
History
The history of Suzuki four-wheel drive cars began in the latter half of the 1960s, when Suzuki bought a Steyr-Puch Haflinger to study with the intent of building a kei-class off-road vehicle. A better opportunity presented itself in 1968, when Suzuki was able to buy bankrupt Japanese automaker Hope Motor Company, which had introduced a small off-road vehicle called the HopeStar ON360. The tiny Hope company had been unable to enter series production, and only about 45 were manufactured. The first Suzuki-branded four-wheel drive, the LJ10 (Light Jeep 10), was introduced in 1970. The LJ10 had a 359-cc, air-cooled, two-stroke, in-line two-cylinder engine. The liquid-cooled LJ20 was introduced in 1972 with the cooling changed due to newly enacted emission regulations, and it gained 3 hp. In 1975, Suzuki complemented the LJ20 with the LJ50, which had a larger 539 cc, two-stroke, in-line three-cylinder engine and bigger differentials. This was originally targeted at the Australian market, but more exports soon followed.
The Jimny8/LJ80 was an updated version of the LJ50 with an 800 cc, four-stroke, in-line four-cylinder engine, followed by the Jimny 1000/SJ410 and Jimny 1300/SJ413. An updated version of the SJ413 became known as the Samurai and was the first Suzuki officially marketed in the US. The series from SJ410 to SJ413 was known as the Sierra in Australia, and remained the Jimny in some markets.
The new Jimny was released in 1998, and now bears the same name in all markets. The 1998 release used the G13BB EFI engine, replaced by the M13AA EFI engine in 2001 and the M13AA variable valve timing engine in 2005, in conjunction with a minor interior redesign.
Social links
Common 1986 Suzuki Samurai problems
The Suzuki Samurai, produced from 1986 to 1995, is known for its off-road capability and affordability. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems.
One common issue with the Suzuki Samurai is overheating. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty thermostat, a clogged radiator, or a leaking head gasket. If not addressed promptly, overheating can lead to more serious engine problems, such as head gasket failure or a cracked engine block.
Another common problem with the Suzuki Samurai is engine stalling. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dirty air filter, clogged fuel injectors, or worn-out spark plugs. Engine stalling can also be caused by electrical problems, such as a faulty ignition coil or a weak battery.
Rust and corrosion on the body and frame are also common problems with the Suzuki Samurai. This can be caused by exposure to salt, moisture, and other corrosive substances. Rust and corrosion can weaken the vehicle's structure and lead to more serious problems, such as frame failure or body panels falling off.
Head gasket failure is another common problem with the Suzuki Samurai. This can be caused by overheating, engine stalling, or a variety of other factors. Head gasket failure can lead to coolant leaks, oil leaks, and other serious engine problems.
Transfer case issues are also common with the Suzuki Samurai, particularly in later model years. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out gears, a faulty transfer case seal, or a damaged transfer case chain. Transfer case issues can lead to a loss of four-wheel drive, difficulty shifting, and other serious problems.
Worn-out suspension components are also common problems with the Suzuki Samurai, particularly in later model years. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear, off-road use, and a lack of maintenance. Worn-out suspension components can lead to a loss of control, difficulty steering, and other serious problems.
Engine-related problems, such as lack of power, oil consumption, and poor fuel efficiency, are also common with the Suzuki Samurai. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as dirty air filters, clogged fuel injectors, or faulty ignition system components.
Fuel economy issues, such as poor fuel efficiency and a fuel smell, are also common with the Suzuki Samurai. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as low tire pressure, engine timing problems, or a faulty fuel pump.
Electrical problems, such as starting problems and lighting issues, are also common with the Suzuki Samurai. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a dead battery, faulty starter, alternator, or wiring.
In conclusion, the Suzuki Samurai is a reliable and fun off-road vehicle that can provide years of enjoyable driving experiences. However, it's important to be aware of these common issues and to take proper maintenance and repair measures to keep the vehicle in top condition. Regularly changing the oil and air filters, keeping the tires properly inflated, and checking the battery and electrical connections can go a long way in preventing these issues.
Are old Suzuki Samurais reliable?
The car, however, was very reliable and even set a world record for the highest altitude attained by a four-wheeled vehicle in 2007. The lawsuit and reputation damages did cause its “fall from grace”, but if you want to find and purchase one now, there's absolutely nothing to worry about.
How fast is the 1986 Suzuki Samurai?
Reaching 60 mph requires 18.7 seconds, and the Samurai tops out at a mere 77 mph in fourth gear. Fifth gear, as indicated by the Samurai's 42.2- second top-gear time from 50 to 70 mph, is useful for little more than maintaining modest speeds on level roads. Hills require the use of lower ratios.
Is the Samurai a good car?
The Samurai is a very capable, long-lasting, dependable, off-road vehicle. This is why it is still popular and has high resale values. But as a daily car, it's slow, noisy, and uncomfortable. The ride was firmer in 1986-88 models.
What is the fuel average of the Suzuki Samurai?
Suzuki Samurai Specifications & Features
| Price | 7.0 lacs |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Mileage | 11 - 14 KM/L |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L |
| Seating Capacity | 4 Persons |
1986 Suzuki Samurai car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Suzuki Samurai problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Suzuki Samurai vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Suzuki Samurai complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Suzuki Samurai.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-09
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS4JC51VXG4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON FREEWAY 101 THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN FRONT THAT WAS IN THE WAY. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE MADE A SLIGHT TURN TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT, AND ALL OF SUDDEN VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, HITTING AN EMBANKMENT, THEN HIT A WALL, THEN VEHICLE STOOD UP. *AK *ML
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-11-01
- VIN: JS4JC51C7G4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WANTED INFORMATION ON HOW EASILY THE SAMURAI TIPS OVER...
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-08-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PART OF FRAME AROUND WINDSHIELD FELL OFF, LEAVING A HOLE AROUND WINDSHIELD, WHICH ALLOWED WATER TO ENTER INTERIOR OF VEHICLE, DAMAGING WIRES TO RADIO AND ALSO FLOODED INTERIOR.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS4JC51C7GU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: UPON IMPACT, BROADSIDE REAR DRIVER'S, 30MPH SPUN AROUND THEN ROLLED OVER. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-27
- VIN: JS4JC51V8G4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELTS FAIL TO HOLD PASSENGERS SECURELY, CAUSING CHILD SEATS/PASSENGERS TO BE THROWN FORWARD INTO BACK OF FRONT SEATS. *SKD
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Suzuki Samurai problems:
The Most Common Suzuki Samurai Problems You Should Know About
May 3, 2023 ... Other Samurai issues include rusted floors, clicky starters, and leaky distributor O-rings. In addition, the stock Samurai carburetor is fussy ...
Suzuki Samurai electrical problems | Suzuki Forums
Oct 9, 2017 ... I am restoring a 1986 Samurai, and have it stripped down for painting. Last night, I needed to start it to move it, and the battery was ...
Want to buy SAMURAI,. What are the common problems,. what ...
Apr 27, 1998 ... Want to buy suzuki SAMURAI,. What are the common problems,. what should I check before buying ??? Are the samurai subject to problems? What ...
Service Start System?????? - Page 7 - Kizashi Club
Oct 3, 2016 ... A similar problem exists with all year Suzuki Samurai's starting circuit designs (1986-1994). It's a common problem and the low-cost back ...
How reliable are the old Samurais? : r/SuzukiSamurai
Sep 12, 2018 ... Car had 125.000km at the time and had zero problems with it. Fellow roadtrippers mentioned the good reliability as well. I did do some basic ...
Other years of Suzuki Samurai
Are you having problems with your 1986 Suzuki Samurai?
Leave your review of 1986 Suzuki Samurai