1988 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.
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Common 1988 Suzuki Samurai problems
The Suzuki Samurai, produced from 1985 to 1995, has been known to have several common problems. One of the most significant issues is its reputation for safety, particularly in regards to rollover accidents.
Another common issue with the Suzuki Samurai is engine-related problems. These can include lack of power, oil consumption, and poor fuel efficiency.
In addition to these issues, the Suzuki Samurai is also known for rust and corrosion on the body and frame, particularly in areas where salt is used on the roads. This can lead to structural issues and decreased longevity of the vehicle.
To prevent or fix these problems, it's important to keep your Suzuki Samurai well-maintained and to address any issues as soon as they arise. 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.
It's important to note that despite these common issues, the Suzuki Samurai is still a popular and well-liked vehicle, particularly among off-road enthusiasts. Its small size, lightweight, and off-road capability make it a unique and enjoyable vehicle to drive.
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.
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.
How safe are Suzuki samurais?
Sales had plummeted and by 1995 it had been pulled out of the American market completely. Court documents showed that Suzuki allegedly knew of more than 200 deaths and more than 8000 injuries which were caused as a result of rollover.
How much did a 1988 Suzuki Samurai cost new?
It was light and a favorite for towing behind RVs. Best of all, the base price was $6550, two thirds that of a Jeep Wrangler. Helped by a catchy advertising program “Beep, Beep, Hi!” sales soared. Suzuki anticipated 1200 US sales per month but recorded 47,000 buyers in the first year.
1988 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:
- Seat belts problems
- Tires problems
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Suzuki Samurai vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Suzuki Samurai complaints
The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS4JC51C4J4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: BRIDGESTONE, P205/70R15, DOT UNKNOWN, REPLACEMENT TIRE, MILAGE UNKNOWN ON A 1988, SUZUKI, SAMURAI. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HEARD A NOISE. THEN, VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL, SPUN AROUND 180 DEGREES AND HIT A TREE. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN. NO INJURIES. REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION, A 2 1/2 FEET LONG PIECE OF TREAD CAME OFF, TIRE WAS NOT FLAT. *AK TREAD SEPARATION CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE DRIVERS SIDE, CONVERTIBLE TOP AND REAR TIRE, DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK/NECK PAIN. NLM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-02
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TREAD SEPERATED (TIRESIZE: P205/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205/75R15 )
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE POOR DESIGN OF THE DOOR HANDLES RESULTED IN THREE BROKEN HANDLES (TWO INSIDE AND ONE OUTSIDE).
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT RETAINING BOLT SNAPPED OFF TWICE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-04
- VIN: JS4JC51C7J4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT RETRACTOR WILL NOT RETRACT THE BELT, AND WILL NOT RESTRAIN THE DRIVER IN CASE OF A VEHICLE COLLISION. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-10-23
- VIN: JS4JCS1C4J4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: RECALL #95V103 SEAT BELT BUCKLE: RECEIVED NOTICE IN OCT. OF 96 CALLED TO TAKE VEHICLE IN AND WAS TOLD THEY WERE TOO BUSY. MADE AN APPOINTMENT IN NOVEMBER 1996 AND WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE THREE TO FOUR DAYS BEFORE THEY COULD GET TO IT. VEHICLE STILL HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JSJ4C51C4J4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER IN ACCIDENT DUE TO POOR STABILITY.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-08-20
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR, SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-26
- VIN: JS4JC51C1J4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RETRACTORS HAVE FAILED, REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT COME OUT OF HOUSING, *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-03-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS4JC51C5J4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DURING IMPACT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JS4JC51C8J4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CAR WAS OVERHEATING SO HE PULLED OVER CHECKED THE CAR AND OIL WAS COMING OUT. LATER HE FOUND OUT A BOLT HAD COME LOSE AND ONE FELT OUT. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-01
- VIN: JS4JC51C1J4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT RELEASE. *DSH
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- VIN: JS4JCS1C1J4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH BROKE. *DSH
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHEN REAR ENDED THE SEAT BACKS BROKE AND CAUSED FURTHER INJURIES. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE AND WAS REPLACED. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE IS BROKE . TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-19
- Crash: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TRAVELING ON RAMP HIT CURB LOST CONTROL VEHICLE ROLLED OVER IN THE AIR. TT
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-03-15
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS4JC51CXJ4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TRUCK FLIPPED OVER GOING 35 MPH AND IT ALSO HAS SPUN AROUND. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-03-15
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS4JC51CXJ4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRAME IS TO SMALL. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-25
- VIN: JS4JC51V7J4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT COMBINATION SHOULDER/LAP BELTS DO NOT RETRACT AS INTENDED; DIFFICULTY PULLING BELT OUT; SOMETIMES WILL NOT RETRACT; HOLDS TIGHTER THAN NORMAL; HANGS LOOSE
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-01
- VIN: JS4JC51C6J4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FRONT SEAT BELTS MALFUNCTION, TAKATA SEAT BELTS. TT
1988 Suzuki Samurai recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1988 Suzuki Samurai.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE RELEASE BUTTONS CAN BREAK. THESE RED PLASTIC RELEASE BUTTONS ARE MARKED "PRESS." IF A BUTTON BREAKS, PIECES CAN FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE BUCKLE TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY.
- Consequence: THE SAFETY BELTS WOULD NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO AN OCCUPANT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CHECK THE CONDITION AND OPERATION OF BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES AND CAREFULLY INSPECT THE RED RELEASE BUTTON FOR ANY BREAKS OR CRACKS. THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT BOTH BUCKLES ARE OPERATING PROPERLY BY INSERTING EACH LATCH PLATE INTO ITS BUCKLE, TUGGING ON THE BELT TO MAKE SURE THE LATCH IS SECURELY LOCKED, AND THEN PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON. THE LATCH PLATE SHOULD POP OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN THE BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF EITHER BUTTON SHOWS A SIGN OF BREAKING OR CRACKING OR IF EITHER BUCKLE FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY, OWNERS SHOULD PROMPTLY CONTACT THEIR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE BUCKLE REPLACED OR REPAIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER IS DEVELOPING A REMEDY DESIGNED TO PREVENT FAILURE OF THE BUTTONS THAT ARE NOT CURRENTLY BROKEN.
Additional sources
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