1991 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 1991 Suzuki Samurai problems
Based on the information from the sources provided, here are the common problems with the 1991 Suzuki Samurai based on complaints from owners:
- Clicky Starters: Another common problem with the Suzuki Samurai is clicky starters. This issue can be frustrating for owners as it affects the vehicle's ability to start reliably.
- Leaky Distributor O-Rings: Leakages from distributor O-rings have been reported as a common problem in the Suzuki Samurai. This issue can lead to oil leaks and affect the overall performance of the vehicle.
- Carburetor Issues: The stock carburetor in the Suzuki Samurai is known to be fussy and complicated. Many owners have experienced difficulties with the carburetor, leading them to replace it with simpler versions for better performance and reliability.
- Plastic Shifter Breakage: The plastic shifter in the Suzuki Samurai is prone to breaking due to age and wear. However, it is relatively easy to replace with a more durable brass unit, resolving this common issue.
These problems highlight some of the key issues that owners of the 1991 Suzuki Samurai have faced. Addressing these issues promptly and ensuring proper maintenance can help mitigate these common problems and enhance the overall ownership experience of the Suzuki Samurai.
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.
What is a 1991 Suzuki Samurai worth?
The value of a used 1991 Suzuki Samurai ranges from $876 to $2,984, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
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.
Why was Suzuki Samurai discontinued?
The Suzuki Samurai, which was actually a Suzuki Jimny, was unfairly labeled as dangerous and prone to rollovers, leading to slumping sales and its discontinuation in the U.S.
1991 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Seat belts problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Suzuki Samurai vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Suzuki Samurai complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Suzuki Samurai.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-04
- VIN: JACDJ58V4V7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN CONSUMER APPLIES BRAKES THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JS3JC31C5M4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER REAR RIGHT LAP BELTS INOPERATIVE, MALE WON'T GO INTO FEMALE PORTION TO LOCK. *AK
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-18
- Crash: 1
- VIN: J4SJC31C4M4
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: COMING OFF RAMP VEHICLE STATED SWIRLING AND SKIDDING WHEN REACHING BOTTOM OF REMP, VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. *AK
1991 Suzuki Samurai recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 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.
Negative 1991 Suzuki Samurai car reviews
Positive 1991 Suzuki Samurai car reviews
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It's a great 4x4! It can tackle all the rocks that I've climbed, and it's lightweight and small, so it can do a lot more than an Excursion or Suburban.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Suzuki Samurai problems:
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1991 Suzuki Samurai Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1991 Suzuki Samurai repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Suzuki mechanics near you.
Other years of Suzuki Samurai
Are you having problems with your 1991 Suzuki Samurai?
Buck Reichert 2024-11-02
I once bought a Samurai for $500 when I was a young Marine, thinking it was a great deal. However, it turned out to be a disappointing purchase. The vehicle ran rough, had no power, leaked oil from everywhere, and the clutch was out of alignment. Additionally, it barely fit me inside, despite my height of 6 feet. I had previously owned a 94 Tracker (same as Suzuki Sidekick) which was a great vehicle, but unfortunately, the Samurai did not live up to my expectations. The only positive thing I can say is that I was able to trade it in for my 96 Jeep Cherokee and got my full $500 back.