1998 Suzuki Sidekick sport problems
The Suzuki Vitara is a series of SUVs produced by Suzuki in five generations since 1988. The second and third generation were known as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, while the fourth generation eschewing the "Grand" prefix. In Japan and a number of other markets, all generations have used the name Suzuki Escudo (Japanese: スズキ・エスクード, Hepburn: Suzuki Esukūdo).
The choice of the name "Vitara" was inspired by the Latin word vita, as in English word vitality. "Escudo", the name primarily used in the Japanese Domestic Market, refers to the "escudo", the monetary unit of Portugal before adoption of the Euro. The original series was designed to fill the slot above the Suzuki Jimny. The first generation was known as Suzuki Sidekick in the United States. The North American version was produced as a joint venture between Suzuki and General Motors known as CAMI. It was also sold as the Santana 300 and 350 in Spain and in the Japanese market, it was also sold as the Mazda Proceed Levante.
The second generation was launched in 1998 under the "Grand Vitara" badge in most markets. It was accompanied by a still larger SUV known as the Suzuki XL-7 (known as Grand Escudo in Japan). The third generation was launched in 2005.
The fourth generation, released in 2015, reverted to the original name "Vitara" in most markets, but shifted from an off-road SUV towards a more road-oriented crossover style. It shares the platform and many components with the slightly larger SX4 S-Cross.
The model introduced in 2022 for the Indian market only reuses the "Grand Vitara" nameplate. It is slightly larger than the SX4 S-Cross.
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Common 1998 Suzuki Sidekick sport problems
Common Problems with the Suzuki Sidekick Sport 1998
- Clutch Pedal May Suddenly Fall to the Floor
One of the most common issues reported by Suzuki Sidekick owners is the clutch pedal suddenly falling to the floor. This problem can occur due to a leak in the clutch master cylinder or clutch slave cylinder, which can cause the hydraulic pressure to drop, resulting in a loss of clutch engagement. This issue can be dangerous, especially when driving at high speeds, as it can lead to a sudden loss of power and difficulty in changing gears.
- Frame Rust
Another common problem with the Suzuki Sidekick is frame rust, especially in the rear wheel frame area. This issue can be caused by exposure to road salt, moisture, and other environmental factors that can cause the metal to corrode over time. Frame rust can significantly weaken the structure of the vehicle, leading to safety concerns and costly repairs.
- Electrical Gremlins
Electrical gremlins are also a common issue with the Suzuki Sidekick, which can manifest in various ways, such as malfunctioning lights, dashboard warning lights, and electrical system failures. These issues can be caused by faulty wiring, blown fuses, or other electrical components that have worn out or failed.
- Transmission and Clutch Issues
Transmission and clutch issues are also common problems with the Suzuki Sidekick, particularly in manual transmission models. These issues can include difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises when changing gears, and clutch pedal problems. In some cases, these issues can be caused by worn-out clutch components, such as the clutch disc, pressure plate, or release bearing.
- Underpowered Engines
The Suzuki Sidekick is known for its underpowered engines, which can make it difficult to climb hills or tow heavy loads. This issue can be particularly problematic in areas with steep inclines or when towing heavy trailers.
- Engine Overheating
Engine overheating is another common problem with the Suzuki Sidekick, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty cooling system, low coolant levels, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Engine overheating can lead to serious damage to the engine and other components, such as the head gasket or cylinder head.
- Suspension and Steering Issues
Suspension and steering issues are also common problems with the Suzuki Sidekick, which can include problems with the steering rack, tie rods, and suspension components. These issues can affect the handling and stability of the vehicle, making it more difficult to control, especially at high speeds.
In conclusion, the Suzuki Sidekick Sport 1998 is known for several common problems, including clutch pedal issues, frame rust, electrical gremlins, transmission and clutch problems, underpowered engines, engine overheating, and suspension and steering issues. These issues can significantly impact the safety, reliability, and performance of the vehicle, and may require costly repairs.
What is the price of Suzuki 1998?
The value of a used 1998 Suzuki Esteem ranges from $174 to $932, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
How fast is a Suzuki Sidekick?
Suzuki Sidekick 4dr JX Specifications
| Engine | 1.6-Liter I-4 |
|---|---|
| 0-60 Time | 10.6 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 1500 pounds |
| Top Speed | 95 mph |
| Average Used Price | $4,832 - $8,126 |
When did they stop making Suzuki Sidekick?
Suzuki Sidekick – 1989-1998
The Sidekick was a small four-wheel drive SUV in a similar vein to the Samurai. That said, the Sidekick was more modern, less rough, and more road-oriented. The Sidekick was also sold under the Chevrolet and Geo brands as the Tracker.
What type of car is a Suzuki Sidekick?
sport utility vehicles
The Suzuki Sidekick and Suzuki Grand Vitara are sport utility vehicles made by Suzuki. They were sold since 1988 when they replaced the small Suzuki Samurai. It was sold by General Motors from 1989 to 2004 as the Geo Tracker. The vehicle is sold in other countries as the Suzuki Escudo.
1998 Suzuki Sidekick sport car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Suzuki Sidekick sport problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Suzuki Sidekick sport vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Suzuki Sidekick sport complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick sport.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-01
- VIN: JS3TD21V1W4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE BRACKET WHICH THE CLUTCH FOOT PEDAL AND THE ARM WHICH THE MAIN CLUTCH VALVE ACTUATOR IS DRIVEN BY HAS A METAL FATIGUE WHICH MAKES THE CLUTCH INOPERATIVE. COULD LEAD TO A ACCIDENT OR OTHER PROBLEMS.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-26
- VIN: JS3TE21V0W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE SECURED. *SLC
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-15
- VIN: JS3TE21V0W4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *SLC
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-12
- VIN: JS3TE21V0W4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NOISE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION, DRIVESHAFT CV JOINT FAILURE DUE TO POSSIBLE POOR DESIGN. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-15
- VIN: JS3TE21V0W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DRIVE BELT FAILED. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-15
- VIN: JS3TE21V0W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EXHAUST BOLTS VIBRATED LOOSE AND BROKE OFF. *SLC
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-04
- VIN: JS3TE21V0W4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: IDLER PULLEY WAS REPLACED. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-01
- VIN: JS3TD21V7W4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ORIGINAL TIRES ON A 1998 SUZUKI SIDEKICK SPORT, P215/65R16 DOT AP2HJEUUO58. RIGHT REAR TIRE CAME APART, CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE EXHAUST. THEN, CONSUMER HEARD A THUMP THUMP NOISE LIKE TIRE WAS COMING APART.*AK THE TIRE CAME APART AT THE SEAMS WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH. IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE TREAD SEPARATION. *YH
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Suzuki Sidekick sport problems:
Problems to look for when buying | Suzuki Forums
Jan 29, 2013 ... Sidekick/Escudo/Vitara/ Geo/X-90 &Tracker('89-'98) ... Yes, definitely stay away from the Suzuki Sport (1.8L engine). ... problems, no drivetrain ...
Suzuki Sidekick Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Top Suzuki Sidekick Problems · Clutch Pedal May Suddenly Fall to the Floor · Engine Oil Leak From Front Crankshaft Seal · The Throttle Position Sensor May Fail.
Sidekick reliability in 2021 | Suzuki Forums
Dec 30, 2020 ... Suzuki Vitara - reliability rating -- An used car - TÜV reports ... 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport 2016 Bacchetta ... We ran into some problems.
Q&A: Common Problems with 1995 Suzuki Sidekick JLX Transmission
May 2, 2011 ... I have a 95 Suzuki Sidekick JLX with automatic transmission. There is a problem with the transmission. At first the - Answered by a verified ...
Reliability '97 Sidekick | Suzuki Forums
Apr 17, 2016 ... ... engine Sidekick, as opposed to the 1.8L Sidekick Sport. ... '97 Suzuki Vitara 8v, parts car ... 1998 SQ420 Grand Vitara, 2005 JB420 Grand Vitara
Other years of Suzuki Sidekick sport
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