1991 Suzuki Sidekick 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.
Social links
Common 1991 Suzuki Sidekick problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1991 Suzuki Sidekick, common problems with this car include:
- Fuel Injector and ECM Problems: Some owners have experienced issues with the fuel injectors and the Engine Control Module (ECM). Symptoms include rough idling, late acceleration, and stalling around 3000 rpm. Troubleshooting steps involve checking the fuel injectors by performing a "cardboard test" to ensure they are spraying equal amounts of fuel. If one injector is off, it may indicate a faulty injector. Additionally, timing issues, spark plug, and wire checks are recommended to rule out other potential causes.
- Starting Problems: Another common problem reported is difficulty starting the Suzuki Sidekick. Owners have described instances where the car runs rough, stalls, and struggles to start. Troubleshooting steps include checking the coil, wires, and fuel pump for proper functioning. In some cases, pouring gas directly into the throttle body injection (TBI) has been a temporary solution, indicating potential fuel delivery issues or problems with the idle control system.
These issues highlight some of the common problems faced by owners of the 1991 Suzuki Sidekick. Addressing these concerns may require thorough diagnostics and potentially replacing faulty components to ensure the smooth operation of the vehicle.
Do Suzuki sidekicks have airbags?
The JLX trim was the top-of-the-line variant of the Sidekick and it came with 16-inch wheels and standard safety features like ABS and dual airbags.
Is the Suzuki Sidekick the same as a Vitara?
Though Vitara is the global model name, it is marketed under different names in certain markets. In Japan the Vitara is sold as the Escudo, while in North America the first generation was known as the Sidekick. The choice of the name ”Vitara” was inspired by the English word “vital,” as in “vitality.”
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.
How much does a 1991 Suzuki Sidekick weigh?
2,650 lbs.
Used 1991 Suzuki Sidekick JX - Specs & Features
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Turning circle | 35.4 ft. |
| Ground clearance | 7.9 in. |
| Curb weight | 2,650 lbs. |
| Gross weight | 3,530 lbs. |
1991 Suzuki Sidekick car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Suzuki Sidekick problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Tires problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Child seat problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Suzuki Sidekick vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Suzuki Sidekick complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Suzuki Sidekick.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-29
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TWO RAPID DEFLATIONS OF TIRES, JUST WEEKS APART, DUE TO SIDEWALL FAILURE. FIRST HAPPENED ROUNDING A CORNER AT ABOUT 20 MPH, AND THE SECOND WHILE PARKED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-15
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DEFECTIVE AVON ROAR RIDER MOTORCYCLE TIRES. SIDE WALL CRACKS HTTP://WWW.THEGSRESOURCES.COM/_FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=140853&HIGHLIGHT=AVON+CRACKS HTTP://WWW.THEGSRESOURCES.COM/_FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=195660&HIGHLIGHT=AVON+CRACKS. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-31
- VIN: JS3TD01V4M4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE FRONT PASSENGER AND REAR LEFT SEAT BELTS ON OUR 1991 SUZUKI SIDEKICK HAVE BOTH FAILED THIS WEEK. WE HAVE HAD NO ACCIDENTS IN THE CAR. THE FRONT RIGHT SEAT BELT HAS LOCKED IN ITS CASE, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO USE. THE LEFT REAR SEATBELT NO LONGER LO. *AK
CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: I HAVE A CENTURY CARSEAT, MODEL 4387LHT, MFG DATE 010697, THAT HAS A BUCKLE THAT SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. IT WOULD NO LONGER BUCKLE CLOSED. UPON CALLING CENTURY PRODUCTS I WAS TOLD THAT OFTEN KIDS STICK FOREIGN ITEMS IN THE HOLE WHERE THE BUCKLE IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. I CAN ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEE THIS DID NOT HAPPEN AND IT IS A DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT. CENTURY PRODUCTS DID NOT WANT THE CARSEAT SENT BACK TO THEM TO INVESTIGATE. I STILL HAVE THE CARSEAT BUT OBVIOUSLY AM NOT USING IT. I BELIEVE THIS NEEDS WARRENTS SOME TYPE OF FURTHER INVESTIGATION SINCE CENTURY HAS RECALLED OTHER MODEL CARSEATS FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2S3TA01C4M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED HOWEVER NEW BUCKLES FELL APART.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-03-25
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO BE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. CURRENTLY, THE LATCH HAS JAMMED INTO THE BUCKLE AND THIS SEA TBELT DOESN'T LOCK . PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-01
- VIN: JS3TD01V4M4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED, TRAPPING THE DRIVER IN THE CAR.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-07
- VIN: 2S3PA01C6M6
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE FELL APART. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-19
- VIN: JS4TA01C7M1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DLR TRYING TO LOCATE PARTS, HOWEVER OWNER CONTACTED ZONE OFFICE AND WAS INFORMED TO WAIT UNTIL DLR LOCATES PARTS. SEA TBELT BUCKLES RECALL 95V103008. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-30
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PIECES MAY BREAK OFF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE, RESULTING IN HARD TO INSERT THE METAL TONGUE INTO THE BUCKLE, DEALER DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS (RECALL).
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-06
- VIN: JS3TDO1V6M4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGERS REAR SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT INTO ITS ASSEMBLY, RENDERING IT INOPERATIVE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-08-12
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS SHOULDER BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-19
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-19
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-05
- VIN: JS3TD01V0M4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO RELEASE. *SKD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-05
- VIN: JS3TD01V0M4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: HORN BUTTON CAME OFF.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK, AND COMES UNLATCHED AT TIMES FOR NO APPARENT REASON. TT
1991 Suzuki Sidekick recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Suzuki Sidekick.
- 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 Sidekick car reviews
Positive 1991 Suzuki Sidekick car reviews
-
This car is amazing! It's fun to drive, affordable, and has great 4x4 and off-road performance in mud and sand. Plus, it's a convertible! Replacement parts are also economic. And let's not forget, it's a hit with the ladies, especially on the beach!
-
Suzuki Sidekicks are becoming rare these days! It's one of the most basic and fun vehicles out there, and it feels like an ATV. It's the cousin of the Samurai and has better MPG than Jeeps! This thing is unstoppable. I used to use it as a daily driver, and it did the job quite well. Now it's a weekend fun ride. Some pros include cheap aftermarket parts, simplicity, decent MPG, and being a compact 5-seater with off-road capabilities. However, it has slow acceleration and speed, and there's a lack of cup holders.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Suzuki Sidekick problems:
1991 Suzuki Sidekick Q&A: Troubleshooting EGR System ...
Mar 31, 2012 ... Was this answer helpful? up Yes. down No. Finish.
Problems to look for when buying | Suzuki Forums
Jan 29, 2013 ... Good luck. '91 Tracker 8V, 1.6L, 5 sp, 4wd, 2dr, conv, CAMI, horribly rusty '97 Suzuki Vitara 8v, parts car - worth its weight in gold.....
1991 Suzuki Sidekick Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Top 1991 Suzuki Sidekick Problems · Clutch Pedal May Suddenly Fall to the Floor. 49 people have reported this · Engine Oil Leak From Front Crankshaft Seal · The ...
Please Educate Me Regarding Suzuki Samurai Kind People ...
What are the common problems and areas to be concerned with on Sammies? Have found several that look interesting within a few hours drive ...
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.
Other years of Suzuki Sidekick
Are you having problems with your 1991 Suzuki Sidekick?
Vinnie Hauck 2024-09-03
This car is a great choice for a single girl or young couple. It is mechanically sound and very practical.
Orion Watsica 2024-01-29
I've owned this car for four years and it's been quite the adventure! I've taken it off-roading countless times, even though it's not an ATV, and I've definitely put it through its paces. I've had to replace a few parts, like axles, tires, shocks, and struts, but that's to be expected when you push a car to its limits. It's been a blast to drive with the top off and the 4-wheel drive engaged. If you're someone who loves off-roading and living on the edge, this car would be a great choice for you. The only thing I wish it had was a bit more power and a roll cage for added safety. Overall, I have no complaints about this car and I'm sure it would make a great purchase for anyone looking for a fun and reliable ride!