1993 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.
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Common 1993 Suzuki Sidekick problems
The Suzuki Sidekick, a compact sport utility vehicle produced in the early 1990s, has been known to exhibit several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues can significantly impact the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall driving experience.
- Cracks in Exhaust Manifold: High-mileage models of the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick are prone to cracks in the exhaust manifold. This issue can lead to decreased engine performance and increased emissions, as well as potentially causing damage to other engine components.
- Clutch Pedal Suddenly Falls to the Floor: A common complaint among Suzuki Sidekick owners is that the clutch pedal can suddenly fall to the floor, making it difficult to shift gears and control the vehicle. This issue can be particularly dangerous when driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
- Leaking Engine Oil from the Front Crankshaft Seal: The front crankshaft seal in the Suzuki Sidekick is prone to leaking, leading to a loss of engine oil and potential engine damage. This issue can be difficult to diagnose and repair, as it may require the removal of several engine components.
- Failure of the Throttle Position Sensor: The throttle position sensor in the Suzuki Sidekick can fail, leading to poor engine performance and difficulty accelerating. This issue can be particularly dangerous when driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
- Sticking Accelerator Pedal: Some Suzuki Sidekick owners have reported that the accelerator pedal can stick, making it difficult to control the vehicle's speed. This issue can be particularly dangerous when driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
- Whining Noises from the Automatic Transmission: The automatic transmission in the Suzuki Sidekick can create whining noises, indicating a possible issue with the transmission. This issue can lead to decreased transmission performance and potentially cause the transmission to fail.
- Damage to the Transfer Case While Driving in 4WD on Dry Roads: The transfer case in the Suzuki Sidekick can be damaged while driving in 4WD on dry roads, leading to decreased vehicle performance and potential safety hazards.
In addition to these mechanical issues, the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick has been criticized for its poor build quality and lack of exceptional features compared to other Japanese vehicles of the time. This can lead to a less enjoyable driving experience and potential safety hazards due to rattling and loose components.
Overall, the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick has several common problems that can significantly impact the vehicle's performance and safety. These issues can be costly and time-consuming to repair, making it important for owners to stay vigilant and address any issues as soon as they arise.
What engine is in a 1993 Suzuki Sidekick?
The Sidekick is powered by a 95-horsepower, four-cylinder engine that has16 valves and electronic fuel injection.
How fast can a Suzuki Sidekick go?
Suzuki Sidekick 4dr JX Specifications
| Engine | 1.6-Liter I-4 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Five-speed manual |
| 0-60 Time | 10.6 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 1500 pounds |
| Top Speed | 95 mph |
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.”
How heavy is a Suzuki Sidekick?
Used 1996 Suzuki Sidekick - Specs & Features
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Turning circle | 35.4 ft. |
| Ground clearance | 7.6 in. |
| Curb weight | 2,632 lbs. |
| Maximum towing capacity | 1,500 lbs. |
1993 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:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Tires problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1993 Suzuki Sidekick vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1993 Suzuki Sidekick complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-05
- VIN: JS3TE01V2P4
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: APPROXIMATELY. 14 MO. AFTER PURCHASE, SPEEDOMETER CABLE ASSEMBLY BEGAN MAKING NOISE, GOT WORSE (INTERMITTENTLY), AND CULMINATED 7 YRS. LATER IN A "FROZEN" SPEEDOMETER PLUS EXTREMELY LOUD SCREECHING (STUCK CABLE HEAD) AT SPEEDS OVER 20 MPH. REPLACEMENT OF COMPLETE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER ASSEMBLY BY INDEPENDENT AUTO REPAIR SHOP WAS COMPLICATED BY LACK OF AVAILABLE USED UNITS (WE LOOKED UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR OVER 8 MOS.). USED UNIT FINALLY FOUND BUT NOT CORRECTLY DIGITIZED (5 SETTINGS INSTEAD OF MANUFACTURED 6 SETTINGS). ONLY OPTION OFFERED BY DEALER WAS NEW UNIT AT COST OF $700. I PAID $300 TO INSTALL USED (AND INCORRECTLY DIGITIZED) REPLACEMENT. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO DEALER WITHIN FIRST 14 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, AND WAS REPEATEDLY BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION EVERY YEAR AS NOISE GREW WORSE. DEALER WAS NON-RESPONSIVE EVERY TIME. HOWEVER, I NOW UNDERSTAND FROM THREE DIFFERENT AUTO REPAIR SHOPS THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS VERY COMMON TO 1993 - 1995 VEHICLES OF MY MAKE AND MODEL, WHICH IS WHY NO CORRECT USED UNITS WERE AVAILABLE TO ME FOR REPLACEMENT. IT APPEARS THAT SUZUKI HAS EITHER NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED THIS DEFECT, OR NEVER NOTIFIED OWNERS OF A FIX. *LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-05
- VIN: JS3TE01V2P4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: AT APPROX. 90,000 MI., TURN SIGNAL STEM BEGAN MAKING LOUD BUZZING NOISE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN MOVED UPWARD (RIGHT BLINK). PROBLEM INCREASED SO THAT BY 138,000 MI. BUZZING HAPPENED WHENEVER STEM WAS MOVED UPWARD OR DOWNWARD (RIGHT OR LEFT BLINK). BY 140,000 MI. BUZZING WAS CONSTANT, WHETHER TURN SIGNAL STEM WAS ENGAGED OR NOT. THIS PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO ATTENTION OF DEALER FROM 1997 - 1999. DEALER WAS NON-RESPONSIVE, SAYING THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. WIRING WAS REPAIRED BY INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP, COSTING OVER $200. PROBLEM IS BEGINNING INTERMITTENTLY AGAIN LESS THAN 500 MILES LATER. THERE APPEARS TO BE FAULTY OEM WIRING INSIDE STEERING COLUMN AND DASHBOARD. VEHICLE (ORIGINAL OWNER) HAS NEVER BEEN ROUGHLY USED OR IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT. *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-31
- VIN: JS3TD02V2P4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: AS MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROX. 60 MPH, THE LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD PEELED OFF A CHUNCK OF TREAD. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE FREEWAY, WHERE I WAS CALLED TO CHANGE IT WITH MY SPARE, WHICH IS A BRIDGESTONE( DOT NUMBER: 19681 TIRE SIZE: P20575R15 )
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-29
- VIN: JS3TD02V3P4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: POWER PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL UP DUE TO REGULATOR GOING OUT. POSSIBLE SHORTING OUT AND WINDOW ROLLING DOWN BY ITSELF. VEHICLE WAS SECURED WHEN LEFT, AND WHEN RETURNED PASSENGER WINDOW WAS DOWN. ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIRS: 350.00 BECAUSE SUZUKI DOES NOT MAKE REGULATOR'S WITHOUT A WHOLE NEW MOTOR.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-26
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE SPRING WHICH CONTROLS THE REAR LIFTGATE GOT OUT OF ITS PLASTIC DUE TO WIRE MELTING THE PLASTIC, AND CAUSED THE REAR DOOR TO OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSD INJURIES. THE REAR DOOR WILL NOT SHUT CLOSED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-04
- VIN: JS3TD02V7P4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL FIRE.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JS3TD02VXP4
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE REAR PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE LOCKS WHERE IT CAN NOT COME OUT OF ITS RETRACTOR AND IS UNABLE TO BE USED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-28
- VIN: JS3TD0ZV8P4
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: LACK OF GRILL OVER AIR VENTS ALLOWS RODENTS TO ENTER VENTILATION SYSTEM.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-24
- VIN: JS3TD02UXP4
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONTINUOUS WEAR ON THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND DISC. DESCRIBE IN MORE DETAIL. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JS3TD02V6P4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE UNSCREWING GAS CAP, FIRE BALL CAME OUT OF GAS TANK INTO DRIVER'S FACE, FIRE ENGULFED DRIVER'S HEAD; GAS TANK WAS NOT FULLY REMOVED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-08
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-14
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 2S3TAO1C4P6
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND DRIVER SIDE SEAT FAILURE SEAT BROKE IN HALF. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ENGINE FAILED/BLEW ESTIMATED SPEED 40 MPH DUE TO ROD FAILURE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-14
- VIN: JS3 D02VXP4
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING KNUCKLE BETWEEN STEERING COLUMN AND STEERING BOX WORE PREMATURELY AT 50,000 MILES. TT
1993 Suzuki Sidekick recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: THE RIGHT REAR AND LEFT AXLE SHAFT HOUSING TUBES WERE INCORRECTLY WELDED AND CAN FRACTURE. FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE SHAFT HOUSING CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE AFFECTED WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE LINE.
- Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND SEPARATION OF THE BRAKE LINE RESULTS IN LOSS OF ONE-HALF OFTHE BRAKING SYSTEM, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCE. IN EITHER CASE, AN ACCIDENTCAN OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS OF THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES ON INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE COMPLETE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY.
Negative 1993 Suzuki Sidekick car reviews
Positive 1993 Suzuki Sidekick car reviews
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This surf truck is amazing! It can carry your boards, your friends, and even your beer to the beach and back. Although it has 180k miles on it and the saltwater is taking its toll, I'm definitely considering buying another one when the repair bill is no longer worth fixing the one I've got. Sure, the door handle thing can be annoying, but I just roll the windows down and open it from the outside. Some 4 door parts like the muffler and brake master cylinder can be expensive and/or hard to find, but overall it's a great basic truck. It's not for the cayenne crowd, but for someone who wants a cheap 4wd truck to have some fun with.
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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!
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my Sidekicke SUV. I've had it for 2 1/2 years now and I must say, it's been a joy to own. Of course, like any vehicle, it's had its fair share of issues, particularly with the door handles which I've had to replace twice. However, all other repairs have been typical for a SUV with this mileage. While the power isn't the greatest, it does get an impressive gas mileage of 25 city and 30 HWY. Plus, the body still looks great without a flake of rust, even though it's 10 years old! Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase and I'm already considering the XL-7 as my next buy. Thanks for listening!
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This is my first vehicle and so far I love it. It is nice and little, and very easy to maneuver around. The 4x4 in this little thing is awesome; I say it's like a mini Hummer.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1993 Suzuki Sidekick problems:
1993 Suzuki Sidekick Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Problem with your 1993 Suzuki Sidekick? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1993 Suzuki Sidekick.
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Other years of Suzuki Sidekick
Are you having problems with your 1993 Suzuki Sidekick?
Flavio Dach 2024-07-16
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. Despite all the abuse, it's held up pretty well, although I've had to replace a few parts along the way. Overall, it's been a fun little car and would make a great choice for anyone who loves off-roading. The only thing I would change is to add a bit more power and maybe a roll cage for safety. Ha ha!
Van Hackett 2024-07-04
This car is a great choice for a single girl or young couple. It is mechanically sound and very practical.