1994 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 1994 Suzuki Sidekick problems
The 1994 Suzuki Sidekick is known for several common problems that have been reported by owners. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is a loud buzzing noise from the manual transmission. This problem can be caused by various factors, including worn-out gears, damaged bearings, or a problem with the transmission's synchronizers. If left unaddressed, this issue can lead to more severe damage to the transmission, resulting in costly repairs.
Another common issue reported by owners of the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick is a faulty wheel speed sensor that triggers the parking indicator light to come on. This problem can be caused by a damaged sensor, a wiring issue, or a problem with the vehicle's ABS system. If the wheel speed sensor is faulty, it can cause the ABS system to malfunction, which can be dangerous, especially during wet or slippery road conditions.
In addition to these issues, the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick is also known for leaking engine oil from the front crankshaft seal. This problem can be caused by a damaged or worn-out seal, which can allow engine oil to leak out, leading to a low oil level and potential engine damage. If left unaddressed, this issue can result in costly engine repairs or even engine failure.
Another common issue reported by owners of the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick is the failure of the throttle position sensor. This problem can cause various drivability issues, including stalling, hesitation, and poor acceleration. If the throttle position sensor is faulty, it can cause the engine to run poorly, which can be dangerous, especially during high-speed driving.
Finally, the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick is also known for having a sticking accelerator pedal. This problem can be caused by a damaged or worn-out pedal assembly, a problem with the throttle cable, or a problem with the accelerator pedal sensor. If the accelerator pedal is sticking, it can cause the engine to rev too high or too low, which can be dangerous, especially during high-speed driving.
In summary, the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick is known for several common problems, including a loud buzzing noise from the manual transmission, a faulty wheel speed sensor, leaking engine oil from the front crankshaft seal, the failure of the throttle position sensor, and a sticking accelerator pedal. If you own a 1994 Suzuki Sidekick and are experiencing any of these issues, it is essential to have them addressed promptly to avoid more severe damage and potential safety hazards.
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.
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.
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. |
What year did they stop making Suzuki Sidekick?
The sub-compact SUV, available as a two or four-door model, was on sale in the United States from 1989 to 1998 (first-generation), as an upscale alternative to the legendary Suzuki Samurai.
1994 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:
- Power train problems
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Suzuki Sidekick vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1994 Suzuki Sidekick
The NHTSA has received 29 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1994 Suzuki Sidekick vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-18
- VIN: 2S3TA02C4R6
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CONSUMER HEARD A CREAKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING, DURING INSPECTION OF VEHICLE THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE HAS DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, ALL THE WELDS CAME APART. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2S3TAO1C9R6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STARTED TO CATCH ON FIRE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, FIRE BEGAN ON THE LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- VIN: JS3TD03V4R4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PLASTIC PORTION OR THE REAR DOOR LATCH KEEPS MELTING WITHIN DAYS OF BEING INSTALLED. NO OBVIOUS REASON FOR FAILURE. DOOR WILL NOT STAY LATCHED. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-16
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- VIN: JS3TDZ3V5R4
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BY OVERSTEERING, THE VEHICLE HAD VEERED OFF OF THE ROADWAY AND THE DRIVER TURNED THE VEHICLE SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT, WHICH CAUSED IT TO ROLL OVER APPROXIMATELY 5 TIMES, 3 OUT OF FOUR OCCUPANTS HAD BEEN THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE, THERE WERE 2 SEVERE INJURIES AND 1 DEATH BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT, SEAT BELTS HAD NOT BEEN USED. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-24
- VIN: 2S3TEO2V6R6
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVIN GON HIGHWAY CAR LOST CONTROL. CAR WOULD NOT STEER OR BRAKE GOING ACROSS THE ROAD. THEN IT SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT BRAKE HOUSING DIFFERENTIAL CRACKED. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2SETD03V4R6
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MOUNT BOLT AT A/C COMPRESSOR ADJUSTMENT BROKE CAUSING THE SERPENTINE BELT TO LOOSE TENSION RESULTING IN POWER STEERING LOSS. NLM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-12
- VIN: JS3TE02V5R4
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING HEARD A HUMBLE NOISE, AND NOTICED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER JUMPED. CONSUMER CAN'T DETERMINE HOW FAST THEY ARE TRAVELING. NOW THE ENTIRE NEEDLE IS OFF THE SPEEDOMETER AND IS LYING ON THE DASHBOARD. *AK *ML
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-11
- VIN: 2S3TD03V0R6
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DEALER IS UNABLE TO CORRECT VEHICLE EMISSION PROBLEM; VEHICLE GIVES OFF FUEL VAPOR INTO VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-19
- VIN: JS3TD03U5R4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: EGR VALVE STUCK AND SENSOR FAILED SEVERAL TIMES.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-16
- VIN: JS3TD03U5R4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THERMOSTAT FAILED, BELTS OUT OF ADJUSTMENT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-16
- VIN: JS3TD03U5R4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ECM UNIT FAILED.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-12-17
- VIN: JS3TD03V4R4
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: SPRING IN REAR DOOR LATCH SEPERATED FROM OTHER PARTS CAUSING LATCH TO FAIL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-31
- VIN: JS3TD03V3R4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE, STARTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-27
- VIN: 2F3TDO3V4R6
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: HAD BRAKING (ABS) PROBLEM 1 YR AGO, AT SERVICE CENTER MECHANIC SAID WRONG CALIPER PUT ON, NOW PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, TOOK IT TO MECHANIC IN MIDDLE OF NIGHT, INFORMED CALIPER SEAL HAD BUSTED & HAD WRONG ROTORS ON LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JS3TE02VXR4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: UPON TURNING ON HEAD LAMP SWITCH ON STEERING COLUMN, NOTICED SMOKE, THEN FLAMES, FANNED OUT, RESULT HEAD LAMP AND PARK LIGHTS ARE INOPERATIVE. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-18
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SPACER DRIVE BEVEL FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-20
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: RIGHT AXLE BEARING FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-27
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BEVEL PINION AND GEAR FAILED. *DSH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-18
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SPACER DRIVE BEVEL FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-20
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: RIGHT AXLE BEARING FAILED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-27
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: BEVEL PINION AND GEAR FAILED. *DSH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-07-27
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REAR END PROBLEMS. *SD
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-18
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ODOMETER/SPEEDOMETER INOPERATIVE. *SD
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-15
- VIN: JS3TE02V3R4
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE TIRES KEEP BALDING AND THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-11
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: BRIDGESTONE TIRES FAIL TO STOP ON WET ROADS. *DH
1994 Suzuki Sidekick recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1994 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 1994 Suzuki Sidekick car reviews
Positive 1994 Suzuki Sidekick car reviews
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I have had my car since 1995, drove it from Texas - Colorado-Seattle, WA to Pennsylvania... with a U-haul trailer! (make sure you get a transmission cooler installed). Overall, the drive was always good, dependable, and comfortable for me....the driver. Passenger felt not enough leg/body room. Great for flea market scavenger hunts!.I have 125,000 miles on my car, and I got a great deal in the long run. Had my car for almost 8+ years.I now want to consider purchasing an Element from Honda
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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.
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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 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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The title is not a joke. This is a fully capable, small 4x4 whose wheel base is narrow enough to only have one tire in 'the rut' and another in between. It routinely lasts until 300k miles. It's the best kept 4x4 secret until recently...
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Suzuki Sidekick problems:
1994 Suzuki Sidekick Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Top 1994 Suzuki Sidekick Problems · Clutch Pedal May Suddenly Fall to the Floor. 49 people have reported this · Engine Oil Leak From Front Crankshaft Seal. 20 ...
Problems to look for when buying | Suzuki Forums
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1994 Suzuki Sidekick Tranny Problem 1.6 automatic
Ill just list them and common failures. 1: stall test. hot and cold, yours will fail the cold test? the stall test is easy , i can show a video, it takes 5 ...
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Feb 18, 2020 ... Common problems. Parts availability/prices. Engine / Mechanical problems. Geo Trackers look very cool, and it would be sweet to own one, so if ...
1994 Suzuki Sidekick Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Aug 26, 2021 ... This car is bullet-proof reliable. Aside from replacing the wheel speed sensor I've never had to do anything more than routine maintenance on ...
Other years of Suzuki Sidekick
Are you having problems with your 1994 Suzuki Sidekick?
Triston Bahringer 2024-07-01
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!
Bryon Ondricka 2024-04-04
I drive this car every day and have noticed a few issues with it. Despite being garaged for most of its 17-year life, the engine is underpowered, resulting in a city mpg of around 16-17mpg, which is not great for a 4 cyl. Unfortunately, the electronics and other non-engine parts of the car are also unreliable. In the year that I've owned it, I've had to replace the radiator, starter, and fuel pump, and the automatic transmission is also showing signs of wear and tear.
Kennedi Jakubowski 2024-02-29
This car is a great choice for a single girl or young couple. It is mechanically sound and very practical.