1998 Suzuki Sidekick problems

suzuki logo

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.

1998 Suzuki Sidekick

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Common 1998 Suzuki Sidekick problems

The 1998 Suzuki Sidekick has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to its engine, transmission, and interior components.

One of the most frequent issues is the alternator's tendency to break down, which can lead to a range of electrical problems and potentially leave the driver stranded. This issue can be particularly frustrating for owners, as it may require frequent repairs or replacements.

Another common problem is a faulty starter motor, which can cause damage to the flywheel. This issue can be particularly challenging to diagnose, as it may not be immediately apparent that the starter motor is the root cause of the problem.

Transmission failures are also a frequent issue with the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick. These failures can manifest in a variety of ways, including slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and a general lack of power when accelerating. This issue can be particularly costly to repair, as it may require a complete overhaul or replacement of the transmission.

The 1998 Suzuki Sidekick's interior door lights have also been reported to come on even when the door is closed, due to a manufacturing defect. This issue can be particularly annoying for drivers, as it may make it difficult to determine whether the door is actually closed or not.

Uneven front brake rotors can cause jerks when stopping the vehicle, which can be particularly dangerous in heavy traffic or other high-stress driving situations. This issue can be particularly challenging to diagnose, as it may not be immediately apparent that the brake rotors are the root cause of the problem.

Door locks freezing in winter is another common problem with the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick. This issue can be particularly frustrating for drivers, as it may make it difficult or impossible to open the doors when needed.

The 1998 Suzuki Sidekick's idle can also be temperamental, with the engine revving too high or too low at times. This issue can be particularly challenging to diagnose, as it may require a thorough inspection of the engine's fuel and air systems.

In addition to these specific issues, the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick has also been criticized for its overall lack of comfort and safety features, as well as its relatively slow acceleration and noisy engine. These issues may not be as critical as the specific problems listed above, but they can still make for a less enjoyable driving experience.

Overall, the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick has a number of common problems that owners should be aware of. These issues can range from minor annoyances to major safety concerns, and may require frequent repairs or even complete system replacements. As with any vehicle, it's important to stay on top of regular maintenance and inspections to catch these issues early and prevent them from becoming more serious problems down the road.

1998 Suzuki Sidekick engine

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.

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.

How heavy is a Suzuki Sidekick?

Used 1996 Suzuki Sidekick - Specs & Features

Dimensions
Turning circle35.4 ft.
Ground clearance7.6 in.
Curb weight2,632 lbs.
Maximum towing capacity1,500 lbs.

1998 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:

  • Air bags problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Suzuki Sidekick vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1998 Suzuki Sidekick

The NHTSA has received 28 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Suzuki Sidekick vehicles.

2019-03-08

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-03-05
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: 3 YEARS AGO I BOUGHT A SET OF 4 GOODYEAR WARNGLER DURATRAC TIRES FOR MY SUZUKI VITARA. AFTER APROX 1,5 YEARS I GO TO TIRE SERVICE SHOP TO REPAIR AIR LOSS AROUND THE RIM. WITH TIRE UNMOUNTED WE FOUND INNER LAYER SEPARATION. I REPORTED THIS TO THE SELLER AND AFTER CHECKING WITH GOODYEAR REPRESANTIVE THEY CHANGED THE TIRE WITH NEW ONE. AFTER ANOTHER APROX 1,5 YEARS I HAVE TO GO TO TIRE SHOP FOR ANOTHER REPAIR AND FOUND ANOTHER TIRE WITH SPLIT LAYERS. WE CHECKED ALL OTHER TIRES MINUS WARRANTY REPLACED ONE AND THEY ALL ARE SPLIT FROM INSIDE. I REPORTED THIS TO THE SELLER AND GOODYEAR REPRESENTIVE BUT THEY DIDN'T OFFER ANY SOLUTION YET.
2015-06-09

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-05-12
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WAS IN A FRONTAL ACCIDENT. FRONT END OF CAR PRETTY MUCH TOTALED. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CODES OR LIGHT BEFORE THIS.
2002-03-14

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE TRAVELING AT NORMAL SPEED AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AS A RESULT OF A VEHICLE CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
2001-06-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-05-25
  • VIN: JS3TD21V8W4
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. TOWED TO DEALER, WHO FOUND IGNITION COIL WAS TOO CLOSE TO ENGINE BLOCK, AND HAD SHORTED OUT. DEALER REWIRED IGNITION COIL.*AK
2001-04-13

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-04-12
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2001-03-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-02-13
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ONE DAY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED (CASE # 01-250-843-501, REPORT # 1023282). NLM
2001-02-27

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-05-30
  • VIN: JS3TE21V0W4
  • Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT WRONG SIZE GAS TANK IS EQUIPPED ON VEHICLE. *AK PREMATURE CLUTCH FAILURE, DRIVESHAFT FAILURE. BOLTS VIBRATED OUT OF EXHAUST NAMIFOLD. RECURRING NOISE FROM ENGINE PULLEY AREA. *SLC
2000-11-02

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-01-15
  • VIN: JS3TE21VOW4
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: EXHAUST BOLTS VIBRATED LOOSE/BROKE OFF (7/15/98;1/4/99;11/19/99) IDLER PULLEY HAS BEEN CHANGED 3 TIMES(1/4/99;11/17/99;11/19/99); DRIVE BELT HAS BEEN REPLACED 2 TIMES(1/15/99;11/19/99); MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE SECURED (2/26/99); CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (COMPLAINED 7/15/98;1/25/00. DIAGNOSED 6/12/00); NOISE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION(6/12/00 TOLD NOISE NORMAL); DRIVESHAFT CV JOINT BAD (6/12/00 TOLD BY DEALER NOISE NORMAL. 6/14/00 TOLD DRIVESHAFT CV JOINT BAD DUE TO POOR DESIGN. 6/16/00 2ND ESTIMATE DRIVESHAFT CV JOINT BAD). THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED NUMEROUS TIMES BUT CONTINUES TO STONEWALL REGARDING ISSUES WITH MY CAR. *AK ALSO WRONG , SMALLER SIZE GAS TANK WAS INSTALLED VEHICLE. MANFACTURER IS NOT SENDING NHTSA INFORMATION REGARDING TSB OR RECALLS.
2000-10-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-10-13
  • VIN: JS3TE21V8W4
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: I SUDDENLY HEARD A WHIRRING AND SOUND AND THE BRAKES STARTED TO GRIND WHEN TRYING TO STOP. I HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY BRAKING PROBLEM PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. *AK
2000-08-23

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-21
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: CONSUME RWAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45MPH ON HIGHWAY AND WAS GOING UP A HILL. WHEN REACHING THE TOP OF THE HILL, REAR END CAME FORWARD, AND VEHICLE WAS SIDEWAYS ON THE RAMP. VEHICLE VEERED OVER INTO AN ENBANKMENT, AND THEN AT THE AND THEN CAME OUT OF ENBANKMENT. VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING . REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE HAD EXPLODED.*AK
2000-06-25

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JS3TD21VXW4
  • Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: INSTABILITY WHEN CORNERING, SEVERE INSTABILITY IN WINDY CONDITIONS, TOP HEAVY, AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTING ROUGHLY WHEN ENGINE IS COLD. *AK
2000-06-21

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-04-12
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • VIN: JS3TD21V9W4
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: ON APRIL 12TH 2000, WHILE DRIVING MY SUSUKI SIDEKICK MY AIR BAGES DEPLOYED WITH OUT BEING INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. AT NO TIME DID I HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE OR WAS I HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. BOTH MYSELF AND THE PASSNEGER INTHE FRONT SEAT WERE WEARING SEAT BELTS BUT WE DID SUSATIN MINOR INJURIES. INCLUDING AIR BAG BURNS AND LACERATIONS ON HTE FACE. I HAVE CALLED SUSUKI DERECTLY AS WELL AS THE DEALER. NO ONE HAS ACKNOWLEDGE THER IS A PROBLEM AND THE COMPANY IS EXPECTING ME TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGES AND TO HAVE THE CAR REPAIRED. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR THE TIME SINCE THE ACCIDENT BUT I HAVE NOW AGAIN STARTED TO USE THE CAR BECAUSE I HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE. I DO NOT FEEL THAT THIS VEHICLE IS SAFE AND I WOULD LIKE TO RETURN IT TO THE COMPANY AND BE LET OUT OF MY LEASE. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO BE COMPENSATED DOR MY TIME I DID NOT USE THE VEHICLE. I CONTINUE TO PAY THE LEASE ONTHE CAR BECAUSE I AM OBLIGATED TO PAY PER THE AGREEMENT. I FEEL SUSUKI IS OBLIGATED TO GIVE ME A VEHCILE THAT IS OPERATING PER THEIR AGREEMENT. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET ANY WEHER WITH THEM. I WOULD APPRECIATE AND HELP YOU COULD OFFER ME IN THIS SITUATION. SINCERLY MICHELLE BUTEAU. *AK
2000-04-20

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: NOT AVAILAB
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: ROADMASTER TOW BAR THAT WAS INSTALLED ON THE TRUCK CONTINUED RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRES, CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE TIRES. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED MANUFACTURER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
2000-03-27

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-04-01
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEATS
  • Summary: WHILE DRINVING AT ABOUT 65 ANOTHER VEHICLE RAMMED INTO THE BACK OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON RIGHT HAND SIDE. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATS TOTALLY CALLAPSED. ALSO, GAS TANK BURSTED, AND FUEL SPLASHED INTO CONSUMERS FACE. CONSUMER FELT SEATS SHOULD NOT HAVE BROKEN LOOSE BECAUSE THEY WERE DESIGNED TO HOLD PASSENGER IN PLACE. *AK
2000-03-21

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCED ENGINE OIL LEAKAGE FROM THE REAR MAIN OIL SEAL. *MJS
2000-03-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-01-21
  • VIN: 2S3T02V7W64
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: OUR SIDEKICK IS A 98 AND THE ENGINE BROKE DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY WE HAVE ALSO HAD TO BUY NEW HEAD LIGHTS EVERY TREE MONTHS. *AK
1999-09-08

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-28
  • VIN: JS3TD21V5W4
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THERMOMETER, TEMPERATURE GAUGE.
1999-08-12

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-06-28
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 253TD03V9W6
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: ON 6-28-99 AIRBAGS DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY WHEN VEHICLE WENT IN A DITCH CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. *YC
1999-05-28

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-05-23
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 253TA02C1W6
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, AND AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
1999-04-02

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-27
  • VIN: JS3TD21U4W4
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60MPH FRONT RIGHT TIRE STARTED SMOKING. PULLED TO SIDE & CHECKED. NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. HAD VEHICLE TOWED. MECHANIC FOUND NOTHING. HAD PADS, ROTORS & SHOES CHANGED. AFTER TRYING TO STOP, HAD NO BRAKES. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. *AK
1999-02-28

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-09-30
  • VIN: JS3TD21V1W4
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND THE LAST ONE HAS BEEN "RESET" STILL NOT FUNCTIONING, ALSO ENGINE HAS INTERMITTENT SKIPPING, FREQUENT SHAKING PROBLEMS, AND STALLING, FOLLOWED BY HARD STARTING, AND POWER SURGES. ENGINE IDLES, THEN VEHICLE IS PUT BACK IN DRIVE, AND WITH LITE PRESSURE ON ACCELERATOR PEDAL, VEHICLE TAKES OFF, WITH R.P.M.'S EXCEEDING 5,000 RPMS.
1999-01-22

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 2S3TE02VXW6
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AFTER RECEIVING AUTHORIZATION FOR ON/OFF SWITCH COULD NOT HAVE SWITCH INSTALLED.
1999-01-13

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: JS3TE21V1W4
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: ALL THE WINDOWS EXCEPT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD FOGGED UP WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND THE DEFOSTER DOES NOT DEFOG THE WINDOWS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
1999-01-05

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-01-03
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JS3TE21V9W4
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: CONSUMER HAD A HEAD-ON COLLISION AT 30MPH. SMASHED THE FRONT END COMPLETELY, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AS A RESULT THE DRIVER DISLOCATED SHOULDER. *AK *ET
1998-09-07

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-28
  • VIN: 2S3TEO2VXW6
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. LIGHT THEN WENT OFF WHEN IGNITION WAS SHUT OFF.

Negative 1998 Suzuki Sidekick car reviews

  1. Ahmed Hudson 2024-10-26

    A very fun vehicle to drive! It goes to many places that big SUVs can't. Even my 2-wheel drive model has gotten me in and out of some unbelievable places. The comments I receive about the vehicle when the top is down are an added plus.

  2. Terrance Hahn 2024-08-28

    I really enjoy driving this truck (that's what I call it)! Although it's a bit small for me and my two kids, it's perfect for cruising around with the roof off in the summer, and it's great to have 4WD in the winter. I take really good care of mine and now it's starting to get attention. I have a strong attachment to it, and it brings me a lot of joy.

  3. Michel Nolan 2024-02-26

    Hi there! I recently bought a Sidekick JX 4-door, 4x4, 5-speed from a private party to replace my Grand Vitara. While the latter is great in all aspects, the gas economy wasn't ideal, so I opted for the Sidekick for better mileage. I'm pleasantly surprised to find that the Sidekick is not much less in acceleration and climbing grade compared to the Grand Vitara. However, I have noticed that the Sidekick seems to have trouble getting beyond 65 MPH. The RPM gets to 3,000 at 55 MPH, 3,100 at 60 MPH, and 3,500 at 65 MPH, which can be a bit noisy. I was wondering if anyone has any experience or insight on this that they could share with me over the Internet? Thanks!

  4. Eloy Pouros 2024-02-08

    Good dependable car overall, but when repairs are needed, the parts can be expensive. For example, the front struts cost $100 each, and the PVC valve and labor cost $260. Unfortunately, I blew a head gasket at 85,000 miles because the thermostat did not register over medium temperature, which cost $2,000 to fix.

  5. Vincent Ryan 2024-02-07

    I bought this sidekick with relatively high mileage (over 100k in 2000) for use at my second home in the NC mountains. Since none of my other vehicles have four wheel drive, I needed a cheap and reliable vehicle to drive in the winter. Despite being anemic in normal driving, it can't be beat for its low price and winter-driving ability.

Positive 1998 Suzuki Sidekick car reviews

  1. Antonio Weber 2024-10-07

    I purchased this car from my cousin back in 2006 when it had 69,700 miles on it. It has been a very reliable car with only a few minor issues, which is understandable given its age. The transmission has never given me any problems and it performs amazingly well in the snow. I have owned it for 10 years and this year was the first time it got stuck in the snow, but that was only because the street wasn't plowed and the snow was up to my thighs. The recommended transmission fluid change for the A/T is at 100,000 miles, which I reached 2 years ago. Even though the original transmission fluid was used for 16 years, I never had any problems with the transmission. The car has a rust issue, but it has been through some severe winters in Boston and now in NY with me. Unfortunately, the rust has gotten so bad that the part where the chassis meets the bumper has almost completely rusted away on one side. The most expensive repair I had to make was the 4WD auto locking hub in the front left wheel that slipped out of place, which cost around $450-$500 (including labor). The other two expensive repairs were the EGR valve and alternator, each costing between $200-$250 (including labor). Despite these repairs, the car has been very reliable over the years. However, being in NY, it doesn't feel as solid as it once did due to the horrendous potholes in my area. At one point, the plates in the muffler even loosened and caused it to rattle. We average about 12 mpg in the city due to heavy traffic, but on long interstate stretches, we get about 25 mpg. Overall, this car has been great, but after 19 years, it's time for a new one.

  2. Mikel Herman 2024-09-14

    My mom has been driving my Suzuki since 2009, when she bought it used. Despite having 310K miles on it, the car is still running strong. The AC gave out at around 290K miles, but that hasn't stopped us from loving this car. It has served our family well and has now been passed down to me. We joke that we keep waiting for it to die, but it just won't quit! (2021)

  3. Abdiel Ferry 2024-08-23

    I drive my Suzuki Sidekick every day and it performs great in all conditions. It's very smooth and comfortable on the road, and amazing on trails, even in wet, muddy, or snowy conditions (with A/T tires). It's so much fun to drive that I can clear my mind and drive all day. I love my Suzuki Sidekick and would recommend it to anyone who wants a true all-terrain vehicle and a fun ride every time they get in the vehicle.

  4. Rashad Graham 2024-08-14

    Hey there! Why not take it for a test drive? My sidekick is pretty cool!

  5. Mac Rau 2024-08-13

    It can be quite challenging to find parts for an older car like my 1997 Sidekick, especially since there is only one dealership in Salt Lake City. Unfortunately, my experience with the Suzuki Dealership in West Valley has been less than satisfactory. Their customer service leaves much to be desired, and I would not recommend them to anyone. Additionally, I have noticed that my car tends to feel unstable when going around corners.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Suzuki Sidekick problems:

Suzuki Sidekick Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Suzuki Sidekick Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/suzuki/sidekick

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.

Problems to look for when buying | Suzuki Forums
Problems to look for when buying | Suzuki Forums
https://www.suzuki-forums.com/threads/problems-to-look-for-when-buying.56365/

Jan 29, 2013 ... Sidekick/Escudo/Vitara/ Geo/X-90 &Tracker('89-'98) ... '97 Suzuki Vitara 8v, parts car - worth its ... Yes, definitely stay away from the Suzuki ...

1998 Suzuki Sidekick Problems | Kelley Blue Book
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/suzuki/sidekick/1998/common-problems/

How reliable is the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...

Sidekick reliability in 2021 | Suzuki Forums
Sidekick reliability in 2021 | Suzuki Forums
https://www.suzuki-forums.com/threads/sidekick-reliability-in-2021.270910/

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
Q&A: Common Problems with 1995 Suzuki Sidekick JLX Transmission
https://www.justanswer.com/car/4y1hz-suzuki-jlx-sidekick-4x4-95-suzuki-sidekick-jlx.html

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 ...

Other years of Suzuki Sidekick

suzuki sidekick 2000 photo
Sidekick 2000
Suzuki

1

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suzuki sidekick 1988 photo
Sidekick 1988
Suzuki

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suzuki sidekick 1989 photo
Sidekick 1989
Suzuki

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1

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suzuki sidekick 1990 photo
Sidekick 1990
Suzuki

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suzuki sidekick 1991 photo
Sidekick 1991
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suzuki sidekick 1992 photo
Sidekick 1992
Suzuki

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1998 Suzuki Sidekick photo