1989 Suzuki Swift problems

General information about Suzuki-Swift
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Suzuki Swift (Japanese: スズキ・スイフト, Suzuki Suifuto) is a supermini car (B-segment) produced by Suzuki. The vehicle is classified as a B-segment marque in the European single market, a segment referred to as a supermini in the British Isles. Prior to this, the "Swift" nameplate had been applied to the rebadged Suzuki Cultus in numerous export markets since 1985 and for the Japanese-market Suzuki Ignis since 2000. The Swift became its own model in 2004. Currently, the Swift is positioned between Ignis and Baleno in Suzuki's global hatchback lineup.

Predecessors

International (1985–2003)

The Suzuki Swift nameplate began in 1985 as an export name for the Suzuki Cultus, a supermini (or subcompact) manufactured and marketed worldwide since 1983 across three generations and four body configurations—three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and two-door convertible—and using the Suzuki G engine family. The third generation was only sold in North America; the second generation remained in production for other markets across the world.

The Swift was marketed in the Japanese street domestic market (JDM) as the Cultus and elsewhere as the Suzuki SA310, Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Forsa, Chevrolet Swift, Chevrolet Sprint and Sprint Metro, Geo and Chevrolet Metro, Pontiac Firefly, Maruti 1000, Holden Barina and Subaru Justy. Versions of the second generation Cultus were also produced until 2007 in India and the car remained in production until 2016 in Pakistan and China.

Social links

Common 1989 Suzuki Swift problems

The Suzuki Swift 1989 is known for several common problems, primarily related to its engine, transmission, and electrical systems.

Engine Issues:
The 1.3-liter engine in the 1989 Suzuki Swift is known to have issues with the head gasket, which can cause the engine to overheat and eventually fail. This problem is more prevalent in high-mileage vehicles, and it is crucial to address it promptly to avoid severe engine damage.

Transmission Problems:
The manual transmission in the 1989 Suzuki Swift can experience issues with the synchronizers, leading to difficulty shifting gears, especially when the vehicle is cold. This problem can be addressed by replacing the synchronizers, but it is a complex and expensive repair.

Electrical System Issues:
The electrical system in the 1989 Suzuki Swift can be problematic, with issues such as blown fuses, intermittent electrical failures, and problems with the starter motor. These issues can be challenging to diagnose and may require the assistance of a professional mechanic.

Safety Concerns:
The 1989 Suzuki Swift lacks modern safety features such as anti-lock braking and airbags, making it a less safe vehicle compared to modern cars. Additionally, the car's small, lightweight body may not fare well in a collision, and rear-seat passengers could be at risk in a rear-end shunt.

Maintenance and Repair Costs:
The 1989 Suzuki Swift can be expensive to maintain and repair, especially as the vehicle ages and parts become harder to find. Additionally, some modifications to the car can make it impossible to insure, further increasing the cost of ownership.

In summary, the 1989 Suzuki Swift is known for several common problems, primarily related to its engine, transmission, and electrical systems. These issues can be expensive to repair, and the car's lack of modern safety features is a significant concern. However, with proper maintenance and care, the Swift can provide a fun and reliable driving experience.

What is the common problem of Suzuki Swift?

Some common problems with the Suzuki Swift include: Clutch slipping. Handbrake problems. Loss of power.

What are the disadvantages of Suzuki Swift?

Disadvantages of owning a Swift ZXI:

No Rear View Camera.
No Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels.
No Auto Dimming IRVM (Not present in top model ZXI+ too)
Less interior space (all variants)
Only 2 Front Airbags.
And last of all but should be the top one - Disastrous Global NCAP Safety Rating of 1 star each for Adult and Child Safety.

What is the most common problem with Suzuki?

Poor fuel efficiency, rough idling, hesitancy when accelerating, and even engine misfires have all been noted by owners. This issue often results from an air/fuel sensor that needs to be fixed. This sensor measures the air-to-fuel ratio during engine combustion.

Which model of Swift is worth buying?

Best for Economy – Suzuki Swift SZ-T 1.0 Boosterjet

In real-world driving, the 1.0-litre engine is the most economical option, returning around 50mpg. It's cheapest in SZ-T trim. A hybrid option offers a very slight mpg improvement, so isn't worth the extra cost.

1989 Suzuki Swift car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Suzuki Swift problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Structure problems
Latches/locks/linkages problems
Seats problems
Seat belts problems
Vehicle speed control problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Suzuki Swift vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Suzuki Swift complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Suzuki Swift.

2000-06-20

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2000-03-01
VIN: JS2AA34S2K5
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: FRAME RUSTED OUT- CAR PULLING APART. *AK

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2000-06-05

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: JS2AA34SXK5
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Summary: WHILE DRIVING HOOD SUDDENLY FLEW UP & CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER'S VIEW TO BE OBSTRUCTED. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP & MANUFACTURER ABOUT HOOD LATCH. VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP & TOWED TO MECHANIC.CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT VEHICLE WAS IN ACCIDENT, AND DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE HOOD LATCH. PROBLEM WITH HOOD HAD HAPPENED TWICE BEFORE.*AK

Add Complaint

1995-12-27

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: JS2AA34S5K5
Components: SEATS
Summary: WHILE DRIVING, EXPERIENCED DRIVER'S BACK REST FAILURE, WHEN ABRUPTLY SHEARED OFF SEAT, NO COLLISION. TT

Add Complaint

1995-04-19

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-04-19
VIN: JS2AA35S9K5
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: TAKATA SEATBELT FAILURE. TT

Add Complaint

1995-01-13

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-12-01
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: WHEN DRIVING PRESS THE ACCELERATOR CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKE OUT OF CONTROL. TT

Add Complaint

1989 Suzuki Swift recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Suzuki Swift.

1995-05-24

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.

1993-11-30

Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Summary: MISLOCATED ATTACHING SPOT WELDS OF THE HOOD STRIKER ASSEMBLY CAUSE CRACKS TO START ON THE HOOD INNER PANEL. IF CRACKS OCCUR, THE HOOD STRIKER ASSEMBLY MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE THE HOOD LATCH WHEN THE HOOD IS CLOSED.
Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY ENGAGED HOOD LATCH MAY RESULT IN A HOOD FLY-UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THIS COULD OBSTRUCT THE DRIVER'S VIEW AND COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SUZUKI WILL (A) INSTALL TWO BOLTS AND NUTS TO SECURE THE STRIKER ASSEMBLY TO THE HOOD INNER PANEL, AND (B) ENSURE THAT THE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY FASTENERS ARE PROPERLY TIGHTENED.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Suzuki Swift problems:

Suzuki Swift Misfire and Start-up Idle Issues | Suzuki Forums

https://www.suzuki-forums.com/threads/suzuki-swift-misfire-and-start-up-idle-issues.62329/

Apr 21, 2013 ... Only difference is that I have no misfiring I have a sudden revvingto 6000rpm and is now happening more frequent. Difference is it happens at ...

2008 Suzuki Swift Q&A: Fuel Injector Problems, No Start, No Spark

https://www.justanswer.com/car/5waad-2008-suzuki-swift-1-6-no-start-have-fuel-pressure-no-injector-pulse-no-spark.html

Nov 30, 2011 ... also engine rpm is displayed during crank cycle. are camshaft sensors a common failure. do you have a pin out for the cam sensor ? Auto ...

Suzuki Swift Misfire and Start-up Idle Issues | Page 3 | Suzuki Forums

https://www.suzuki-forums.com/threads/suzuki-swift-misfire-and-start-up-idle-issues.62329/page-3

Thanks 2013GV, after cutting open one of the old OEM coils its my understanding that the coils are fitted with a Darlington Transistor (commonly known as a ...

Getting rid of lifter noise. Lifter Disassembly ... - TeamSwift • View topic

https://tsarchive.suzukiswiftrepository.com/viewtopic.php-f=2&t=34314.html

Your Home for all things Suzuki Swift, Geo Metro ... No need to match halves and parts. Other common problems associated with lifter noise are: - ... 1989-GTi ...