Model year guide

1988 Suzuki Samurai

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1988 Suzuki Samurai is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.

1988 Suzuki Samurai — representative photo
Representative photo

1988 Suzuki Samurai at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints21
Combined25 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1988 Suzuki Samurai recalls 1

Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly NHTSA Campaign #95V103008 · 24/05/1995

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.

Fix: 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 SU…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1988 Suzuki Samurai common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

1988 Suzuki Samurai MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City24 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,700
EPA size classSpecial Purpose Vehicles
TransmissionManual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1988 Suzuki Samurai costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,500
Fuel only$13,500
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
135.0–157.9 in
Width
60.2 in
Height
65.7–71.7 in
Wheelbase
79.9–93.7 in
Curb weight
2,094–2,205 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1988 Suzuki Samurai — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

TAKATA SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE Closed

NHTSA #EA95006 · Seat Belts · opened Mar 1995 · closed Aug 1995

VEHICLE STABILITY Closed

VEHICLE STABILITY

NHTSA #DP88019 · Suspension · opened Aug 1988 · closed Sep 1988

ROLLOVER Closed

ROLLOVER

NHTSA #DP88011 · Suspension · opened Feb 1988 · closed Sep 1988

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 2

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.

This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension lower arm ball joints to prevent the ball stud from becoming s…

Bulletin N-Q-G-045 · Suspension, Equipment · Nov 2018

CORRECT COOLANT USAGE. *EH

Bulletin 0104145 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SAMURAI. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1988 Suzuki Samurai. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Seats And Restraints

THE (Takata) ABS PLASTIC FRONT SEAT BELT RELEASE BUTTONS ON THESE VEHICLES MAY BREAK ALLOWING PLASTIC PIECES TO FALL INTO THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN, A NO LATCH, FALSE LATCH OR FAILURE TO UNLATCH CONDITION COULD OCCUR CREATING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH OR SUDDEN STOP. CORRECTION: FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED AS N…

Transport Canada #1995116 · Jun 1995

Lights And Instruments

CERTAIN VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 101 - CONTROL LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION.

Transport Canada #1988171 · Dec 1988

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Suzuki Samurai

The Suzuki Jimny is a series of four-wheel drive off-road mini SUVs manufactured and marketed by Japanese automaker Suzuki since 1970.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1988 Suzuki Samurai vehicles on record

1988 Suzuki Samurai 1988 Suzuki SamuraiJSA0SJ40000622982 1988 Suzuki Samurai 1988 Suzuki SamuraiJS3JC51CXJ4267868 1988 Suzuki Samurai 1988 Suzuki SamuraiJSADSJ50000182934 1988 Suzuki Samurai 1988 Suzuki SamuraiJS4JC51CXJ4250905 1988 Suzuki Samurai 1988 Suzuki SamuraiJSA0SJ50000172858 1988 Suzuki Samurai 1988 Suzuki SamuraiJSA0SJ50V00142279 1988 Suzuki Samurai 1988 Suzuki SamuraiJSA0SJ40000521517 1988 Suzuki Samurai 1988 Suzuki SamuraiJSA0SJ50000170182 1988 Suzuki Samurai 1988 Suzuki SamuraiJS4JC51C4J4263052 1988 Suzuki Samurai 1988 Suzuki SamuraiJSA0SJ40000518900

Other Suzuki Samurai model years

2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1987 1986 1985 1984 1982

1988 Suzuki Samurai — frequently asked questions

Does the 1988 Suzuki Samurai have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1988 Suzuki Samurai. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1988 Suzuki Samurai?

Across all 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seat belts, tires, structure.

What gas mileage does the 1988 Suzuki Samurai get?

The 1988 Suzuki Samurai has a U.S. EPA estimate of 25 mpg combined (24 city / 27 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.