1989 Suzuki Sidekick
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1989 Suzuki Sidekick is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1989 Suzuki Sidekick at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1989 Suzuki Sidekick recalls 1
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.
1989 Suzuki Sidekick common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1989 Suzuki Sidekick MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 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 1989 Suzuki Sidekick costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick — ranges cover the 2 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 1995EXHAUST LEAK FIRES Closed
NHTSA #PE91126 · opened Sep 1991 · closed Jan 1992WELD FAILURE IN STRUCTURE Closed
NHTSA #PE90008 · Structure · opened Oct 1989 · closed Apr 1990An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 3
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 2018TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC) CHUGGLE/HUNTING CONDITION.*SD
Bulletin 9573L3001 · Power Train · Apr 1995CORRECT COOLANT USAGE. *EH
Bulletin 0204145 · Engine And Engine CoolingSource: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SIDEKICK. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1989 Suzuki Sidekick. 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 1995Emissions
CERTAIN VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 1101 - EMISSION DEVICE. INCORRECT INFORMATION ON EMISSION CONTROL LABEL.
Transport Canada #1989124 · Aug 1989Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Suzuki Sidekick
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 eschewed the "Grand" prefix. In Japan and a number of other markets, all generations have used the name Suzuki Escudo until 2024.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.