Model year guide

1993 Suzuki Sidekick

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1993 Suzuki Sidekick is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

1993 Suzuki Sidekick at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints14
Combined21–23 mpg

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

1993 Suzuki Sidekick recalls 1

Suspension:rear NHTSA Campaign #94V073002 · 16/04/1994

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS OF THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLIES ON INVOLVED VEHICLES AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE COMPLETE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY.

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.

1993 Suzuki Sidekick common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

1993 Suzuki Sidekick MPG & running costs

Combined21–23 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,100
EPA size classSpecial Purpose Vehicles
Transmission3 options
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 12 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 1993 Suzuki Sidekick costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,500
Fuel only$15,500
Per mile$0.21

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
142.5–158.7 in
Width
64.2–64.6 in
Height
65.4–66.9 in
Wheelbase
86.6–97.6 in
Curb weight
2,249–2,679 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 1

REAR AXLE HOUSING FAILURE Closed

NHTSA #PE94011 · Suspension · opened Feb 1994 · closed Apr 1994

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

Manufacturer service bulletins 5

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

TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH (TCC) CHUGGLE/HUNTING CONDITION.*SD

Bulletin 9573L3001 · Power Train · Apr 1995

MODIFICATION OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTERNAL PARTS. *TW

Bulletin TS30505113R · Power Train · Jan 1993

MODIFICATION OF INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THERMOSTAT. *TW

Bulletin TS41304063R · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 1993

CORRECT COOLANT USAGE. *EH

Bulletin 0204145 · Engine And Engine Cooling

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

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Brakes

NOTE: 2 DOOR VEHICLES ONLY. THE REAR AXLE HOUSING ASSEMBLIES ON THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY, WHICH COULD ALLOW A WELDING FRACTURE AT THE AXLE SHAFT HOUSING TUBE TO THE DIFFERENTIAL CASE. FRACTURE OF THE AXLE SHAFT HOUSING COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF REAR BRAKING AND ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL. CORRECTION: REAR AXLE HOUSING ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSPECTED…

Transport Canada #1994076 · Apr 1994

Source: 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.

1993 Suzuki Sidekick vehicles on record

1993 Suzuki SidekickJS3TD02VXP4107118 1993 Suzuki SidekickJS3TD02V8P4105030 1993 Suzuki SidekickJS3TD02VXP4100220

Other Suzuki Sidekick model years

1997 1996 1995 1994 1992 1991 1990 1989

1993 Suzuki Sidekick — frequently asked questions

Does the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick. 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 1993 Suzuki Sidekick?

Across all 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control.

What gas mileage does the 1993 Suzuki Sidekick get?

The 1993 Suzuki Sidekick has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (12 versions).

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