1994 Suzuki Sidekick
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1994 Suzuki Sidekick is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.
1994 Suzuki Sidekick at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
1994 Suzuki Sidekick recalls 1
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.
1994 Suzuki Sidekick common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
1994 Suzuki Sidekick MPG & running costs
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 1994 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 1994 Suzuki Sidekick — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 4
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 2018THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS THE REVISED CLAIMS SUBMISSION PROCEDURES FOR REPLACEMENT BATTERIES UNDER WARRANTY. *TT
Bulletin SW07 · Electrical System · May 2000TORQUE 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 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1994 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 1994Source: 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.