MotorDeets

1990 Suzuki Samurai: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1990 Suzuki Samurai: 1 recall, 2 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
2owner complaints
0mention a crash
25best combined mpg
1990 Suzuki Samurai
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #95V103008 · 1995 · 127,155 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: The safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.

The 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…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Seat belts1
Electrical1

What owners describe

The 1990 Suzuki Samurai has 2 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 5 Samurai model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 2). Neighboring years: 1991 (3 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.3 L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive242625Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Suzuki Samurai.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1990 Suzuki Samurai manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1990 Suzuki Samurai manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1990 Suzuki Samurai manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1990 Suzuki Samurai manual

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FAQ

Does the 1990 Suzuki Samurai have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1990 Suzuki Samurai. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1990 Suzuki Samurai problems?

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seat belts (1), electrical (1).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Suzuki Samurai get?

EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (1.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1990 Suzuki Samurai repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Samurai years

19901991199219941998