MotorDeets

1994 Suzuki Sidekick: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick: 1 recall, 21 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
21owner complaints
2mention a crash
23best combined mpg
1994 Suzuki Sidekick
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile · CC BY-SA 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.

Suspension Vehicle recall #94V073002 · 1994 · 5,247 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Separation of the wheel assembly can cause loss of vehicle control and separation of the brake line results in loss of one-half ofthe braking system, increasing stopping distance. In either case, an accidentcan occur.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the welds of the rear axle assemblies on involved vehicles and, if necessary, replace the complete rear axle assembly.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Body & structure4
Suspension3
Tires3
Transmission & drivetrain3
Brakes (hydraulic)2
Electrical2
Engine & cooling2
Exterior lights1

What owners describe

The 1994 Suzuki Sidekick has 21 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 10 Sidekick model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 21). Complaints peaked in 1996 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old. Neighboring years: 1993 (14 complaints, 1 recalls), 1995 (26 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive222423Regular
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive222423Regular
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive212422Regular
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive212422Regular
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic 3-spdRear-Wheel Drive212221Regular
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive192421Regular
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive202421Regular
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic 3-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive212221Regular
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive192421Regular
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive202421Regular

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 1994 Suzuki Sidekick.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1994 Suzuki Sidekick 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 1994 Suzuki Sidekick 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 1994 Suzuki Sidekick 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 1994 Suzuki Sidekick manual

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FAQ

Does the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick. 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 1994 Suzuki Sidekick problems?

Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are body & structure (4), suspension (3), tires (3).

What gas mileage does the 1994 Suzuki Sidekick get?

EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 10 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1994 Suzuki Sidekick 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 Sidekick years

1990199119921993199419951996199719982000