If you’re looking for an affordable daily driver, you can never go wrong with a Suzuki SX4. Its standard features along with its economical price make this model a popular choice in the used car market. If you’re planning to buy a Suzuki SX4, it’s important to read up on its reliability ratings and the common issues you may encounter as it racks up mileage.
Are Suzuki SX4s Reliable?
The Suzuki SX4’s reliability ratings vary between model years. US News & World Report gave the 2013 Suzuki SX4 a reliability score of 2.5 out of 5, which is considered below average. Meanwhile, the 2010 model was given a perfect reliability score of 5 out of 5.
The best way to make the most out of your vehicle’s service life is to follow your regular maintenance schedule and address repairs as soon as possible.
Suzuki SX4 Common Problems
Just like any other car on the market today, the Suzuki SX4 has its fair share of issues. Here are some of the most common problems you may encounter per model year:
Transmission Failure
There are only a few complaints listed for the 2013 model year. One of the more serious issues involves the vehicle’s transmission. According to the owner of an affected vehicle, he noticed unusual noises coming from the transmission. The car also wouldn’t accelerate or shift properly after some time. A mechanic had to replace his vehicle’s transmission to solve these issues.
Few complaints have been for the 2013 Suzuki SX4. One of the more serious issues involves the vehicle’s transmission. Image source: Wikimedia.
If you encounter transmission-related issues with your SX4, bring it to a professional right away. This may help you avoid costly repairs in the future. You can read this article to learn more about transmission-related problems.
Leaking Rear Axle Seals
Another common problem that drivers may encounter is leaking rear axle seals. One owner of a 2011 Suzuki SX4 has reported that their axle seals suddenly went bad and started to leak at around 80,000 miles. They were able to fix the leak by replacing the faulty seals on their own. A replacement axle seal may cost anywhere between $10 and $15.
Sticking Accelerator Pedal
Some owners of the 2007 to 2011 model years have reported that the accelerator pedal on some units may stick because of carbon buildup on the throttle shaft. There’s also a possibility that a throttle body cleaner was used, removing the special coating on the throttle shaft. Technicians may recommend replacing the throttle body to solve the issue.
5th Gear Stopped Working
This problem is considered the worst for this model because of its high repair costs. Repairs for a malfunctioning 5th gear can cost you as much as $1,950.
According to one owner, her 2008 Suzuki SX4 transmission suddenly malfunctioned on her way to work despite being well-maintained. It shifted to 5th gear, but the tachometer read “neutral.”
Repairs for a malfunctioning 5th gear on the Suzuki SX4 can cost you as much as $1,950. Image source: Wikimedia.
A similar problem was also recorded in RepairPal. According to reports, some units belonging to the 2007-2009 model years may be affected by this issue. The manual transmission on affected SX4s may pop out of the 5th gear. Some mechanics have identified a faulty 5th gear synchronizer as the culprit behind the issue.
Cracked Engine Block
One owner has reported that the engine of his 2008 Suzuki SX4 started to fail at approximately 97,800 miles. The dealership determined that the vehicle had a cracked engine block. Fortunately, the vehicle was still under warranty at the time of the repair.
Issues with the engine can cost a lot to fix, so it’s best to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop as soon as engine-related problems crop up. The owner of the affected vehicle had to have his engine replaced to solve the issue.
Air Bag Sensor Light Issues
Malfunctioning air bag sensors have been reported in many 2007 Suzuki SX4 units. Faulty sensors may cause the air bag sensor light to come on and beep intermittently, causing panic among drivers while on the road.
This problem must be addressed right away because there may be a possibility that the air bags won’t deploy properly in case of an emergency. Replacing the passenger seat and air bag sensors appeared to solve the issue on the affected vehicles.
If you’re in the market for a Suzuki SX4, it’s best to do your research and find out which model years are the most reliable and are easy to repair. As long as you’re aware of the issues that may develop per model year, buying an SX4 should come with little risk.
Lisa Conant grew up in Canada around a solid contingency of gear heads and DIY motor enthusiasts. She is an eclectic writer with a varied repertoire in the automotive industry, including research pieces with a focus on daily drivers and recreational vehicles. Lisa has written for Car Bibles and The Drive.
The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.
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This is one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. I’ve had it since it was new in 2009 and it’s still going strong. Never had any problems with it and have serviced it and maintained it well. Only thing I’ve had to buy for it in thirteen years has been tires, new battery and windshield wipers. Great car!! I will never get rid of it unless I pass it down to my grandkids.
This is one of the worst vehicles I have ever owned! After two years I had problems with the brakes dragging and took it in! They checked it and said it was OK! But installed larger lug nuts when the tires were reinstalled and stripped the bolts! Then the bearings had to be replaced all round! Then a transmission problem including a loud deep humm when driving over 60km/hr! I had to replace 3 alternators. Overheating transmission is a regular occurance! Can’t see the alternator or the fan belts or alternator! This is just a few of the problems! The fans continually run to cool the engine despite being in a cool climate! This CVT is a disgrace and should have never been a part of this vehicles makeup! Jatco and Suzuki and Fiat should be investigated for presenting a device so dangerous to public safety! I’ve been stranded in 40 below temperatures twice and despite the thousands od dollars put into this vehicle it is deeply flawed and suffers almost guaranteed problems! Especially with the alternator right next to the front! It is vulnerable to road grime and probably the reason I have had to replace 3 alternators!! Junk!
I'm getting grand vitara 05 to 2010 model for some work for a friend. It's a v6 auto transmission 4wd in the floor fires right up every time only issue the 4wd won't engage what are problems that I can start checking out first has auto hubs plan on changing to lock outs and maybe switch out auto transmission to 5 speed later if possible
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This is one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. I’ve had it since it was new in 2009 and it’s still going strong. Never had any problems with it and have serviced it and maintained it well. Only thing I’ve had to buy for it in thirteen years has been tires, new battery and windshield wipers. Great car!! I will never get rid of it unless I pass it down to my grandkids.
This is one of the worst vehicles I have ever owned! After two years I had problems with the brakes dragging and took it in! They checked it and said it was OK! But installed larger lug nuts when the tires were reinstalled and stripped the bolts! Then the bearings had to be replaced all round! Then a transmission problem including a loud deep humm when driving over 60km/hr! I had to replace 3 alternators. Overheating transmission is a regular occurance! Can’t see the alternator or the fan belts or alternator! This is just a few of the problems! The fans continually run to cool the engine despite being in a cool climate! This CVT is a disgrace and should have never been a part of this vehicles makeup! Jatco and Suzuki and Fiat should be investigated for presenting a device so dangerous to public safety! I’ve been stranded in 40 below temperatures twice and despite the thousands od dollars put into this vehicle it is deeply flawed and suffers almost guaranteed problems! Especially with the alternator right next to the front! It is vulnerable to road grime and probably the reason I have had to replace 3 alternators!! Junk!
I'm getting grand vitara 05 to 2010 model for some work for a friend. It's a v6 auto transmission 4wd in the floor fires right up every time only issue the 4wd won't engage what are problems that I can start checking out first has auto hubs plan on changing to lock outs and maybe switch out auto transmission to 5 speed later if possible