1998 Suzuki Sidekick: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick: 0 recalls, 27 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
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Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (9): the most common themes are fails to deploy (4).
- Engine & cooling (6): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Fuel system (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1998 Suzuki Sidekick has 27 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 10 Sidekick model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 21). Complaints peaked in 2000 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 247,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (36 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 24 | 22 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 22 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 24 | 22 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 24 | 22 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 3-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Regular |
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 1998 Suzuki Sidekick.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1998 Suzuki Sidekick problems?
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (9), engine & cooling (6), fuel system (4).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 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.