Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2011 Suzuki SX4 with NHTSA between 2011 and 2019.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 13
Against the median year of the Suzuki SX4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 65
12.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2011 Suzuki SX4
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
425.0%
Median failure at 99,140 miles
Airbags
318.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 38,000 mi
Electrical System
318.8%
Median failure at 70,100 miles
Lights
212.5%
Median failure at 21,550 miles
Equipment & Accessories
16.3%
Median failure at 2,700 miles
Wheels
16.3%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
16.3%
Body & Structure
16.3%
Median failure at 41,500 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
216.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
18.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
433.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
325.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
18.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
18.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2011 Suzuki SX4 SW AWD
—
—
—
13.3% risk
2011 Suzuki SX4 4 DR FWD
—
—
—
13.3% risk
2011 Suzuki SX4 SW FWD
—
—
—
13.3% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2011peak 3Aug 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2011 Suzuki SX4
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE13021Opened 14 Jun 2013Closed 30 Sep 2013AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Occupant Classification System Failure
Suzuki Motor of America is conducting a safety recall to remedy the occupant classification system's (OCS) sensor mats in approximately 193,936 model year 2006-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 Suzuki SX4 vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-405 for more details).The sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat can develop an electrical circuit disconnection as a result of repeated flexing of the seat from use of the seat.According to Suzuki, when the failure occurs, the OCS system, by design, will not suppress the frontal passenger air bag for a seated child or small-stature adult.A deploy...
Recalls on the 2011 Suzuki SX4
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201457812,705 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the detent pin within the shift lock structure may have been incorrectly positioned. An incorrectly positioned detent pin in combination with high temperature conditions could allow the transmission shift selector to be moved out of the PARK position without depressing the brake pedal. Depending which gear the driver selects, the vehicle could begin to move forward or backward immediately. This movement could result in property damage, or cause the vehicle to strike a bystander, potentially resulting in injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the shift selector assembly with an improved part which incorporates an extended detent pin.
Recall 201330549,125 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the Occupant Classification System may malfunction, causing the airbag warning lamp to illuminate, and could fail to disable the passenger airbag if a child were seated in the front passenger seating position. This could result in an unwarranted airbag deployment in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to a child seated in the front passenger seat. Note: In this situation, the "PASS AIR BAG OFF" light would fail to illuminate, regardless of if a child or adult is seated in the front passenger seat. Correction: Vehicles will receive special extended warranty coverage of 10 years or 200,000 kilometers (whichever comes first) from the date the vehicle was originally placed into service. Under this special coverage program, vehicles which experience this condition will have the occupant detection mat replaced.
Recall 201104113,400 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt, which operates the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump, may contain an improperly manufactured internal spring that can break due to repeated stress. Should the spring break, this would cause the drive belt tension to be maladjusted, allowing the belt to slip. If the belt comes off, the loss of steering power assist would require the driver to exert increased effort to steer the vehicle. This could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Additionally, the loss of water pump function would cause the coolant temperature to rise, which can lead to engine overheating, while the loss of alternator charging ability would lead to battery discharge and eventual engine stall. Correction: Dealers will replace the drive belt tension adjuster pulley.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 60,000 milesMayaguez,, PRCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. WHILE PROCEEDING THROUGH TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP TO AVOID ENTERING THE INTERSECTION ON THE RED LIGHT. A DRIVER ENTERING THE INTERSECTION FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER AND CONTACT SUFFERED BACK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V405000 (AIR BAGS) IN MAY OF 2014. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10661176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 41,500 milesNorth Brunswick, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CONSTANT HUMMING FROM THE REAR HATCH LOCK ACTUATOR -- AND THE REAR HATCH PARTIALLY UNLOCKS AND UNLATCHES ITSELF WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE POWER LOCKING SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING COMPLETELY. THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND AUTOMATIC INDOOR DOME LIGHT ALSO STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACED THE REAR HATCH LOCK ACTUATOR WITH A BRAND NEW SUZUKI PART, BUT DETERMINED THIS IS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PER THE ATTACHED PDFS OF ONLINE REPAIR FORUM POSTS, APPARENTLY ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE PART OF A CIRCUIT THAT NORMALLY IS ACTIVATED WHEN ONE RELEASES THE PARKING BRAKE. ACCORDING TO THOSE WHO INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM IN SOME DEPTH (SEE THE ATTACHED PDFS), A SHORT IN THIS CIRCUIT ENDS UP CAUSING ONE OF THE TERMINALS IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE ("BCM") TO BURN OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE (I) IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE THE REAR HATCH RELEASE AND/OR FLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING, AND (II) THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ALSO ARE DISABLED BY THIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. I MADE SUZUKI AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM IN DECEMBER 2018 AND AGAIN TODAY. THE PROBLEM LIKELY ENTAILS A REPAIR COST GREATER THAN $1,000, BUT SUZUKI IS UNWILLING TO TAKE ANY ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #11242067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,500 milesNorth Brunswick, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
CONSTANT HUMMING FROM THE REAR HATCH LOCK ACTUATOR -- AND THE REAR HATCH PARTIALLY UNLOCKS AND UNLATCHES ITSELF WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE POWER LOCKING SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING COMPLETELY. THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND AUTOMATIC INDOOR DOME LIGHT ALSO STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACED THE REAR HATCH LOCK ACTUATOR WITH A BRAND NEW SUZUKI PART, BUT DETERMINED THIS IS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PER THE ATTACHED PDFS OF ONLINE REPAIR FORUM POSTS, APPARENTLY ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE PART OF A CIRCUIT THAT NORMALLY IS ACTIVATED WHEN ONE RELEASES THE PARKING BRAKE. ACCORDING TO THOSE WHO INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM IN SOME DEPTH (SEE THE ATTACHED PDFS), A SHORT IN THIS CIRCUIT ENDS UP CAUSING ONE OF THE TERMINALS IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE ("BCM") TO BURN OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE (I) IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE THE REAR HATCH RELEASE AND/OR FLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING, AND (II) THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ALSO ARE DISABLED BY THIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. I MADE SUZUKI AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM IN DECEMBER 2018 AND AGAIN TODAY. THE PROBLEM LIKELY ENTAILS A REPAIR COST GREATER THAN $1,000, BUT SUZUKI IS UNWILLING TO TAKE ANY ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #11242067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,500 milesNorth Brunswick, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSTANT HUMMING FROM THE REAR HATCH LOCK ACTUATOR -- AND THE REAR HATCH PARTIALLY UNLOCKS AND UNLATCHES ITSELF WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE POWER LOCKING SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING COMPLETELY. THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND AUTOMATIC INDOOR DOME LIGHT ALSO STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACED THE REAR HATCH LOCK ACTUATOR WITH A BRAND NEW SUZUKI PART, BUT DETERMINED THIS IS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PER THE ATTACHED PDFS OF ONLINE REPAIR FORUM POSTS, APPARENTLY ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE PART OF A CIRCUIT THAT NORMALLY IS ACTIVATED WHEN ONE RELEASES THE PARKING BRAKE. ACCORDING TO THOSE WHO INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM IN SOME DEPTH (SEE THE ATTACHED PDFS), A SHORT IN THIS CIRCUIT ENDS UP CAUSING ONE OF THE TERMINALS IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE ("BCM") TO BURN OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE (I) IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE THE REAR HATCH RELEASE AND/OR FLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING, AND (II) THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ALSO ARE DISABLED BY THIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. I MADE SUZUKI AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM IN DECEMBER 2018 AND AGAIN TODAY. THE PROBLEM LIKELY ENTAILS A REPAIR COST GREATER THAN $1,000, BUT SUZUKI IS UNWILLING TO TAKE ANY ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #11242067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,280 milesWashington, DC
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY DAY FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FITZGERALD WHEATON (10915 GEORGIA AVENUE, WHEATON, MD 20902) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRESSURE CONTROL SHIFT SOLENOID "B" FAILED AND THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,280.
NHTSA complaint #11131013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,100 milesCarpentersville, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO STEER WHEN ALL ELECTRICAL POWER WENT OUT. THE ONLY THING SHOWING ON THE DASHBOARD IS THE ENGINE SYMBOL. VEHICLE STARTS WITHOUT PROBLEM AFTER INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10711808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sunrise, FL
POWER TRAIN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V811000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10693259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auburn, AL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V405000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, UPON INSPECTION BY THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG THAT CAUSED THE WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10681597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMayaguez,, PRCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. WHILE PROCEEDING THROUGH TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP TO AVOID ENTERING THE INTERSECTION ON THE RED LIGHT. A DRIVER ENTERING THE INTERSECTION FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER AND CONTACT SUFFERED BACK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V405000 (AIR BAGS) IN MAY OF 2014. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10661176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesHubbard, OH
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ALTHOUGH THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V405000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. UPDATED 12/2/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WAS PASSED ITS WARRANTY THEREFORE THE COST FOR REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED. UPDATED 05/7/2015
NHTSA complaint #10650864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesWichita, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #10621444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesAurora, IL
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE SIDE OF THE VALVE STEM THAT CAUSED A SLOW LEAK IN THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30000.
NHTSA complaint #10458467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rensselaer, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2011 SUZUKI SX 4 CROSSOVER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GAS MILEAGE AND TRANSMISSION ISSUES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HIM, IT WOULD TAKE UP TO 5,000 MILES IN ORDER FOR HIM TO GET 23 MPG. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A HESITATION WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10446518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rensselaer, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2011 SUZUKI SX 4 CROSSOVER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GAS MILEAGE AND TRANSMISSION ISSUES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HIM, IT WOULD TAKE UP TO 5,000 MILES IN ORDER FOR HIM TO GET 23 MPG. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A HESITATION WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10446518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED WAS USING THE TIRE JACK TO LIFT THE VEHICLE AND CHANGE A TIRE. DURING THE PROCESS, THE BASS OF THE JACK BENT AND THE VEHICLE FELL BACK DOWN TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,700. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10436744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,600 milesSchenectady, NE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4 AWD (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS AND THE NOTICED THE HEAD LIGHTS HAD NOT BEEN TURNED ON. THE CONTACT STATED THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AND WERE BRIGHT AND HE THOUGHT THE HEAD LIGHT WERE ON. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED WHICH THE CONTACT STATED USUALLY INDICATED THE TAIL LIGHTS ARE ON. THE CONTACT WENT THROUGH THE MANUAL AND STATED IT DID NOT SEE INFORMATION REGARDING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATING WITHOUT THE HEADLIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT WAS THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT BECAUSE THE CONTACT WAS RECORDING THE CALL THEY COULD NOT SPEAK WITH HIM. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,600.
NHTSA complaint #10393844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesHouston, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
2008 FORENZA SUZUKI THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WHEN DRIVING AND THE COMPUTER ON THE DASHBOARD MAY CHANGE FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE, PARK OR NEUTRAL WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE DEALER STATES THAT IT MAY NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10384111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.