2012 Suzuki Sx4 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (14) · Air Bags (10) · Power Train (4)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Suzuki Sx4 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
22 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (3)
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump 2018-11-14 · campaign 18V804000 · 18,673 vehicles
Defect: Suzuki Motor America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Suzuki SX4 vehicles. The power steering pump may seize causing a loss of steering assist.
Risk: A seizure of the power steering pump would cause a loss of power steering assist, requiring extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Suzuki has notified owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2019. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is CZ.
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump 2015-09-22 · campaign 15V587000 · 18,673 vehicles
Defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2012-2103 Suzuki SX4 vehicles manufactured September 3, 2011, to April 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, insufficient clearance between the power steering pump body and the power steering fluid control valve may cause improper movement of the valve, and as a result, the power steering pump may seize.
Risk: A seizure of the power steering pump would cause a loss of power steering assist, requiring extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki's customer service number at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VS.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (Prndl) 2014-12-22 · campaign 14V811000 · 60,823 vehicles
Defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 SX4 vehicles manufactured July 16, 2009, to November 1, 2012, and 2010-2013 Kizashi vehicles manufactured October 13, 2009, to October 31, 2012. The shift selector can be moved out of the "Park" position without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk: If the shift selector is moved out of the "Park" position while the brake pedal is not depressed, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift selector assembly and inspect, and if necessary, replace the shift knob, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-714-996-7040. Suzuki's number for this recall is VL.
Service bulletins (4)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Suspension 2022-07-08 · SUZ_016008 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.
Suspension 2018-11-20 · N-Q-G-045 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin was sent by suzuki motor corporation to its authorized suzuki automobile distributors in the u.s., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension lower arm ball joints to prevent the ball stud from becoming separated from the suspension lower arm.
Power Train 2017-07-06 · suz_013727 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin describes corrective action needed to address complaints of reduction in engine power output due to activation of the continuously variable transmission (cvt) temperature protection control system due to deterioration of the cvt fluid or malfunction of the transmission control module.
Power Train 2016-10-14 · SUZ_013377 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin announces the availability of an improved driveshaft flange and differential side oil seal for 4wd sx4 vehicles. the improved parts have been designed to improve prevention of corrosion on vehicles driven in severe weather conditions.
What owners report
2026-02-11 · Air Bags · 153,750 mi“the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. the contact stated while the vehicle was parked and the engine was running, the air bags independently deployed. the contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact was on the outside of the vehicle, removing items from the rear seat on the rear passenger's side of the vehicle. the contact stated t…”
2025-02-07 · Steering · 121,000 mi“the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. the contact stated while driving at approximately 73 mph, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. no warning light was illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the fail…”
2024-02-18 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification“the airbag sensor in the passenger seat failed. there is a known supplemental restraint system issue/recall in 2007-2011 suzuki sx4s, however there has not been a recall for the 2012 model despite this being an issue beyond the aforementioned years. affected vehicles may develop an electrical circuit disconnection within the front passenger sensi…”
2021-06-28 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid“2012 suzuki sx4. consumer writes seeking reimbursement for power steering pump safety recall. …”
2021-03-08 · Seats · 46,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. the contact stated while driving 55 mph, the front passenger's side seat warning light illuminated. the contact took the vehicle to sarasota mitsubishi (6826 s tamiami trail, sarasota, fl 34231) where it was diagnosed as passenger side seat bottom malfunction. the dealer informed the contact that the front pa…”
2021-02-20 · Steering“i was sent a recall notice for my car and the problem is that the service provider that is near my home has closed down and the other one that is on the list is 50 miles away from my home. all other places are out of my state. help…”
2020-07-30 · Steering“nothing yet. i continue to get recall noticed but no one has parts for it anymore and can't get them in. the car is drivable but i worry about an incident happening one day…”
2020-01-21 · Steering“2012 suzuki sx4. consumer writes in regards to defective power steering pump. *ld *js…”
2019-12-20 · Steering“tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v587000 (steering). the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the manufacturer was made aware of the issue and stated that the part was not available for the repair. the contact had not exp…”
2019-11-06 · Steering · 36,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki sx4. the contact called nhtsa regarding nhtsa campaign number: 15v587000 (steering). while the vehicle was at a complete stop, the engine started to rattle uncontrollably. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the f…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.