2013 Suzuki Sx4 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (4) · Power Train (4) · Engine (3)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Suzuki Sx4 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (5)
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.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) 2018-05-17 · campaign 18V331000 · 5,786 vehicles
Defect: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2013 Suzuki Kizashi and SX4 vehicles equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Transmission Control Module (TCM) may fail causing a reduction in speed or reduced vehicle acceleration.
Risk: A reduction in vehicle speed or reduced acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the TCM, free of charge. The recall began on June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is 4005 to 4008.
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.
Power Train:automatic Transmission 2013-11-18 · campaign 13V572000 · 142 vehicles
Defect: Suzuki del Caribe (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2013 SX4 vehicles manufactured December 26, 2012, through February 4, 2013 and equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The bolts that fasten the drive plate to the torque converter may not have been installed with sufficient torque and may loosen and come out.
Risk: If the bolts detach they can get caught between the drive plate and cylinder block, which may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque converter bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-572-1490. Suzuki's recall number is VE.
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
2020-08-20 · Engine · 34,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2013 suzuki sx4. the contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle started to make an abnormal sound. the contact stated no warning light was illuminated. the contact parked on the side of the road however, the vehicle was not drivable. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where she was informed that the timin…”
2019-12-16 · Steering · 44,000 mi“the manufacturer refuse to repair the recall on my vehicle unless i sign a waiver. i feel like my rights are being violated. this is the second recall on my car for the same issues.. if the manufacturer does not repair my car , i will speak with an attorney and file a lawsuit.*dt *tr…”
2019-04-28 · Steering · 26,800 mi“i was driving on the new york thruway (i-87) northbound and took exit 23 for albany. when the off ramp made a sharp right hand curve, i realized that i had no power steering. the car continued straight and crossed the line onto the left shoulder lane and headed for the guardrail. i then turned the steering wheel really hard to the right in order…”
2018-12-31 · Steering“tl* the contact owns a 2013 suzuki sx4. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 18v804000 (steering); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. the dealer and manufacturer were not notified. the contact had not experi…”
2018-10-18 · Steering · 75,000 mi“power steering not functioning, no fluid leak. no "whining" noise.…”
2017-04-17 · Power Train · 55,111 mi“transmition-on 4/3/2017 monday - the vehicle would jump from 1500rpms to 4000rpms at 40 mph. also was losing gas mileage. i brought to dealer that i bought from and they said would have to charge me for a diagnostic test and changed my transmission fluid for a cost of $252.13. by wednesday it could barely run. i stopped at local auto repair shop, m…”
2016-04-28 · Seats · 38,549 mi“dashboard airbag warning light comes on and stays on. dealer reset it twice, still on, meaning airbag is not functional. dealer wants to start repair by replacing wiring harness in seat, then the airbag module, if that doesn't work. claims vehicle is out of warranty for this work. i believe it is a safety issue that shoudl be addressed by manufa…”
2016-03-21 · Power Train · 76,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2013 suzuki sx4. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v811000 (power train). the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be repaired for nhtsa campaign number: 14v811000 (power train). the contact stated that there was no failure to the vehicle prior to the recall repair. afterwards, the vehicle …”
2015-12-06 · Unknown Or Other · 40,000 mi“snow tires installersaid my rear brakes were shot. before long i began to hear metal on metal. the mileage was 40,000. too soon for brakes to wear out. i had them fixed - $285 + tax. cabin filter ($12.87 online) replaced - $21.95, debris removed $40. why isn't there a screen at the intake to eliminate rodents?…”
2015-06-17 · Engine · 36,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2013 suzuki sx4. while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled and the steering wheel seized. after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. the failure recurred multiple times. the vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. the mechanic stated that the air compressor needed to be replaced. the vehicle wa…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.