RoadVitals

2012 Suzuki SX4

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
40
Latest Feb 11, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Nov 14, 2018
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 40 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Suzuki SX4, most frequently naming the steering, airbags and powertrain (other) categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 4 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering1634.0%
  • Airbags1429.8%
  • Powertrain (other)510.6%
  • Interior & seats36.4%
  • Engine24.3%
  • Driver assistance24.3%
  • Electrical12.1%
  • Exterior lighting12.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
18V804000

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

Nov 14, 2018
18,673 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.Manufacturer number CZView on NHTSA.gov
15V587000

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

Sep 22, 2015
18,673 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.Manufacturer number VSView on NHTSA.gov
14V811000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

Dec 22, 2014
60,823 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.Manufacturer number VLView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 40
Airbags
Filed Feb 11, 2026

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 that the rear seat lever was lifted to lower the rear seat, and the front driver's side curtain air bag, and the rear passenger's side pillar air bag independently deployed. The failure occurred instantly when the rear seat was lowered. There was a loud sound but no smoke. The contact fell to the ground when the air bags deployed. The front passenger's seat belt was latched at the time; however, the front passenger's seat was unoccupied. The front passenger's seat belt became inoperable after the failure. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 153,750.

NHTSA ID
11717298
Incident
Feb 9, 2026
Mileage
153,750 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 7, 2025

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 failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously serviced under an undisclosed NHTSA recall that was associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

NHTSA ID
11641336
Incident
Feb 2, 2025
Mileage
121,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Feb 18, 2024

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 sensing system sensor mat that is built into the front passenger seat bottom cushion. The disconnection is due to repeated flexing of the sensor mat from use of the front passenger seat. If this condition occurs, the “AIR BAG” light in the instrument cluster and, the front passenger’s seat belt reminder light will come on. Also, the “PASS AIR BAG OFF” indicator light will remain off because the front passenger air bag will remain enabled. In a frontal impact of significant magnitude, the front air bag will deploy with full force - even with a child, or small adult, in the front seat. Air bag deployment with a child or small adult in the front passenger seat increases the risk of severe injury or death to that occupant. Replacement front seats are backordered, likely because of the recall in 2007-2011 vehicles, and despite placing an order for a new seat in May 2023, I have been waiting 9 months for a pallet to ship from Suzuki. Given the danger of traveling with a passenger given the vehicle's condition, and the fact that this was a known issue for the 5 prior years of this vehicle, this is an unacceptable amount of time to wait for a replacement part, and this should be investigated as a potential necessary recall for 2012 Suzuki SX4s.

NHTSA ID
11572611
Incident
May 1, 2023
Steering
Filed Jun 28, 2021

2012 SUZUKI SX4. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR POWER STEERING PUMP SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11422596
Incident
Jun 28, 2021
Interior & seats
Filed Mar 8, 2021

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 PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT HE WOULD RECEIVE A CALLBACK HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

NHTSA ID
11399704
Incident
Feb 1, 2021
Mileage
46,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 20, 2021

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

NHTSA ID
11397103
Incident
Oct 23, 2018
Steering
Filed Jul 30, 2020

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

NHTSA ID
11342373
Incident
Feb 1, 2020
Steering
Filed Jan 21, 2020

2012 SUZUKI SX4. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE POWER STEERING PUMP. *LD *JS

NHTSA ID
11299841
Incident
Jan 21, 2020

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SUZ_016008

STRUCTURE; SUSPENSION

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.

N-Q-G-045

EQUIPMENT; SUSPENSION

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.

suz_013727

ENGINE; POWER TRAIN

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.

SUZ_013377

POWER TRAIN

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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Suzuki SX4 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013155051.5
2012Viewing403050.3
2011133149.6
2010215163.6
2009483157.3
20081013157.3
2007732152.1
2000100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.