RoadVitals

2012 Suzuki SX4 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Suzuki SX4, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Steering1634.0%
  • Airbags1429.8%
  • Powertrain (other)510.6%
  • Interior & seats36.4%
  • Engine24.3%
  • Driver assistance24.3%
  • Electrical12.1%
  • Exterior lighting12.1%
  • Brakes12.1%
  • Body & structure12.1%
  • Tires & wheels12.1%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 7, 2025

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

NHTSA ID 11422596 · filed Jun 28, 2021
All 16 reports naming steering

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 11, 2026

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 · filed Feb 18, 2024
All 14 reports naming airbags

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUZUKI SX4. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY REACH 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SUBARU OF WICHITA (11610 E KELLOGG DR N, WICHITA, KS 67207, (316) 264-7777) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WAS NOT READING THE COMPUTER INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE ON THE VEHICLE SEVEN DAYS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY IN THE DEALER'S POSSESSION AND HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,806.

NHTSA ID 11174811 · filed Feb 6, 2019

RECALL FOR GEAR SHIFT LEVER REPLACED WITH DEFECTIVE GEAR SHIFT LEVER THAT CAN BE BUMPED INTO REVERSE WHILE IN DRIVE.

NHTSA ID 11072796 · filed Feb 13, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 8, 2021

THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT SENSOR HAS FAILED TO REGISTER A PASSENGER AND COMMUNICATE WITH THE COMPUTER. THIS WILL CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO NOT DEPLOY AND CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE THE PASSENGER. SUZUKI WAS NOTIFIED AND REFUSES TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. INSTEAD THEY WANT OVER $2000 FOR A NEW SEAT. YEARS 2007 - 2011 HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND WAS RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME THING. PLEASE MAKE THEM ACCOUNTABLE AND DO A RECALL FOR THIS.

NHTSA ID 11000040 · filed Jun 19, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.

NHTSA ID 11278404 · filed Nov 6, 2019

WHILE BRAKING TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, THE ENGINE SURGED RADICALLY AND COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. THE CAR COASTED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BEFORE VIOLENTLY JOLTING TO A STOP BEFORE HITTING THE CURB. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOLID AS A ROCK WHILE APPLYING. THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME TWO DAYS LATER. BOTH INCIDENCES WERE REPORTED TO THE DEALER WHEN THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED PERHAPS I WAS EITHER DRIVING USING TWO FEET ON THE PEDALS, OR ONE FOOT ON BOTH THE GAS AND BRAKE. THIS WAS NO SO...! THE DEALER HAS OFFERED TO SEND AN OUTSIDE ENGINEER TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM BUT THE CAR HAS BEEN OPERATING WITHOUT INCIDENT AND TOLD THEM I WOULD CALL IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. I LOVE THE CAR AND TRADED A 2002 SUZUKI WHICH I OWNED FOR 10 YEARS AND LOVED IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10479991 · filed Oct 13, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE EVERY TIME YOU SHIFT GEARS THE CLUTCH MAKES UNUSUAL SOUND.

NHTSA ID 10762362 · filed Sep 8, 2015

WHILE BRAKING TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, THE ENGINE SURGED RADICALLY AND COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. THE CAR COASTED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BEFORE VIOLENTLY JOLTING TO A STOP BEFORE HITTING THE CURB. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOLID AS A ROCK WHILE APPLYING. THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME TWO DAYS LATER. BOTH INCIDENCES WERE REPORTED TO THE DEALER WHEN THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED PERHAPS I WAS EITHER DRIVING USING TWO FEET ON THE PEDALS, OR ONE FOOT ON BOTH THE GAS AND BRAKE. THIS WAS NO SO...! THE DEALER HAS OFFERED TO SEND AN OUTSIDE ENGINEER TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM BUT THE CAR HAS BEEN OPERATING WITHOUT INCIDENT AND TOLD THEM I WOULD CALL IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. I LOVE THE CAR AND TRADED A 2002 SUZUKI WHICH I OWNED FOR 10 YEARS AND LOVED IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10479991 · filed Oct 13, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER WERE STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND AND MOVED OUT OF POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT INFORMATION ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THERE WAS AN INTERNAL SHORT OR FRACTURE. THREE DEALERS WERE CONTACTED: ADVANTAGE SUZUKI (760 CENTRAL AVE, ALBANY, NY 12206, (518) 482-0500, (WHICH IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED AND NOW GOES BY DESTINATION KIA, (518) 478-8036)), LINCOLN OF WAYNE (1910 NJ-23, WAYNE, NJ 07470, (973) 696-9700), AND MILFORD SUZUKI (500 6TH ST, MILFORD, PA 18337, (570) 296-2636). ALL THREE DEALERS INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED AND THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN BY AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC (MIKES AUTO CARE, 6 WEST MAIN STREET EXTENSION, GOSHEN, NY 10924, (845) 294-8284). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A FAILURE COULD OCCUR DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER AND WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,036.

NHTSA ID 11041063 · filed Oct 30, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. I AM AFRAID THAT A SENSOR OR CONNECTION MAY CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO EITHER DEPLOY WHILE DRIVING OR NOT DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A SENSITIVE ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!!! *TR

NHTSA ID 10661318 · filed Nov 30, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE BRAKING TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION, THE ENGINE SURGED RADICALLY AND COULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. THE CAR COASTED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BEFORE VIOLENTLY JOLTING TO A STOP BEFORE HITTING THE CURB. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS SOLID AS A ROCK WHILE APPLYING. THIS HAPPENED A SECOND TIME TWO DAYS LATER. BOTH INCIDENCES WERE REPORTED TO THE DEALER WHEN THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED PERHAPS I WAS EITHER DRIVING USING TWO FEET ON THE PEDALS, OR ONE FOOT ON BOTH THE GAS AND BRAKE. THIS WAS NO SO...! THE DEALER HAS OFFERED TO SEND AN OUTSIDE ENGINEER TO INVESTIGATE PROBLEM BUT THE CAR HAS BEEN OPERATING WITHOUT INCIDENT AND TOLD THEM I WOULD CALL IF THIS SHOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. I LOVE THE CAR AND TRADED A 2002 SUZUKI WHICH I OWNED FOR 10 YEARS AND LOVED IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10479991 · filed Oct 13, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER WERE STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND AND MOVED OUT OF POSITION. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT INFORMATION ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL/CLUSTER. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THERE WAS AN INTERNAL SHORT OR FRACTURE. THREE DEALERS WERE CONTACTED: ADVANTAGE SUZUKI (760 CENTRAL AVE, ALBANY, NY 12206, (518) 482-0500, (WHICH IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED AND NOW GOES BY DESTINATION KIA, (518) 478-8036)), LINCOLN OF WAYNE (1910 NJ-23, WAYNE, NJ 07470, (973) 696-9700), AND MILFORD SUZUKI (500 6TH ST, MILFORD, PA 18337, (570) 296-2636). ALL THREE DEALERS INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED AND THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN BY AN INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED MECHANIC (MIKES AUTO CARE, 6 WEST MAIN STREET EXTENSION, GOSHEN, NY 10924, (845) 294-8284). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF A FAILURE COULD OCCUR DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER AND WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,036.

NHTSA ID 11041063 · filed Oct 30, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE BRIDGESTONE TIRES ONLY ABOUT 29,500 MILES AND HAVE UNEVEN WEAR ON ALL MY TIRES I HAVE THEM ROTAED AT EVERY 3000 MILES THAT SHOULDN'T BE AND MY AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE PASSANGER SIDE IS OFF WHEN YOU SIT IN THE SEAT AND ON WHEN NO NONE SITS IN IT TVI TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY JUST SAY THAT THE PERSON DOES NOT WEIGH ENOUGH FOR IT TO COME ON. *JS

NHTSA ID 10592596 · filed May 19, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .