Suzuki

Sx4 (2012)

2012 · Compact Sedan ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.5)
40 NHTSA Complaints
3 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
2 Crash Reports
View all 6 generations of the Suzuki Sx4 → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
3/5
Rollover
4/5 (13.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
3/5
Rollover
4/5 (13.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
3/5
Rollover
4/5 (13.3% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

2.0-I4-Gas

2.0L 4-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.5)
36 complaints 36.0 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
14
safety systems
12
transmission
5
interior
3
engine
2

Known Issues

Steering Issues (14 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (12 complaints)
Transmission Issues (5 complaints)

Same engine used in

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Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Suzuki Sx4 Unidentified Engine

โœ… Recommended (4.0)
4 complaints 4.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
2
safety systems
2
wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (2 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Suzuki Sx4 regardless of engine variant.

Steering Issues (16 complaints)
steering critical
Safety Systems Issues (14 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Transmission Issues (5 complaints)
transmission cosmetic

Recalls (3)

18V804000Nov 13, 2018serious
Steering

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.

15V587000Sep 21, 2015serious
Steering

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.

14V811000Dec 21, 2014serious
Powertrain

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.

Alternatives in Compact Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2012-2012 Suzuki Sx4 problems?

The 2012-2012 Suzuki Sx4 has accumulated 40 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Steering, Safety Systems, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Suzuki Sx4 engine is most reliable?

The 2012-2012 Suzuki Sx4 was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2012-2012 Suzuki Sx4 a good used car?

The 2012-2012 Suzuki Sx4 can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 40 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2012 Suzuki Sx4 have?

The 2012-2012 Suzuki Sx4 has 40 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2012-2012 Suzuki Sx4?

There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2012-2012 Suzuki Sx4 vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Suzuki Sx4?

Before buying a used Suzuki Sx4, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Steering, Safety Systems, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Sx4?

The 2012 Suzuki Sx4 received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 3 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (13.3% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 40 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-22.

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