2012 Suzuki SX4
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2012 Suzuki SX4 has 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 29. The most common issue is steering problems (34% of all complaints), specifically: upon entering an intersection, the power steering failed to operate resulting in a dramatic increase in the force required to maneuver the vehicle. this could have resulted in a collision with other vehicles or pedestrians. *tr. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.
50
Total Complaints
3
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.7x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
STEERING
17 complaints- • UPON ENTERING AN INTERSECTION, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE RESULTING IN A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN THE FORCE REQUIRED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS. *TR
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT FAILED TO SWITCH INTO THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V811000 (POWER TRAIN), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUZUKI SX4. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILE
“UPON ENTERING AN INTERSECTION, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE RESULTING IN A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN THE FORCE REQUIRED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS. *TR”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2012 Suzuki SX4
Based on 28 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 54K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.
AIR BAGS
STEERING
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (3)
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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Suzuki SX4
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Suzuki SX4
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 50 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐STEERING: UPON ENTERING AN INTERSECTION, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE RESULTING IN A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN THE FORCE REQUIRED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐AIR BAGS: 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 T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:14V811000 (POWER TRAIN) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE ONLY FIVE PARTS A MONTH BEING RECEIVED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: THE SUN MELTED MY SEAT AND SHIFTER AREA HERE IN FLORIDA. I IN FORM SUZUKI CORP. BUT THEY REFUSE TO REPLY TO THE ISSUE EVEN AFTER SUBMITTING PHOTOS AND GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP . I AM ALSO VERY CONCERN ABOUT FIRE STARTING IN THE CAR AS THE SUN MELTED THE INSIDE COULD AS WELL START A FIRE. THE CAR IS U
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Suzuki dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Suzuki SX4 — Year Comparison
How does 2012 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
Full years-to-avoid analysis →NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 50
- Recalls
- 3
- Fire reports
- 1
- Crash reports
- 2
- Injury reports
- 2
- Segment avg
- 29
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2012 Suzuki SX4