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JS2YB5A26B63007692011 SUZUKI SX4JX (Canada)/Sedan LE(US)/Sedan LE Pop Pkg (US)/Sedan Anniversary Edition (US)/Sedan Base (Canada)

Risk Score
29
MODERATE RISK
out of 100
Safety Recalls
3 Found
3 campaigns
NHTSA Complaints
13
Reported to NHTSA
Safety Rating
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
Vehicle Age
15 yrs
Made in JAPAN
Safety Grade
D
Score: 69/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2011 SUZUKI SX4 was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 13 owner complaints include 2 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • ▸3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • ▸2 injuries reported across 13 owner complaints
  • ▸Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
  • ▸Manufacturer delayed recall by 2.3 years after first complaints — pattern of slow response to known defects
29/100
Moderate Risk
2 moderate risk signals detected. Negotiate accordingly and verify service history.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 2 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
3 model-wide recalls on record
+9
Critical Alerts
Title Brand CheckMined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Vehicle SpecificationsDecoded from NHTSA vPIC database
Make
SUZUKI
Model
SX4
Year
2011
Trim / Series
JX (Canada)/Sedan LE(US)/Sedan LE Pop Pkg (US)/Sedan Anniversary Edition (US)/Sedan Base (Canada)
Body Style
Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Engine
4-cyl 2L
Doors
5
Manufacturer
SUZUKI MOTOR OF AMERICA, INC
Assembly
SAGARA, KUMAMOTO PREFECTURE, JAPAN
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant QualityPlant: SAGARA, KUMAMOTO PREFECTURE
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 SAGARA, KUMAMOTO PREFECTURE

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
Safety IntelligenceComposite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
Overall Safety Grade
D
Score: 69/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety19/30
Complaint History30/30
Recall Risk Score
35/100Moderate
  • ▸Airbag system recall
Modern Safety Index
2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Lemon Law Risk Indicator
Moderate
  • ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Recall + Complaint Convergence

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Engine/Powertrain
↻ 1 recall✦ 4 complaints
Electrical
↻ 1 recall✦ 4 complaints
Safety Systems
↻ 1 recall✦ 3 complaints
Driver Assistance FeaturesADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls
Deferred Failure RiskComponents and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
82/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 5 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
⚠No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~180,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 15 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 15 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 15 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Service interval: 4 yr · Vehicle age: 15 yr · Past due by age
Service Differential / Transfer Case Fluid immediately — already past the 50,000 mi / 4 yr interval
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 15 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 15 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 15 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
33 RECALLS
ℹ

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 3 recalls is ~66%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

66%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

SUZUKI Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
85%Fair

Recall completion rate data not available for SUZUKI. Industry average is ~85%. Verify any open recalls with a dealer before purchase.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
20mo
#14V811000
Invalid Date

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

SummarySuzuki 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf 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.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#13V405000
Jun 2013

AIR BAGS

SummarySuzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAir bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
Est. Repair Completion~70%

~30% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#11V055000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

SummarySUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES; MODEL YEAR 2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 17, 2010; MODEL YEAR 2010 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES; AND 2011 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 14, 2010. THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FOR THE DRIVE BELT THAT OPERATES THE ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND POWER STEERING PUMP, HAS AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED INTERNAL SPRING THAT CAN BREAK DUE TO REPEATED STRESS. IF THE SPRING BREAKS, THE DRIVE BELT WILL NOT BE ADJUSTED PROPERLY AND CAN SLIP, CAUSING A SQUEAKING NOISE. OR THE DRIVE BELT COULD COME OFF CAUSING THE DRIVER TO INCREASE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS CAN ALSO CAUSE THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE INDICATION TO RISE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE ENGINE OVERHEATING, OR CAN CAUSE THE CHARGING LIGHT TO COME ON, WHICH CAN LEAD TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIF THE DRIVE BELT COMES OFF, REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO USE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, OR THE ENGINE STALLS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall IntelligenceDetailed analysis of recall history and severity
Recall Age — How Long Open
LONG-STANDING OPEN
AIR BAGS
12.9yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

First Recall
06/09/2013
3 total campaigns
Systems Recalled
Engine/PowertrainSafety SystemsElectrical
Recall Remedy Breakdown
3
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
⚠ 1 recall is over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
Manufacturer Recall Response TimeTime between first owner complaint and recall issuance
2.3yr
Lag from first complaint to recall
First complaint: 2011-02-23 · Recall issued: 2013-06-09

28 months elapsed between first complaint and recall issuance — a significant delay in consumer protection.

Injury Rate per Complaint
1 in 7

2 injuries reported across 13 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints
Complaint Intelligence13 complaints analyzed across 5 system categories
By System / Component
Electrical
4
Engine/Powertrain
4
Safety Systems
1 crash2 inj3
Suspension/Wheels
1
Other
1
Complaint Trend by Year
2011
3
2012
2
2014
3
2015
3
2018
1
2019
1
↓ 37% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Seasonal Failure Pattern
PEAKS WINTER (DEC–FEB)

38% of complaints filed in Feb & Mar — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Reported Failure Modes
Electrical failure3
Engine stalling2
Transmission slip1
Conditions Reported
Parking/low-speed (2)Rain/wet (1)Highway/high-speed (1)Startup (1)
Owner Complaints13 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
13HIGH VOLUME
1
Crash
2
Injuries
ODI #11242067ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE

CONSTANT HUMMING FROM THE REAR HATCH LOCK ACTUATOR -- AND THE REAR HATCH PARTIALLY UNLOCKS AND UNLATCHES ITSELF WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE POWER LOCKING SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING COMPLETELY. THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND AUTOMATIC INDOOR DOME LIGHT ALSO STOPPED WORKING. I REPLACED THE REAR HATCH LOCK ACTUATOR WITH A BRAND NEW SUZUKI PART, BUT DETERMINED THIS IS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PER THE ATTACHED PDFS OF ONLINE REPAIR FORUM POSTS, APPARENTLY ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE PART OF A CIRCUIT THAT NORMALLY IS ACTIVATED WHEN ONE RELEASES THE PARKING BRAKE. ACCORDING TO THOSE WHO INVESTIGATED THE PROBLEM IN SOME DEPTH (SEE THE ATTACHED PDFS), A SHORT IN THIS CIRCUIT ENDS UP CAUSING ONE OF THE TERMINALS IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE ("BCM") TO BURN OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE (I) IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE THE REAR HATCH RELEASE AND/OR FLY OPEN WHILE DRIVING, AND (II) THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ALSO ARE DISABLED BY THIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. I MADE SUZUKI AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM IN DECEMBER 2018 AND AGAIN TODAY. THE PROBLEM LIKELY ENTAILS A REPAIR COST GREATER THAN $1,000, BUT SUZUKI IS UNWILLING TO TAKE ANY ACTION.

ODI #11131013POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY DAY FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FITZGERALD WHEATON (10915 GEORGIA AVENUE, WHEATON, MD 20902) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRESSURE CONTROL SHIFT SOLENOID "B" FAILED AND THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,280.

ODI #10711808ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE IS DIFFICULT TO STEER WHEN ALL ELECTRICAL POWER WENT OUT. THE ONLY THING SHOWING ON THE DASHBOARD IS THE ENGINE SYMBOL. VEHICLE STARTS WITHOUT PROBLEM AFTER INCIDENT. *TR

ODI #10693259POWER TRAIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V811000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

ODI #10681597AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V405000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, UPON INSPECTION BY THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILURE ON THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG THAT CAUSED THE WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

ODI #10661176AIR BAGSCRASH2 INJURIES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. WHILE PROCEEDING THROUGH TRAFFIC AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP TO AVOID ENTERING THE INTERSECTION ON THE RED LIGHT. A DRIVER ENTERING THE INTERSECTION FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER AND CONTACT SUFFERED BACK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V405000 (AIR BAGS) IN MAY OF 2014. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

ODI #10650864AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ALTHOUGH THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V405000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. UPDATED 12/2/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WAS PASSED ITS WARRANTY THEREFORE THE COST FOR REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED. UPDATED 05/7/2015 *JS

ODI #10621444ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

ODI #10458467WHEELS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE SIDE OF THE VALVE STEM THAT CAUSED A SLOW LEAK IN THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30000.

ODI #10446518FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

2011 SUZUKI SX 4 CROSSOVER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GAS MILEAGE AND TRANSMISSION ISSUES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HIM, IT WOULD TAKE UP TO 5,000 MILES IN ORDER FOR HIM TO GET 23 MPG. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A HESITATION WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING. *JB

ODI #10436744EQUIPMENT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED WAS USING THE TIRE JACK TO LIFT THE VEHICLE AND CHANGE A TIRE. DURING THE PROCESS, THE BASS OF THE JACK BENT AND THE VEHICLE FELL BACK DOWN TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,700. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

ODI #10393844EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI SX4 AWD (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS AND THE NOTICED THE HEAD LIGHTS HAD NOT BEEN TURNED ON. THE CONTACT STATED THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AND WERE BRIGHT AND HE THOUGHT THE HEAD LIGHT WERE ON. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED WHICH THE CONTACT STATED USUALLY INDICATED THE TAIL LIGHTS ARE ON. THE CONTACT WENT THROUGH THE MANUAL AND STATED IT DID NOT SEE INFORMATION REGARDING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATING WITHOUT THE HEADLIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT WAS THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT BECAUSE THE CONTACT WAS RECORDING THE CALL THEY COULD NOT SPEAK WITH HIM. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,600.

ODI #10384111POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT

2008 FORENZA SUZUKI THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WHEN DRIVING AND THE COMPUTER ON THE DASHBOARD MAY CHANGE FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE, PARK OR NEUTRAL WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. THE DEALER STATES THAT IT MAY NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF. *TR

Component Failure Cascade RiskKnown patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
HighPOWER STEERING issue detected

▸ Loss of power steering assist — vehicle becomes difficult to control especially at low speeds and during parking

HighTRANSMISSION issue detected

▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable

Complaint & Reliability TimelineAnnual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints and reliability score for SUZUKI SX4 — recall years marked in red
0230501002013201120132015201720192021202320252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 13 NHTSA complaints on file for the SUZUKI SX4 — a relatively low volume that spans from 2011 to 2019.

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 99/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

The recall (red dashed line) followed the first complaints by 2 years — a typical response window; neither unusually fast nor a pattern of denial.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2014, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
5-Year Total Cost of OwnershipEstimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
$48,614
~$810/mo over 5 yrs
$0.3/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$23,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $48,614 (~$810/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Negotiation AmmunitionUse these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
3 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$1,500
1 recall over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$400
Total recommended deduction−$1,900
Pre-Purchase Inspection ChecklistTailored for the 2011 SUZUKI SX4 — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
HIGH
Inspect for power steering issue detected — ask for repair records
Loss of power steering assist — vehicle becomes difficult to control especially at low speeds and during parking
HIGH
Inspect for transmission issue detected — ask for repair records
Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
HIGH
Verify recall POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) has been repaired
Recall on record for: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 SX4 vehicles manufactured July 16, 2009
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS has been repaired
Recall on record for: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles
HIGH
Verify recall ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR has been repaired
Recall on record for: SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYL
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
Recall Probability ForecastEstimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance ScheduleOEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Official SUZUKI Maintenance Guide ↗Search Owner's Manual ↗

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Insurance Cost EstimateEstimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▼ 15-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal ProtectionsWhat consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data TableAll decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINJS2YB5A26B6300769
Model Year2011
MakeSUZUKI
ModelSX4
TrimJX (Canada)/Sedan LE(US)/Sedan LE Pop Pkg (US)/Sedan Anniversary Edition (US)/Sedan Base (Canada)
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Doors5
Drive TypeAWD/All-Wheel Drive

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2

Manufacturer

ManufacturerSUZUKI MOTOR OF AMERICA, INC
Assembly CitySAGARA
Assembly CountryJAPAN

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)JS2
Check Digit (Char 9)6
Model Year Code (Char 10)B
Plant Code (Char 11)6
Sequence (Chars 12–17)300769

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count3
NHTSA Complaint Count13
VIN Structure DecodeISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
J
1
S
2
2
3
Y
4
B
5
5
6
A
7
2
8
6
9
B
10
6
11
3
12
0
13
0
14
7
15
6
16
9
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
J
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
S
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
2
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
YB5A2
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
6
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
B
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
6
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
300769
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Japan
From VIN position 1 (J)
Model Year Character
"B" → 2011
Could also be 1981
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model
Reliability Scores
Year-by-year reliability ratings
Years to Avoid
Best & worst model years ranked
Common Problems
Owner complaints & known defects
All NHTSA Recalls
Complete recall campaign history
View all SUZUKI VIN reports →← New Lookup

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 4/17/2026, 8:46:20 AM.