This page covers 4 recalls, 40 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Suzuki Sx4.
25–28 mpg combined
8.4–9.4 L/100km
Small Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering and airbags account for the bulk of complaints filed on the 2012 Suzuki SX4. On the steering side, owners frequently report the electric power steering becoming difficult or unresponsive, typically at highway speeds, with several noting the problem was diagnosed as a failed power steering pump. The airbag complaints center on two distinct patterns: the passenger seat occupant sensor malfunctioning, triggering a warning light or disabling the airbag, and, in a smaller number of reports, airbags deploying unexpectedly without a collision. The powertrain category draws a handful of complaints but lacks the volume to indicate a clear pattern. The passenger seat sensor issue shows up consistently enough that buyers should verify whether that warning light has ever been active.
40
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Suzuki SX4 has 4 recalls, all centered on the same issue: the power steering pump can seize, stripping away power steering assist and making the wheel significantly harder to turn at low speeds.
This problem is most likely to occur after the vehicle has sat unused for an extended period, particularly overnight in cold temperatures, when the pump can lock up and greet the driver with sudden, heavy steering resistance. The effect is most pronounced at low speeds, such as when pulling out of a parking spot or navigating a tight turn, where power steering normally does the most work. Without that assist, the driver must apply substantially more force to steer, which can make the vehicle difficult to control and raises the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering pump can seize after the vehicle sits unused overnight in cold weather, making the steering wheel much harder to turn at low speeds.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the power steering pump with a new one.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 3 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering pump can seize, causing the vehicle to lose power steering assistance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering pump with an improved version at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering pump and control valve are too close together, which can prevent the valve from moving properly and cause the pump to seize and stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering pump at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering pump may seize after the vehicle sits unused overnight in cold weather, making the steering wheel suddenly hard to turn at low speeds.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering pump with an improved version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
