NHTSA (USA)High Risk
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.
This page covers 6 recalls, 15 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Suzuki Sx4.
25–28 mpg combined
8.4–9.4 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
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
Complaints about the 2013 Suzuki SX4 cluster most heavily around steering and powertrain. On the steering side, owners report sudden loss of power steering assist while driving, sometimes with no warning and no visible fluid leak, a pattern that left several drivers wrestling the wheel to maintain control through turns. Powertrain complaints describe hesitation, loss of drive, and in some cases vehicles becoming undrivable, with independent shops pointing to internal wear issues. Engine complaints, the third most-reported area, include abnormal noises at speed followed by loss of driveability, with timing chain replacement coming up as a diagnosis across more than one report. The steering loss complaints tend to describe the problem appearing abruptly rather than gradually deteriorating.
15
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2013 Suzuki SX4 has 6 recalls, the most serious involving loose bolts in the continuously variable transmission that can work free, jam between the drive plate and engine block, and stall the engine without warning.
The transmission theme continues with two separate issues affecting CVT-equipped models. A circuit board inside the transmission control module can develop a crack, or the module can fail outright, both causing the vehicle to lose acceleration or drop speed unexpectedly while driving. Either condition reduces the driver's ability to respond to traffic and raises the risk of a crash.
On the steering side, the hydraulic power steering pump can seize up and cut off all power assist. When that happens, the steering wheel becomes significantly harder to turn, particularly at low speeds in parking lots or tight corners where full steering input is most critical. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, which is why it appears under more than one filing.
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.
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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
A circuit board inside the transmission control module may crack, preventing the module from controlling the transmission, causing reduced speed and poor acceleration.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission control module with a reprogrammed unit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control module may fail, reducing engine power and slowing acceleration.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transmission control module 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 bolts connecting the drive plate to the torque converter may not be tight enough and could loosen or fall out.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the torque converter bolts and tighten them as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Drive plate bolts fastening the torque converter may not be tight enough. If they loosen, they can get stuck between the drive plate and engine block, causing engine stalling and loss of power.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the drive plate bolts to proper specifications.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
