1990 Suzuki Sidekick

Introduction:

The 1990 Suzuki Sidekick is a compact SUV known for its ruggedness and affordability. It was offered with a choice of two engines: a 1.3L inline-four and a 1.6L inline-four, paired with a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. While the Sidekick received praise for its off-road capabilities and nimble handling, it was also criticized for its lackluster interior and limited power.

Engine

1.3L Inline-Four

• Blown Head Gasket:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine overheating, white smoke from exhaust, loss of coolant
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalls, no start condition
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

1.6L Inline-Four

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine vacuum leak, rough idle, reduced power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Syncro Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Replace synchros
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200
  • Recalls: None Found

3-Speed Automatic

• Slipping Gears:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear, hesitation during shifting
  • Solution: Overhaul transmission or replace
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Ball Joint Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or knocking noises while turning, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Leaf Spring Breakage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging or uneven rear end, loud clunking during bumps
  • Solution: Replace leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, slow cranking, battery warning light illuminated
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: No start condition, clicking noises while trying to start
  • Solution: Replace starter motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Body Panels:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots or holes on body panels, particularly fenders and rocker panels
  • Solution: Repair or replace affected panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on extent of damage
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Climate Control Knobs Breakage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Knobs become brittle and break, affecting climate control functions
  • Solution: Replace climate control knobs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 1990 Suzuki Sidekick is a capable and affordable SUV but it is not without its issues. The most common problems are related to the engine (blown head gasket, timing belt failure), transmission (synchro failure, slipping gears), suspension (ball joint wear, leaf spring breakage), and electrical components (alternator failure, starter motor failure). While some of these issues are minor and relatively inexpensive to fix, others can be more severe and costly to repair. Overall, the Sidekick is a reliable vehicle but it requires regular maintenance and upkeep to avoid costly repairs.