1996 Suzuki Swift
1996 Suzuki Swift
The 1996 Suzuki Swift is a subcompact hatchback that was offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 1.3-liter inline-four that produced 70 horsepower and 75 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 1.6-liter inline-four that produced 98 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.
Engine
1.3-liter Inline-Four
- Blown Head Gasket: Leakage of coolant and oil, overheating. Requires replacement of head gasket and related components. Estimated cost: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Intake Valve Seat Recession: Loss of compression, rough idle, difficulty starting. Requires replacement of intake valves and valve seats. Estimated cost: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Timing Chain Guide Failure: Noise from engine, loss of timing, engine damage. Requires replacement of timing chain guide and related components. Estimated cost: $800 - $1,500+
1.6-liter Inline-Four
- No Issues Found
Transmission
Five-Speed Manual Transmission
- Input Shaft Bearing Failure: Noisy transmission, difficulty shifting. Requires replacement of input shaft bearing and related components. Estimated cost: $500 - $1,000+
- Synchronizer Ring Wear: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises. Requires replacement of synchronizer rings and related components. Estimated cost: $300 - $800+
Four-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Solenoid Failure: Transmission slipping, delayed shifting, no engagement. Requires replacement of solenoid and related components. Estimated cost: $400 - $800+
- Torque Converter Lockup Failure: Loss of power, increased fuel consumption. Requires replacement of torque converter and related components. Estimated cost: $1,000 - $2,000+
Suspension
- Strut Mount Failure: Noise from front suspension, poor handling. Requires replacement of strut mounts and related components. Estimated cost: $200 - $500+
- Sway Bar Link Failure: Noise from front suspension, poor handling. Requires replacement of sway bar links and related components. Estimated cost: $150 - $300+
- Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Failure: Noise from rear suspension, poor handling. Requires replacement of trailing arm bushings and related components. Estimated cost: $200 - $500+
Electrical
- Alternator Failure: Loss of electrical power, battery not charging. Requires replacement of alternator and related components. Estimated cost: $300 - $600+
- Starter Failure: Engine will not crank. Requires replacement of starter and related components. Estimated cost: $200 - $500+
- Ignition Coil Failure: Engine misfires, loss of power. Requires replacement of ignition coil and related components. Estimated cost: $150 - $300+
Exterior
- Door Lock Cylinder Failure: Difficulty locking or unlocking doors. Requires replacement of door lock cylinder and related components. Estimated cost: $100 - $200+
- Sunroof Motor Failure: Sunroof does not open or close. Requires replacement of sunroof motor and related components. Estimated cost: $300 - $600+
Interior
- Cruise Control Switch Failure: Cruise control does not work. Requires replacement of cruise control switch and related components. Estimated cost: $100 - $200+
- Instrument Cluster Intermittent Failure: Gauges may not work or may flicker. Requires repair of instrument cluster or replacement of related components. Estimated cost: $200 - $500+
- Air Conditioning Blower Motor Failure: Air conditioning does not work. Requires replacement of blower motor and related components. Estimated cost: $200 - $400+
Summary
The 1996 Suzuki Swift is a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle. However, it is not without its problems. The engine and transmission can experience some serious issues that can be expensive to repair. The suspension, electrical, and exterior components are also prone to failure, but these issues are typically less severe and less expensive to fix. Overall, the Swift is a good value for the price, but it is important to be aware of the potential problems before purchasing one.