2008 Suzuki SX4

The 2008 Suzuki SX4 is a compact crossover SUV available with two engine options: a 2.0-liter inline-four and a 2.4-liter inline-four. Both engines are paired with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The SX4 is praised for its spacious interior, good fuel economy, and affordability. However, it has also been criticized for its lack of power, poor handling, and outdated interior.

Engine

2.0-Liter Inline-Four

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating engine
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4-Liter Inline-Four

• Timing Chain Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine, especially during cold starts
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch Slave Cylinder Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, clutch pedal feels spongy
  • Solution: Replace clutch slave cylinder
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips out of gear, especially during acceleration or shifting
  • Solution: Overhaul or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from front suspension, especially over bumps
  • Solution: Replace strut mount bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, electrical components not working properly
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks but won’t start
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hood Hinge Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hood won’t open properly, or hood is difficult to close
  • Solution: Replace hood hinges
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows stop working or only work intermittently
  • Solution: Replace power window switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks don’t work properly or do not respond to key fob
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Suzuki SX4 has several notable issues that can be costly to repair, such as transmission slippage, intake manifold gasket failure, and timing chain rattle. While some of these issues are more severe than others, it’s important to be aware of them before purchasing or owning an SX4.