2017 Suzuki Swift
The 2017 Suzuki Swift is a subcompact car known for its fuel efficiency, nimble handling, and affordability. Available engine options include a 1.2L four-cylinder engine producing around 82 horsepower and 83 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.0L Boosterjet turbocharged three-cylinder engine making about 109 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options vary depending on the engine and trim level, and include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic, and a CVT. Owners often praise the Swift’s fun-to-drive nature and compact size, making it ideal for city driving. Some common complaints revolve around the lack of advanced features in the base models and the relatively small cargo space.
Engine
1.2L Four-Cylinder
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-ups between oil changes. Symptoms may include a burning oil smell and/or visible blue smoke from the exhaust.
- Solution: In some cases, replacing the piston rings may resolve the issue. In severe cases, an engine rebuild or replacement might be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
1.0L Boosterjet Turbocharged Three-Cylinder
- Turbocharger Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Reports of turbocharger failures leading to reduced engine power, unusual noises (whining or hissing), and/or the check engine light illuminating.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the turbocharger is necessary. Replacement of the turbocharger assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
All Transmissions
- Hesitation During Shifting (Automatic/CVT)
- Description/Symptoms: Drivers report a noticeable delay or hesitation when shifting gears, particularly during acceleration. This can be more pronounced in the CVT models.
- Solution: A transmission fluid flush may alleviate the issue in some cases. If the problem persists, further diagnosis is needed to rule out valve body issues or other internal damage. Software updates may also address the issue.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Premature Bushing Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Owners have noted accelerated wear in the suspension bushings, particularly in the front control arms. This can manifest as clunking noises when driving over bumps or during turning.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing frequent battery drain, especially if the car sits unused for extended periods. This can result in difficulty starting the engine or requiring a jump start.
- Solution: Diagnosing parasitic drain on the battery is necessary to determine what is causing the battery to die. Repairing the parasitic drain or replacing the battery.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
- Description/Symptoms: Infotainment systems occasionally freeze or randomly reboot.
- Solution: Software update to the unit, or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- No Issues Found
Interior
- Rattling Noises
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises emanating from the dashboard or door panels while driving, especially on rough roads.
- Solution: Locating the source of the rattles and securing the affected components. This may involve adding padding or tightening loose fasteners.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary The 2017 Suzuki Swift generally presents with a mix of minor and moderate issues. Engine problems such as excessive oil consumption and turbocharger issues can be costly to repair, and the potential for transmission hesitations may detract from the driving experience. Suspension bushing wear and electrical gremlins such as battery drain and infotainment malfunctions are also noteworthy. While these issues aren’t universally reported, they are prevalent enough to warrant careful inspection and consideration when purchasing a used 2017 Swift. Overall, the severity of the issues ranges from annoying rattles to potentially expensive engine and transmission repairs.