Five problems related to clutch have been reported for the 1996 Suzuki Sidekick. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
This car has been in the shop almost from the day I purschased it from largo Honda in key largo florida; Dec. Of 1999. Although I purschased an extended service contract for $8,000, I was never able to get satifaction from the dealer, the seller, or my warrenty CO. Always at my expence , towing, {rental cars =$1,700 04/05/00 - 50,373 miles auto doc of key largo, 305] 453-0977, replaced fan, clutch, adjuster, radiator, water pump. . . . Now this where my most receient begains. *south motors of miami. I was notified about a second w2 recall NHTSA id # 00v008000, 96v121002- I called suzki, I called south motors - took auto to south motors 6am, for the day, recieved estimated $29 oil change that ended up being $139, but they did not do the power lock problem I had asked for , and told me that all recall work had been compleated - blew me off. Still no power locks, fule filter seemed more stuffed up than before, = points, plugs, coils, "service engin lights" etc. On July 30, 2002 a bolt apparently broke off that had been holding the aircondioner to rest of the car, the fan belt was replaced andbolt welded.
It seems these troubles are unusual for any car owner and very costly!! the speedometer was relaced by my husband with a part bought online for $50 in one day, where the dealer would have had it for a week and charged us $350. However, the clutch is a much bigger problem. The dealer quoted the part at $51, with labor at $700. I cannot afford to fix this problem that should have never happened in the first place. It is a safety factor, since I could not engage the clutch while the vehicle was in motion, and am terrified to attempt to drive it until it has been properly fixed. Can the manufacturer be held responsible?.
Became very hard to change geers,could not shift in intersections, took two hands causing sholder pain! this is the third time this has happened. Dealership will only replace parts-clutch rod,pedal rod&clutch linkage pieces. Though they admit there is an inherent problem/defect in clutch power train.
This is the second time in two years that I'll need to have my clutch repaired/replaced. It will not go into 1st or reverse without using excessive force. Passenger side power window barely goes up and down-it's been repaired before. Rear passenger side panel falling off car.
Clutch weld attachment broken: pedal fell to the floor upon starting the engine. Reoccuring signs of "sticking" occured while up-shifting on the highway, my safety was in jeopordy! car would not have started-up again, if the pedal broke during any trip.