Two problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Exhaust bolts vibrated loose/broke off (7/15/98;1/4/99;11/19/99) idler pulley has been changed 3 times(1/4/99;11/17/99;11/19/99); drive belt has been replaced 2 times(1/15/99;11/19/99); motor mounts needed to be secured (2/26/99); clutch slave cylinder needs to be replaced (complained 7/15/98;1/25/00. Diagnosed 6/12/00); noise coming from transmission(6/12/00 told noise normal); driveshaft cv joint bad (6/12/00 told by dealer noise normal. 6/14/00 told driveshaft cv joint bad due to poor design. 6/16/00 2nd estimate driveshaft cv joint bad). The manufacturer has been notified numerous times but continues to stonewall regarding issues with my car. Also wrong , smaller size gas tank was installed vehicle. Manfacturer is not sending NHTSA information regarding TSB or recalls.
Consumer was told that wrong size gas tank is equipped on vehicle. Premature clutch failure, driveshaft failure. Bolts vibrated out of exhaust namifold. Recurring noise from engine pulley area.