NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 48 owner complaints for the 2009 Suzuki SX4. Most complaints involve air bags (29) and steering (5). The EPA rates it 23–26 mpg combined.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child.
SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 SX4 HATCHBACK AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SX4 HATCHBACK AND SEDAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THREE SCREWS THAT SECURE EACH OF THE OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS TO THE MIRROR BASE CAN COME LOOSE DUE TO VIBRATION.
SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 SX4, 2010 GRAND VITARA, AND 2009 THROUGH 2010 EQUATOR VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750, 760, AND 765 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“WHILE DRIVING SUCH CAR THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND STATE SOLID SO I PULL OFF THE STREET TO CHECK WHAT'S GOING AND SHUT OFF THE CAR AFTER THAT THE CAR DO NOT START IMMEDIATELY SO TAKE THREE TIMES TO STARTED IT. SINCE THEN THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS STAY ON.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUZUKI SX4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVE BELT SLIPPED CAUSING A SQUEAKING NOISE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V055000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 02/18/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE'S BLOWER FAN WOULD SLOW DOWN. THE STEERING WOULD BECOME DIFFICULT AND PULL TO THE RIGHT. UPDATED 4/4/16/2016 *JS”
“THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. THERE IS A KNOWN RECALL OF THE 2009 SUZUKI SX4 FOR A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I BOUGHT THIS CAR AS A USED VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2013. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT SUZUKI MOTOR OF AMERICA DIRECTLY BY TWO SEPARATE LETTERS TO INQUIRE ABOUT HAVING THE NECESSARY REPAIR MADE; ALSO I HAVE CALLED THREE DESIGNATED DEALERSHIPS THAT HANDLE SUZUKI WARRANTY REPAIRS IN ORLANDO, TAMPA, AND ST. PETERSBURG, FL TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE RECALL. I HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE FROM SUZUKI MOTOR OF AMERICA, AND THE DEALERS KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE STATUS OF THIS RECALL, OTHER THAN VERIFYING THAT MY VEHICLE IS ONE OF THOSE AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. I AM CONCERNED THAT, SHOULD THIS VEHICLE BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY AS IT SHOULD, THUS POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A SERIOUS PASSENGER INJURY. I WOULD LIKE ASSISTANCE IN GETTING SUZUKI TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THE RECALL REPAIRS FOR THIS DEFECT. *TR”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SX4 Sedan Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,400 | 342 |
| SX4 Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| SX4 Sedan Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| SX4 Sport Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| SX4 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| SX4 AWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| SX4 Sport Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| SX4 AWD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (29), steering (5), seats (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Suzuki SX4 at 23–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).