DecodedCars2012 Suzuki SX4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch AWD Jx/Jlx, 4dr Hatch FWD Ja/Jx, 4dr Sedan FWD Ja/Sport (Auto), 4dr Sedan FWD Ja/Sport (Manual)
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 162.2–177.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,747–2,901 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Suzuki SX4 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 163 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,901 lb (4dr Hatch AWD Jx/Jlx).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway), 9% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 SX4 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 SX4 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch AWD Jx/Jlx | 163 in | 69.3 in | 63.4 in | 98.4 in | 58.3 / 57.9 in | 2,901 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Hatch FWD Ja/Jx | 162.2 in | 68.1 in | 62.2 in | 98.4 in | 59.1 / 59.4 in | 2,758 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD Ja/Sport (Auto) | 177.6 in | 68.1 in | 61 in | 98.4 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,857 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD Ja/Sport (Manual) | 176.8 in | 68.1 in | 61 in | 98.4 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,747 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SX4 Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 31 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 317 |
| SX4 Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +2% | $2,600 | 342 |
| SX4 Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +2% | $2,600 | 342 |
| SX4 Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | -2% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +1% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +1% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +1% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +1% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Suzuki SX4.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Suzuki SX4 (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Ford Focus | 32 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2012 Ford Fiesta | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (3)
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump · Nov 14, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V804000 · 18,673 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Suzuki SX4 vehicles. The power steering pump may seize causing a loss of steering assist.
- Risk
- A seizure of the power steering pump would cause a loss of power steering assist, requiring extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Suzuki has notified owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2019. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is CZ.
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump · Sep 22, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V587000 · 18,673 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2012-2103 Suzuki SX4 vehicles manufactured September 3, 2011, to April 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, insufficient clearance between the power steering pump body and the power steering fluid control valve may cause improper movement of the valve, and as a result, the power steering pump may seize.
- Risk
- A seizure of the power steering pump would cause a loss of power steering assist, requiring extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump, free of charge. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki's customer service number at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VS.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Dec 22, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V811000 · 60,823 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 SX4 vehicles manufactured July 16, 2009, to November 1, 2012, and 2010-2013 Kizashi vehicles manufactured October 13, 2009, to October 31, 2012. The shift selector can be moved out of the "Park" position without depressing the brake pedal.
- Risk
- If the shift selector is moved out of the "Park" position while the brake pedal is not depressed, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift selector assembly and inspect, and if necessary, replace the shift knob, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-714-996-7040. Suzuki's number for this recall is VL.
Not every 2012 Suzuki SX4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Suzuki SX4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 15 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Air Bags — 10 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 5 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Suzuki SX4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other SX4 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Suzuki. How we calculate this →