Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2012 Suzuki SX4
With an overall Carivo score of 6.2/10, the 2012 Suzuki SX4 earns a Fair rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.1/10, while Technology at 5.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. Buyers should review the score breakdown carefully and consider higher-rated alternatives before committing.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 5.7/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. Safety is a notable gap at 6.7/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance at 5.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $11,840–$14,984, 13 MPG, seating 5, the Suzuki SX4 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Based on our scoring, the 2012 Suzuki SX4 underperforms its segment peers across multiple dimensions. Unless there's a specific reason it fits your situation — price, a particular trim's features, or availability — there are better-scored alternatives at similar price points worth considering first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2012 Suzuki SX4 ranks #2444 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 0% of the segment. Its 6.2/10 overall score is 1.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $11,840 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 67%.
$0 — 3 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which SX4 Year Should You Buy?
Across the SX4 model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 13 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2012 Suzuki SX4 (3 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Steering / Hydraulic power assist / Pump 14/11/2018 · 18V804000
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.
Power train / Automatic transmission / Gear position indication (prndl) 22/12/2014 · 14V811000
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…
Steering / Hydraulic power assist / Pump 22/09/2015 · 15V587000
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…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2012 Suzuki SX4 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2012 Suzuki SX4
Is the 2012 Suzuki SX4 reliable?
We rate the 2012 Suzuki SX4's reliability 5.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2012 Suzuki SX4 have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2012 Suzuki SX4 worth buying?
It scores 6.2/10 overall, ranking #2444 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 0% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2012 Suzuki SX4 cost?
The 2012 Suzuki SX4 starts at $11,840 and ranges up to $14,984 across trims (MSRP when new). At 13 MPG, expect roughly $4,038/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
What problems does the 2012 Suzuki SX4 have?
The documented issues for the 2012 Suzuki SX4 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Steering, Power train (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Suzuki SX4
Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Once a month: which brands moved up or down our reliability rankings, new recalls worth knowing, and the smartest-money model years. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
You're in — first report lands next month.
Similar SUV to Consider
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
