2012 Suzuki Kizashi
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- S 4dr Sedan, Sport 4dr Sedan, Sx AWD 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,333–3,572 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints20 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 240 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 34 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Suzuki Kizashi is a compact car offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,497 lb (S 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 2% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Kizashi — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Kizashi →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 4dr Sedan | 182.3 in | 71.7 in | 58.3 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,497 lb | 61/39 |
| Sport 4dr Sedan | 182.3 in | 71.7 in | 58.3 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,333 lb | 61/39 |
| Sx AWD 4dr Sedan | 182.3 in | 71.7 in | 58.3 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,572 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kizashi S | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +2% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Kizashi | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 25 | -2% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Kizashi S AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -2% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Kizashi AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -2% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Kizashi S | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | -6% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Kizashi | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 24 | -6% | $2,800 | 370 |
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 Kizashi.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Suzuki Kizashi (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 27 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
Recalls (5)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 2, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V343000 · 21,052 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling 2010-2013 Kizashi vehicles. The front passenger seat Occupant Classification System (OCS) may misclassify an adult occupant as child and deactivate the front air bag.
- Risk
- The deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Suzuki will notify owners, and service providers will replace the front passenger seat cushion, which includes a new OCS mat assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed on October 29, 2021. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is C5.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Mar 7, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V187000 · 31,302 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an adult or child is occupying the seat.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's numbers for this recall are 4011 and 4012.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 31, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V769000 · 21,063 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Suzuki Kizashi vehicles. Dust can enter the vent line that provides fresh air to the carbon canister, restricting its air flow and possibly creating excessive negative pressure in the fuel tank which may result in the fuel tank cracking.
- Risk
- A cracked tank may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Suzuki has sent owners an initial notification to inform them of the recall. When parts are available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will install a cover over the opening near the suction pipe inlet, and relocate the suction filter. The fuel cap and fuel tank will also be replaced with improved parts. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 30, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V464000 · 19,249 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor Of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kizashi vehicles manufactured October 2009 through July 2012. In the affected vehicles, spiders may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent hose, blocking it and causing the fuel tank to have an excessive amount of negative pressure.
- Risk
- Negative pressure could cause the fuel tank to crack resulting in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Suzuki is in the process of notifying owners, and dealers will replace the evaporative canister vent line on the affected vehicles with a vent line that has a filter on the end. If the canister vent line is found to be obstructed by a spider web, the fuel tank will also be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 12, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VG.
Not every 2012 Suzuki Kizashi is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Suzuki Kizashi buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 4 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 82,000 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 Kizashi. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Kizashi years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Kizashi | 25 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 5 |
| 2011 Kizashi | 26 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 5 | 15 |
| 2010 Kizashi | 26 | – | Not rated | 6 | 17 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Suzuki. How we calculate this →