Makes›Suzuki›Kizashi›2012

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

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
S 4dr Sedan182.3 in71.7 in58.3 in106.3 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,497 lb61/39
Sport 4dr Sedan182.3 in71.7 in58.3 in106.3 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,333 lb61/39
Sx AWD 4dr Sedan182.3 in71.7 in58.3 in106.3 in61.4 / 61.8 in3,572 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Kizashi S2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+2%$2,600342
Kizashi2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 25-2%$2,700355
Kizashi S AWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25-2%$2,700355
Kizashi AWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25-2%$2,700355
Kizashi S2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 24-6%$2,800370
Kizashi2.4L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 29 / 24-6%$2,800370
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2012 Compact Cars average

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

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Suzuki Kizashi (this car)26 MPGNot rated5
2012 Toyota Corolla29 MPGNot rated5
2012 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated4
2012 Honda Accord27 MPGNot rated8
2012 Toyota Camry40 MPGNot rated2
2012 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0
2012 Toyota Prius50 MPGNot rated7

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Suzuki Kizashi is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

20Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
82,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags8
Power Train7
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Steering3
Engine3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Seats2
Suspension1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
16/01: 116/08: 116/11: 118/10: 119/01: 119/07: 119/08: 119/09: 120/01: 220/12: 121/01: 121/03: 121/09: 122/09: 123/07: 124/09: 225/05: 126/05: 116/0118/1019/0820/1221/0924/09max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Suzuki Kizashi buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. 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.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 82,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2013 Kizashi25182.3 inNot rated65
2011 Kizashi26182.3 inNot rated515
2010 Kizashi26–Not rated617

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Suzuki. How we calculate this →