Makes›Suzuki›SX4›2011

2011 Suzuki SX4

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Hatch AWD Jx/Jlx, 4dr Hatch FWD Base, 4dr Hatch FWD Jx, 4dr Sedan FWD
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
2,747–2,992 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2011 compact car (24.3 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints5 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 23 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 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 2,992 lb (4dr Hatch AWD Jx/Jlx).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway), 15% better than the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 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 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2011

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 SX4 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 SX4 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Hatch AWD Jx/Jlx163 in69.3 in63.4 in98.4 in58.3 / 57.9 in2,992 lb61/39
4dr Hatch FWD Base162.2 in68.1 in62.2 in98.4 in59.1 / 59.4 in2,747 lb61/39
4dr Hatch FWD Jx163 in69.3 in62.2 in98.4 in58.3 / 57.9 in2,879 lb61/39
4dr Sedan FWD176.8 in68.1 in61 in98.4 in58.7 / 58.3 in2,747 lb61/39
Sport 4dr Sedan FWD177.6 in68.1 in61 in98.4 in58.7 / 58.3 in2,846 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
SX4 Sedan2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 31 / 28+15%$2,400317
SX4 Sedan2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 32 / 26+7%$2,600342
SX4 Sport/Anniversary Edition2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 31 / 26+7%$2,600342
SX4 Sport/Anniversary Edition2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+3%$2,700355
SX4 AWD2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+2%$2,700355
SX4 AWD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)All-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+2%$2,700355
SX42.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25+2%$2,700355
SX42.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+2%$2,700355
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.3 MPG2011 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Suzuki SX4.

Similar 2011 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Suzuki SX4 (this car)28 MPGNot rated3
2011 Mazda 328 MPGNot rated0
2011 Volkswagen Golf/GTI32 MPGNot rated6
2011 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport22 MPGNot rated0
2011 Ford Fiesta33 MPGNot rated3
2011 Mazda 231 MPGNot rated0
2011 Hyundai Accent30 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (3)

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.
Air Bags · Sep 6, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V405000 · 189,901 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
Fix
Suzuki will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge. Sufficient quantities of parts are not currently available to fix all of the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified of the recall in October 2013 and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired. The recall began on May 23, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's recall campaign number is VD.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Jan 27, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V055000 · 32,291 vehicles

Problem
SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES; MODEL YEAR 2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 17, 2010; MODEL YEAR 2010 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES; AND 2011 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 14, 2010. THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FOR THE DRIVE BELT THAT OPERATES THE ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND POWER STEERING PUMP, HAS AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED INTERNAL SPRING THAT CAN BREAK DUE TO REPEATED STRESS. IF THE SPRING BREAKS, THE DRIVE BELT WILL NOT BE ADJUSTED PROPERLY AND CAN SLIP, CAUSING A SQUEAKING NOISE. OR THE DRIVE BELT COULD COME OFF CAUSING THE DRIVER TO INCREASE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS CAN ALSO CAUSE THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE INDICATION TO RISE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE ENGINE OVERHEATING, OR CAN CAUSE THE CHARGING LIGHT TO COME ON, WHICH CAN LEAD TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.
Risk
IF THE DRIVE BELT COMES OFF, REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO USE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, OR THE ENGINE STALLS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY WITH AN IMPROVED PART. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-887-697-8985 OR VISIT SUZUKI'S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SUZUKIAUTO.COM.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Suzuki SX4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

5Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
70,100 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train2
Electrical System2
Air Bags1
Structure › Body1
Exterior Lighting1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/02: 115/03: 115/04: 118/09: 119/08: 115/0215/0315/0418/0919/08max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Suzuki SX4 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,100 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 2011 Suzuki SX4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other SX4 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2013 SX428163 inNot rated512
2012 SX428163 inNot rated334
2010 SX428163 inNot rated56
2009 SX426162.2 inNot rated39
2008 SX426162.2 inNot rated317
2007 SX425162.2 inNot rated28

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