2011 Suzuki Kizashi problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 22 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2011 Suzuki Kizashi has 22 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is electrical at 5 complaints, typically surfacing around 77,700 miles (~$850 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 Kizashi | 22 | 1 |
| 2011 Kizashi (this page) | 22 | 0 |
| 2012 Kizashi | 23 | 0 |
| 2013 Kizashi | 5 | 4 |
| 2014 Kizashi | 0 | 0 |
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2011 Suzuki Kizashi? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- electrical — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 77,700 mi · ~$850 to fix
- lighting — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 31,135 mi · ~$250 to fix
- airbags — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 58,633 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- powertrain — 3 owner reports · tends to show around 53,234 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 58,633 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is powertrain (~$2,500) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 Suzuki kizashi. Consumer writes in regards to problems with tires and alignment. *smd the consumer stated as he was preparing for a trip, he decided to check the tires and discovered the front tires were bald and the vehicle was out of alignment. Also, the back-up camera…
I got my kizashi in 2012 and have already had to replace the battery twice. I took it to a shop to have looked at and they can't find any reason it keeps being drained the way it has been. I don't know how to fix this.
The airbag defect warning light stays on while driving or the car being on. Suzuki depot in sant ana ca replaced the right front passenger seat cushion due to a manufacturer recall. The airbag light for the right front seat soon activated. I took the car to a local shop. I…
My kizashi went into dealership for recall notice NHTSA campaign number: 14v464000 , the EVAP canister air vent line was clogged, so they replaced. As per recall notice the gas tank was also supposed to be replaced, and dealership decided it was not necessary !!!! *tr
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi?
On the NHTSA data, the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Suzuki Kizashi?
Inspect the electrical first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 5 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 77,700 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 22 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is electrical. Typical failure occurs around 77,700 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 5 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 77,700 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 77,700 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Suzuki Kizashi has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Suzuki Kizashi?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 22 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.