This bulletin describes corrective action needed to address complaints of reduction in engine power output due to activation of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) temperature protection control system due to deterioration of the CVT fluid or malfunction of the transmission control module.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Suzuki Kizashi powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Kizashi | 6 |
| 2011 Kizashi (this page) | 3 |
| 2012 Kizashi | 8 |
When does it fail?
Of the 3 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I was driving and stop on a red light I heard a loud noise from under the vehicle so put my car on parking the light change so I shift to drive and the vehicle stay (neutral) no matter what gear it is the car stay neutral . So I stay on the car because the was lot of traffic thanks god a cop stop to help me to push the vehicle . I took the vehicle to a shop no one know what is wrong with the…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Suzuki kizashi. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,000. Updated 09/18/15*lj
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Suzuki kizashi. The contact stated that when attempted to start, the vehicle would fail to start. In addition, the contact stated that while the gear shifter in park, the vehicle would roll backwards. The failure recurred numerous time. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2011 Suzuki Kizashi?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2011 Suzuki Kizashi?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 53,234 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Suzuki/Kizashi.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.