Thinking about buying a used Suzuki Kizashi (2010–2016) in New Zealand? We've documented 7 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated major. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
7
Documented faults
Major
Most serious
$400–$2,200
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known Suzuki Kizashi faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01CVT Shudder and Judder Under Light Acceleration
MajorCommonTransmission $300–$5,500 to fix
The Jatco-sourced CVT fitted to Kizashi CVT variants is subject to torque converter lock-up clutch shudder during light acceleration from rest, particularly when CVT fluid is degraded or when the transmission is cold. Fresh CVT fluid resolves early cases; transmissions with high mileage or towing history may have worn belt and pulley sets requiring full replacement. The fault is well-documented across Kizashi owner communities and is a primary used-car risk on this model.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder or vibration through the car during gentle acceleration from a standstill
Judder felt through the floor or seat when the CVT engages
Hesitation or jerking at low speed in stop-start traffic
Transmission warning light in advanced failure stages
What to check
Test drive at low speed from a standstill — acceleration should be completely smooth. Any vibration or shudder through the pedal or floor indicates a CVT issue. Check CVT fluid colour and condition via dipstick — should be red or pink, not brown or burnt-smelling. Ask for the CVT fluid change interval — factory specification is 40,000–60,000 km.
Where to look: CVT transmission unit beneath centre tunnel
Ask the seller
“Has the CVT fluid been replaced and if so when and at what mileage?”
“Any shudder, vibration, or hesitation when pulling away from a stop?”
“Has the vehicle ever had transmission warning lights or transmission work?”
02Front strut top bearing noise
MinorCommonSuspension $300–$800 to fix
The Kizashi's front strut top mounts and bearings wear, producing a creaking or clunking noise when turning at low speed and over bumps, and can affect steering smoothness. NZ road conditions accelerate wear. Replacement mounts and bearings resolve it.
Symptoms to notice
Creak or clunk when turning
Noise over bumps from front
Notchy steering feel
Knock at low-speed lock
What to check
Turn the steering lock to lock at low speed listening for creaks and clunks, and check the strut top mounts for wear.
Where to look: Front strut top mounts and bearings
Ask the seller
“Any creaking or clunking when turning?”
“Have the strut mounts been replaced?”
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
5 more documented faults on the Suzuki Kizashi
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 7 documented faults for the Suzuki Kizashi, the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and suspension. A Suzuki Kizashi with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Suzuki Kizashi?
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We've catalogued 7 known faults for the Suzuki Kizashi, covering transmission, engine, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Suzuki Kizashi?
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Most single repairs on the Suzuki Kizashi fall between $400–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 7 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Suzuki Kizashi?
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Yes. A Suzuki Kizashi inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.