2018+ · 1.5L K15B petrol (102 hp) · 4th generation
Legendary compact off-roader known for exceptional reliability and go-anywhere capability. The naturally aspirated K15B engine is simple and robust. Main concerns: wheel bearings fail from heavy off-road use (especially mud/water), head unit failures frustrate owners with warranty battles, propshaft boots tear (Suzuki only sells entire shaft), and excessive brake wear from aggressive traction control. Poor rust protection from factory - underside wax-oiling strongly recommended. Most issues are usage-related, not design flaws. Suzuki ranks 4th in reliability surveys.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€800 - €1,350/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€500-850
Risk buffer
€300-500
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Wheel bearing failure€300 - €600
Common in 2020+ cars with heavy off-road use, especially mud/water crossings · more· less
Wheel bearing failures are correlated with heavy 4WD use, particularly in mud or water crossings, and also with larger/heavier tires with more offset. The rear wheel bearings are especially vulnerable to water and mud contamination during off-road use, but front bearings can also fail. ABS-equipped models use more expensive bearing assemblies. Expect to pay around €90-180 per wheel bearing kit, plus €150-250 labor per wheel. If you use the Jimny for serious off-roading, budget for wheel bearing replacements every 60,000-80,000 km.
Head unit/infotainment failure€500 - €1,200
Pattern of failures with dealers/Suzuki passing responsibility, frustrating warranty claims · more· less
JB74 owners report a consistent pattern of head unit failures, with dealers and Suzuki reportedly deflecting responsibility between each other. Warranty claims are described as "next-level" frustrating. The factory infotainment system is widely considered a weak point. Ensure MY22 models have software version 1.4. Aftermarket Android head units with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto cost €500-800 and are popular upgrades. Many owners simply replace the factory unit rather than fight warranty battles.
Propshaft/driveshaft boot tear€150 - €800
Rearmost propshaft boot vulnerable; Suzuki doesn't sell boot separately, only entire shaft · more· less
The rearmost propshaft boot is particularly vulnerable to damage during off-road use. The major frustration is that Suzuki doesn't sell replacement boots separately - only the complete propshaft assembly, which can cost €600-800. Some owners report warranty claims being denied. Aftermarket CV boot kits are available for €20-50, and independent mechanics can sometimes repair just the boot for €150-250, but this requires finding a shop willing to do non-OEM work. Check propshaft boots carefully during inspection.
Excessive brake pad/disc wear€250 - €500
Traction control aggressively brakes wheels, wears pads quickly in off-road use · more· less
The JB74's stability control and traction control systems work by braking individual wheels - on the road around corners, and especially off-road with any wheelspin. The improved brake-based LSD function aggressively clamps spinning wheels to redirect power, and in 4WD low range, the brake must resist significant force. This accelerates brake wear dramatically. Owners also report universal brake judder from higher speeds and during repeated braking. Front pads cost €60-120, rear shoes €50-90, front discs €80-150 each. Expect more frequent brake service if you use the Jimny off-road regularly.
Automatic transmission rough shifts€150 - €2,500
Auto models suffer jerky gear changes; often cured by transmission oil replacement · more· less
Automatic transmission-equipped Jimnys can suffer from rough, delayed, or jerky gear changes. This is often linked to old or degraded transmission fluid causing poor lubrication. Symptoms include delayed shifting between gears and rough engagement. Transmission fluid change typically costs €150-250 and often resolves the issue. If the problem persists, torque converter or solenoid issues may require more expensive repairs (€800-2,500). Manual transmission Jimnys don't have this issue. Always test an automatic Jimny for at least 20 minutes to ensure smooth shifting when warm.
Oil consumption (K15B engine)€50 - €150
Higher-than-expected oil consumption reported even from new, may be normal for this engine · more· less
A number of K15B owners report oil consumption from the first kilometers, with some describing it as "probably the norm for this engine." This appears to be a characteristic rather than a defect. Causes can include worn piston rings allowing oil into the combustion chamber, though some newer cars also show this behavior. Check oil level regularly (every 1,000 km if you notice consumption), and budget for topping up between services. Severe consumption (more than 1L per 5,000 km) may indicate piston ring issues requiring engine work, but moderate consumption seems to be accepted as normal by many owners.
Engine knocking/pinging€0 - €400
Caused by low-octane fuel or carbon buildup; use 95 RON minimum, clean throttle body · more· less
The K15B engine can develop knocking or pinging sounds, especially under load or acceleration. The most common cause is using low-quality fuel with insufficient octane - the Jimny requires minimum 95 RON (Euro 95). Carbon buildup on intake valves and combustion chambers also contributes to knocking. Solution: consistently use quality 95 RON or higher fuel, and have the throttle body and intake system cleaned (€80-150) if knocking persists. Carbon cleaning service costs €200-400. Some owners report the engine simply runs quieter and smoother on premium fuel. If knocking is severe or doesn't respond to fuel quality, timing chain tensioner issues may be the cause.
Suzuki vehicles have relatively poor rustproofing from the factory, and the Jimny is no exception. Key problem areas: chassis body and suspension mounting points (especially just ahead of rear wheels where moisture collects), around factory welding points, boot floor, sills (hidden behind plastic moldings), inner arches, floor below rear seats, jack storage well, and area behind front headlamps. The JB74 has factory drain holes that must be kept clear to prevent water accumulation. Preventive underside wax-oiling (Dinitrol, Bilt Hamber, or Tectyl) costs €300-600 and is strongly recommended. Rust repair costs vary from €300 for minor surface treatment to €1,500+ for severe chassis/body corrosion. Get underneath and inspect carefully before purchase.
Very reliable mechanically, but usage determines longevity
The JB74 Jimny is one of the most reliable small 4x4s available, with Suzuki ranking 4th out of 32 manufacturers in reliability surveys. Reported problems are very few considering its off-road capability. However, heavy mud/water use accelerates wear on wheel bearings, brakes, and propshaft components. Most issues are usage-related rather than design flaws. The K15B engine is simple and robust. Rust protection is the biggest weakness - proactive rust prevention is essential.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at recommended intervals (12 months/15,000 km).
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm for off-road use), age, and uneven wear patterns. Oversized tires accelerate bearing wear.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, rattling, or knocking.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, panel gaps, paint mismatch. Many Jimnys have aftermarket modifications.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Test 4WD engagement if possible.
Specific for this vehicle
Lift vehicle and inspect underbody/chassis thoroughly
Check chassis for rust, especially body mounting points just ahead of rear wheels (moisture trap), suspension turrets, cross members, main chassis rails. Look for scraping/rubbing marks from off-road use. Check radial arm mounts for bends or damage.
Check wheel bearings for play
With wheel jacked up and handbrake off (for rears), wiggle the wheel. More than a couple mm movement or obvious clunk indicates bearing wear. Critical check for off-road used Jimnys.
Inspect propshaft boots and CV joints
Look for torn, cracked, or leaking boots, especially the rearmost propshaft. Any damage means expensive replacement as Suzuki doesn't sell boots separately.
Check brake pad/shoe thickness
Look at front pads through wheels, check rear drum shoes via rubber inspection cap. Heavy off-road use causes excessive wear.
Test automatic transmission (if equipped)
Drive for minimum 15+ minutes until fully warmed. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, rough engagement, or delay between gears. Test in stop-and-go traffic.
Test head unit/infotainment thoroughly
Check all functions: radio, Bluetooth, touchscreen responsiveness, USB connection. This is a known failure point.
Verify fuel pump recall completed (May-Nov 2018 cars)
Contact Suzuki with VIN. Faulty fuel pumps can swell and stop functioning while driving.
Verify airbag door harness recall completed (2019-2020 cars)
Contact Suzuki with VIN. Improper door harness design could prevent airbag deployment.
Check oil level and inspect for consumption
Some oil consumption is normal for K15B engine, but excessive use (1L+ per 3,000 km) indicates problems.
Door harness airbag issue (2019-2020)4,036 vehicles - verify completed
Contact Suzuki dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The fuel pump recall is critical as failure can cause engine shutdown while driving. The airbag harness recall affects side/curtain airbag deployment.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years)Expired on 2018-2021 models
Service-activated extended warrantyUp to 7 years (requires dealer servicing)
Suzuki offers a service-activated warranty extending coverage up to 7 years if vehicle is serviced at authorized Suzuki dealers. Extended warranty does NOT cover handbrake cables, exhaust, clutch, rubber gaiters, coolant hoses, or damage from overheating. Check warranty status with dealer using VIN.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.