Recall 18V331 affects 5,786 2013 Suzuki Kizashi and SX4 vehicles for TCM failure. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
Suzuki is recalling 5,786 2013 Kizashi and SX4 vehicles equipped with a CVT because the transmission control module can fail and reduce speed or acceleration. That loss of power can increase crash risk, and Suzuki dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission control module is the electronic controller for the continuously variable transmission in the 2013 Suzuki Kizashi and SX4. It reads driver input, vehicle speed, and engine data, then tells the transmission how to adjust its ratio so the vehicle accelerates normally.
On affected vehicles, the problem starts inside the controller before it is installed in the car. The metal lead frames that carry electrical connections were stored in time and humidity conditions that formed a moisture-laden oxide film. That film interfered with soldering, leaving unsoldered areas around the shunt resistors, which are small parts used to manage electrical current inside the module. When those connections fail, the controller loses the signals it needs and the vehicle can slow down or have reduced acceleration.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices can be a sudden reduction in speed or weaker acceleration while driving.
Who's affected?
Covers the Kizashi and SX4 from the 2013 model year, with both tied to the automatic transmission control module.
| 2013 Suzuki Kizashi | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2013 Suzuki SX4 | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 5,786 |
A matching 2013 Suzuki model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced vehicle speed or weak acceleration can make it harder to keep pace with traffic and increases the risk of a crash. If your Kizashi or SX4 loses speed or acceleration while driving, move out of traffic when safe and schedule the recall repair promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Suzuki Kizashi or SX4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to schedule the free TCM replacement that fixes the loss of speed or reduced acceleration.
- Bring the recall notice if Suzuki sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V331 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the TCM is replaced. Leave extra room before merging or crossing traffic.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Suzuki technician replaces the Transmission Control Module, the computer that controls the CVT, on covered 2013 Kizashi and SX4 vehicles. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Suzuki also has a reimbursement plan for owners who paid for a repair tied to this defect before the recall notice. If that applies to you, bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the service desk so Suzuki can review the claim under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 17, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| June 1, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 8, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 11, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V331?
Recall 18V331 covers 5,786 2013 Suzuki Kizashi and SX4 vehicles with a CVT transmission control module that can fail. If it fails, the vehicle can lose speed or have reduced acceleration, increasing crash risk. Suzuki dealers will replace the TCM for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Suzuki Kizashi or SX4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V331. If it is, contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to schedule the free TCM replacement. Reference recall 18V331 and Suzuki recall numbers 4005 to 4008 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Suzuki's remedy for recall 18V331 is a free TCM replacement at a franchised Suzuki dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced vehicle speed or reduced acceleration. NHTSA campaign 18V331 states that this condition can increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, arrange the free TCM replacement with a Suzuki dealer.
What if I bought my Suzuki Kizashi or SX4 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2013 Suzuki Kizashi or SX4 is included, then call a franchised Suzuki dealer for the free TCM replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V331000 |
|---|---|
| Suzuki customer service | 1-800-934-0934 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V331 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V331000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →