What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire? A real, human look at India’s most familiar sedan

What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire? People who are impressed by the car’s dependability and mileage capabilities but feel that something is wrong often ask this question. The author has been investigating how Indian consumers use the Dzire sedan. The car has been a huge hit, but that doesn’t mean it’s a flawless vehicle. It’s time to have a candid conversation about the Dzire’s strong and weak points.

Why Dzire still matters in 2025

Before delving deeper into what the actual problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire are, it’s essential to know where it actually stands. Dzire is not just any other compact sedan. It’s actually a sales sensation, and everyone trusts it—from families to first-time users and taxi operators. Fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, and Maruti’s unbeatable services keep it alive to this date.

However, with the changing market, the expectations also change. “Consumers demand better-engine vehicles, upgraded interior designs, and sportier handling.” This is where the problems start appearing.

What is the general problem found in Maruti Dzire cars, as reported by their owners?

When people ask me about the common problems of the Maruti Dzire, I don’t have one problem on my hands. It is many small issues that somehow add up. One thing that owners complain about is that the 1.2L engine performs adequately but does little to thrill. With an output of only 81 BHP, it does the trick in traffic but does little to impress on highways.

Fans, particularly those coming from older versions of four-cylinder engines, may feel disappointed in the reduced refinement and power. Although the engine is not bad in terms of smoothness, it doesn’t possess that spark that their competitors, like Honda Amaze, are able to provide.

Performance and power: where the thrill is secondary

If you are trying to find out what the most common problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire are and whether there are any major complaints against its performance, then you would see that the Dzire has received criticism for its lack of speed from the petrol engine. The AMT transmission does not make things better. The car may come across as jerky when driven at a slower pace and when rapid maneuvers have to be made.

Some rivals offer smoother automatic transmissions, such as CVT, which makes the Dzire’s AMT seem dated. Not having a proper automatic gearbox is a disappointment considering Maruti has a successful CVT model in its lineup.

Interior quality and comfort: passable, but no more

On many counts, a common problem of the Maruti Dzire can be found in its interior. Talking about the interior plastics of the Maruti Dzire, it is just that—interior plastics. They do their work well, but they are hardly an upgrade, even in higher models of Maruti Dzire. The light-colored interior gives a sense of lightness but tends to get dirty easily.

The comfort level of four people is adequate, but this is not suited to five people. The support provided by the rear seating to the under-thigh regions is only average, and this is evident when one uses a car like the Dzire, which may be driven by a chauffeur, with such a deficiency of seating comfort.

Quality and perception of safety

Now let’s consider an issue that consumers worry about in the background while discussing what the typical problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire are. Where the car falls short is in the sense that it does not give you that meat-and-potatoes feel that you expect in a car, like the Tata Tigor or so. Gaps between panels need improvement. Although Maruti cars are road-safe if driven carefully, the lightweight design complaint has always posed concerns, especially for those who use the national highway.

Boot Space & Utility Issues—The concern about

The boot space is also a field where the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire are quite obvious. The car has the lowest boot space, with approximately 378-382 liters. It also has a high boot lip and a smaller opening compared to other models. It is not ideal for carrying bulky luggage.

It’s doable with small families. It is a problem for regular travelers.

Features that buyers lack but immediately experience

Although the Dzire comes quite well-equipped, there are certain things missing that seem odd. Things like an armrest for the front passengers, adjustable headrests for the rear passengers, better cushioning on the doors, and some comfort-related accessories are missing. These are no longer added luxurious elements but have become a requirement.

Often, people ask me, “What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire?” and the absence of features is always a part and parcel of that. Most of the “cool” features are available only in the range-topping variant. Those people are encouraged to splurge.

“No diesel, no CNG automatic”: a missed opportunity in strategy

Among the major talking points related to “What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire?” is that there is no diesel engine available post-BS6 norms, along with no CNG automatic variant available. The Maruti Dzire was previously the top-selling diesel car sedan model in India.

Though CNG automatic options are absent in the rival models too, customers are still disappointed that Maruti could not lead the way in this area. In the case of mileage-driven consumers, it is an issue.

Exclusivity and brand perception concerns

There is a certain, real, though less overtly mentioned, concern associated with what is common to Maruti Dzire—a certain “image.” As a result of it being commonly driven by cab aggregators, Dzire feels less special. Whatever features Maruti introduces in the Dzire, it is difficult to dislodge this “taxi car” association from the Dzire.

But this may act as a disincentive to private customers if they are seeking exclusivity.

Is the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire a good car?

But is the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire a good car? The truth is that yes. But not under all circumstances. It is the best option for those who want fuel efficiency. It won’t cost you much to run.

But if you are looking for driving fun, premium interiors, or powerful automatic transmission driving, you may find that the Dzire falls short. It will help you make the choice if you understand What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire?.

Statistical snapshot of Dzire’s journey What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire?

Year	Stat	Source
2018	Over 2.6 lakh units sold	SIAM
2020	Diesel discontinued due to BS6	Maruti Suzuki
2022	Among top 5 selling sedans	Auto Industry Reports
2024	Facelift expected with feature updates	Market Analysis

Grapes-style comparison: Dzire vs expectations (What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire?)

Aspect	Sweet (Pros)	Sour (Cons)
Engine	Reliable, fuel-efficient	Not powerful or exciting
Gearbox	Easy to use in traffic	AMT feels jerky
Comfort	Good for 4 adults	Weak under-thigh support
Features	Loaded top variant	Many features missing in lower trims
Ownership	Low maintenance	Lacks premium feel

Final thoughts: should you worry about the problems?

Should one worry about these problems? After carefully analyzing What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire?, I can safely say this is no bad car. This is just the sensible one. The car focuses on sensibility rather than passion, economy rather than fun. If your requirements match what it has to offer, you will be satisfied for a long time. If not, understanding what the problem of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire is beforehand will save you from buyer’s remorse. My advice is quite simple: just test drive it, have a seat in the backseat, experience the AMT in traffic conditions, and then make a decision according to your lifestyle and not according to the badge on the bonnet.