Gearbox issues in newest Jimnys (2012+)

I am contemplating on buying a newer Jimny (made in 2013 - the facelifted model with the hummer-like front grille).

As far as I know, all petrol Jimnys since 2005 use the R72 gearbox, which is known for experiencing failures at a random rate. Some gearboxes have been reported to fail at very low mileages.


Has Suzuki ever addressed this issue in newer revisions of this gearbox? Are there reports of newer Jimnys (2012+) experiencing the R72 gearbox failures in the same rates as the older Jimnys (2005+) have?

Once the gearbox fails, can a long lasting repair be successfully performed? Do you use original parts or some uprated aftermarket ones?

Suzuki supplies a newer sealed rear bearing for the gearbox, specifically for R72 gearboxes which are playing up. I'd be very surprised if they hadn't started putting this new bearing into the gearboxes during manufacture / assembly.

I did not know that. It makes sense that they started using that better bearing in all new Jimnys from the factory at a certain point in time.

A similar thing happened with the bushes for the connection of the radius arms to the chassis. Sometime in 2007, Suzuki changed the design of the bush to decrease the risk of the death wobble phenomenon. They have been installing the newer bush in Jimnys ever since.


Is that rear bearing the only part in R72 gearboxes which typically fails?

Is there some driving test which can detect if that bearing is worn?

I think its a combination of that old, open rear bearing, and the leaky propshaft cap. Both have been known long enough that you'd hope newer production has them included. As far as I know the first you know the bearing is on it's way out is when it falls apart and you get horrible grindy sounds in 3rd and 4th.

Bosanek wrote: I did not know that. It makes sense that they started using that better bearing in all new Jimnys from the factory at a certain point in time.

Well we can only hope!