Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

Suzuki VITARA recalls by model year

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

115 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

53,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1999 to 2004 model years. Data updated: . 31 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1999
4
2000
0
2001
0
2002
0
2003
0
2004
1
Recall campaigns data
CategoryCount
19994
20000
20010
20020
20030
20041

1999: 4; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 0; 2003: 0; 2004: 1

Year-by-year records

Suzuki VITARA model-year comparison
Model yearComplaintsRecallsChange in recalls
1999504Not available
2000350-4
20012700
2002100
2003100
200411+1

Recall history

5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

98V324002 · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar

Reported: 1999-02-09 (February 9, 1999) · Model years: 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE COUPLING THAT CONNECTS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS CRACKED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE STEERING SHAFTS TO SEPARATE.

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT COUPLING.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
99V154000 · Equipment:Electrical:Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.

Reported: 1999-06-28 (June 28, 1999) · Model years: 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE VEHICLES WIRING HARNESS COULD HAVE BEEN PINCHED BETWEEN THE REAR STEREO SPEAKER AND SPEAKER RETAINING PLATE.

Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR DUE TO THE PINCHED WIRES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITION/CONDITION OF THE REAR WIRING HARNESS AND REPAIR THE WIRING HARNESS, IF NECESSARY.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
99V155000 · Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage

Reported: 1999-06-28 (June 28, 1999) · Model years: 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS WERE REMOVED TO FACILITATE THE REAR SPEAKER INSTALLATION AND MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION AFTER INSTALLATION OF THE SPEAKERS.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETORQUE BOTH OF THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS TO SPECIFICATION.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
99V273002 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch

Reported: 1999-10-15 (October 15, 1999) · Model years: 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH. IF THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE, A FAILURE IN THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH MAY ALSO PREVENT SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS FOLLOWING CLOSELY, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
04V427000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported: 2004-08-30 (August 30, 2004) · Model years: 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW -25 DEGREES CELSIUS, MOISTURE CAN FREEZE IN THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. AS A RESULT, FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE MAY INCREASE AT THE TIME OF ENGINE START UP, CAUSING FUEL LOSS AT THE FUEL PIPE/FUEL HOSE CONNECTION.

Consequence: FUEL LOSS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, THE FUEL DELIVER HOSE AND REPLACE THE HOSE CLAMP WITH AN IMPROVED CLAMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

115 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

27.0%Usable mileage31 / 115 records
81.7%Valid incident date94 / 115 records
100.0%Valid filing date115 / 115 records
81.7%Ordered incident and filing dates94 / 115 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199920002001200220032004
Suspension:Front
612.0%
ODI 710817

BUMPY/VIBRATION FELT AT 35+ MPH, SMOOTHS OUT TO SOME DEGREE ABOVE 45 UNTIL YOU REACH 60+. VIBRATION ABOVE 60 FEELS AS IF YOU MAY NOT HAVE STEERING CONTROL. A/C CONTROL LEVER DOES NOT OPEN/CLOSE COMPLETELY. A/C FROZE UNDER DASH ON PASSENGER SIDE, WOULD NOT COOL, WATER DISCHARGED INTO FLOOR BOARD. DOES NOT ADEQUATELY COOL INTERIOR IN DIRECT SUN WITH TEMPTS. ABOVE 85. GEAR SHIFTER SOMETIMES (SPORADIC) JAMS - PROBLEM APPEARS TO DEAL WITH 2ND GEAR (SOMETIMES 1ST TO 2ND OR 3RD TO 2ND). WHEN IT JAMS IT FEELS AS IF SOMETHING IS HITTING RUBBER (NO …

Look up ODI 710817 at NHTSA ↗

411.4%
ODI 10348381 · 108,519 mi

MY SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER FAIL WHILE HITTING THE BRAKES ON AN OFFRAMP ON MY 2000 SUZUKI VITARA. MY WHOLE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING VERY BADLY. THE PASSENGER NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SHAKING OUT OF CONTROL AND AFTER I INSPECTED IT, I FOUND THAT WHERE THE CONTROL ARM IS MOUNTED TO THE CROSSMEMBER, IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PART FOR THE 2000 CHEVY TRACKER WHICH IS BASICALLY THE SAME VEHICLE. COULD NOT FIND A RECALL ON THIS PART FOR THE VITARA HOWEVER. I THINK THIS SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED. THE…

Look up ODI 10348381 at NHTSA ↗

311.1%
ODI 10066451 · 12,000 mi

2001 GRAND VITARA 4 DOOR R235-60-16 TIRES; VEHICLE DRAMATICALLY SWERVES SUDDENLY TO THE SIDE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS; FORCES CONSTANT CONTROL OF VEHICLE; EXPERIENCED BY AT LEAST 2 OTHER DRIVERS OF THE VEHICLE; TIRES REPLACED; ALIGNMENT DONE; NO CHANGE; VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE UNSAFE ON TE HIGHWAY; IF TIRES ENCOUNTER AN IMPERFECTION IN THE ROAD SUCH AS AN INDENTATION WHERE THE ASPHALT MEETS, IT WILL HIT THAT SPOT AND JUMP TO THE SIDE; SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS; REPORTED TO DEALER WHO SAID THERE IS NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY; HOWEVER, IT APPEARDED IN THE L…

Look up ODI 10066451 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
918.0%
ODI 10065816 · 6 mi

1999 VITARA HAS LOUD VIBRATION BETWEEN 55 TO 65 MPH. HAVE TO DRIVE BELOW OR ABOVE MPH RANGE TO STOP VIBRATION. SAFETY ISSUE. NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ON FILE. FEEL INVESTIGATION IS WARRANTED.*AK

Look up ODI 10065816 at NHTSA ↗

12.9%
ODI 724861

SUV HAS A VIBRATION THAT DEALER AND SUZUKI REFUSES TO FIX OR GIVE OUR MONEY BACK!

Look up ODI 724861 at NHTSA ↗

13.7%
ODI 9002236

VEHICLE LIFTS WHEN TIGHT TURN TO LEFT OR RIGHT IS TAKEN TO THE POINT OF ROLLOVER.

Look up ODI 9002236 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 10269595

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI VITARA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SUSPENSION AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY COULD NOT BE PERFORMED UNLESS ANOTHER COMPONENT WAS REPLACED. THE REPAIR COST WAS ESTIMATED AT $900. THE RECALL DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE ADDITIONAL REPAIR THAT WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY NOT BEING DRIVEN. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE SYSTEM. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 10269595 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
48.0%
ODI 10103801 · 100,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 35 MP ENGINE LOCKED UP. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM ONCE, BUT IT WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK....*AK

Look up ODI 10103801 at NHTSA ↗

38.6%
ODI 10046802 · 62,000 mi

REAR MAIN SEAL IN THE V-6 ENGINE FAILED AND SPRAYED OIL OVER THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR. SMELLED LIKE IT COULD CATCH FIRE WITH THE OIL OPEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *LA

Look up ODI 10046802 at NHTSA ↗

414.8%
ODI 10108511 · 48,225 mi

AT 48,000 MILES THE TIMING TENSIONER WENT OUT IN MY SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THIS HAS CAUSED COMPLETE DAMAGE TO THE ENTIRE ENGINE REQUIRING A COMPLETE REBUILD BECAUSE OF A PART THAT WAS DEFECTIVE. SUZUKI HAS DENIED RESPONSIBILITY AND WOULD NOT HELP FIX THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THEY SAY THAT THEIR VEHICLES HAVE ZERO-MAINTENANCE AND SELF-ADJUSTING TIMING CHAINS. THE PART CLEARLY FAILED LONG BEFORE IT'S RATING AND NEED FOR REPLACEMENT (60,000MILES) AND I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE ON THE WEB WITH THE SAME ISSUE (AROUND 500 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS). SUZUKI …

Look up ODI 10108511 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
24.0%
ODI 710817

BUMPY/VIBRATION FELT AT 35+ MPH, SMOOTHS OUT TO SOME DEGREE ABOVE 45 UNTIL YOU REACH 60+. VIBRATION ABOVE 60 FEELS AS IF YOU MAY NOT HAVE STEERING CONTROL. A/C CONTROL LEVER DOES NOT OPEN/CLOSE COMPLETELY. A/C FROZE UNDER DASH ON PASSENGER SIDE, WOULD NOT COOL, WATER DISCHARGED INTO FLOOR BOARD. DOES NOT ADEQUATELY COOL INTERIOR IN DIRECT SUN WITH TEMPTS. ABOVE 85. GEAR SHIFTER SOMETIMES (SPORADIC) JAMS - PROBLEM APPEARS TO DEAL WITH 2ND GEAR (SOMETIMES 1ST TO 2ND OR 3RD TO 2ND). WHEN IT JAMS IT FEELS AS IF SOMETHING IS HITTING RUBBER (NO …

Look up ODI 710817 at NHTSA ↗

411.4%
ODI 10131056

1. VEHICLE TRANSMISSION PUT INTO PARK POSITION. KEY WITHDRAWN. KEY TRANSMISSION INTERLOCK FAULTY 2. PARK POSITION DID NOT HOLD AND VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN HILL CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE AND PROPERTY. 3. AUTOMOBILE BEING REPAIRED, TRANSMISSION IGNITION KEY INTERFACE BEING INVESTIGATED. *NM

Look up ODI 10131056 at NHTSA ↗

13.7%
ODI 10232727

THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER POP'S OUT WHEN IT DONE TO WERE I CAN'T FIND IT, IT HAS BURNT SEVERAL ITEMS IN MY TRAY,AND FLOOR. ALSO THE GAS PEDAL STICK'S WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN ON IT TO GIVE A VERBAL ACCELERATION TO GET AROUND SOMEONE ETC. THE AIR IN THE TIRE'S ARE ALWAYS GOING DOWN. THE OIL SAYS IT LOW EVERYTIME I LOOK AT IT ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE BELT ON THE AC KEEP LOSING AND NOW IT NEEDS REPLACED BECAUSE IT NOW HAS FREEZED UP ON ME. THE RADIO AT 12:00 AM AND PM READS 00. THEN THE MINUTES ONLY DISPLACED. THERE'S A RATTLE UNDER THE CAR, DON'T KNOW WH…

Look up ODI 10232727 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
12.0%
ODI 10101255

WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH A COLLISION OCCURRED, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE REAR. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED BAD INJURIES. *AK

Look up ODI 10101255 at NHTSA ↗

38.6%
ODI 10184360 · 52,000 mi

AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DESPITE FRONTAL IMPACT AT ROUGHLY 550 MPH. *JB

Look up ODI 10184360 at NHTSA ↗

27.4%
ODI 10121073 · 24,000 mi

DT: RAN OFF THE ROAD GOING ABOUT 25 MPH ONTO THE SIDEWALK. CONSUMER HIT AN ELECTRICAL BOX AND STREET SIGN. THE CAR STOPPED AND THE POLICE AND EMV CAME. THE POLICE STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AS A PRECAUTION. CONSUMER DID HAVE PREVIOUS BACK PROBLEMS AND DIDN'T KNOW IF IT WOULD CAUSE MORE PROBLEMS. *TT

Look up ODI 10121073 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
24.0%
ODI 862625

VEHICLE HAD BEEN PURCHASED MORE THAN 30 DAYS AGO & IT ALREADY HAS STALLED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT SHAKES REAL BADLY, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK

Look up ODI 862625 at NHTSA ↗

38.6%
ODI 10037262

MY PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE STARTED RIGHT AWAY. I HAVE A 200 SUZUKI VITARA, AND WITHIN THE FIRST MONTHS I NOTICED IT WASN'T SHIFTING JUST RIGHT. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NORMAL. RIGHT AWAY ALSO I NOTICED IT WAS LEAKING OIL AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN THE DEALERSHIP GAVE THE SAME ANSWER. FINALLY AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE IN SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WERE FORCED TO TO REALLY DEAL WITH THE ISSUES I WAS HAVING THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR IN THAT NEXT DAY. ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP MY VEHICLE STALLED. I CALLED A TO…

Look up ODI 10037262 at NHTSA ↗

13.7%
ODI 10020778

VEHICLE BURNS 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. 2ND ROW SAFETY BELTS ARE FRAYED ON PASSENGER & DRIVER SIDE FROM RUBBING AGAINST INTERIOR PLASTIC OF VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 10020778 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
48.0%
ODI 762686

FROM DAY ONE, THE BELT ON THE CAR MADE A CHIRPING NOISE. THE CAR HAD GONE BACK TO THE DEALER ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASSIONS-AND AS OF RIGHT NOW, THE BELT HAS BEEN CHANGED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES, BUT THE NOISE CONTINUES. WHEN IT RAINS, IT GETS A VERY LOUD SQUEAKY NOISE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DELAER AT LEAST TWICE, AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SENSOR, BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS FINE. HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON OCCASSIONALLY OFF AND ON. I HAD CONSISTENT OIL CHANG…

Look up ODI 762686 at NHTSA ↗

12.9%
ODI 721844

EXTERIOR PAINT IS CHIPPING OF ALL OVER THE LOWER PORTOIN OF THE CAR.MINOR CONTACT WITH THE PAINT CAUSES SCRATCHES OR CHIPPING.THERE IS NOT ANY CHIP RESISTENT MATERIAL UNDER THE PAINT ALONG THE LOWER ROCKER PANELS OF THE CAR.THE BOTTOM PART OF THE CAR NEEDS TO BE REPAINTED RIGHT NOW BEFORE ANY RUSTING STARTS. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK

Look up ODI 721844 at NHTSA ↗

13.7%
ODI 10025892

I HAVE BEEN DISSATISFIED WITH MY SUZUKI GRAND VITARA SINCE I GOT IT. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD TO CHANGE THE OIL NUMBEROUS TIMES EVEN PRIOR TO THE REGULAR OIL CHANGES. THERE HAVE EVEN BEEN TIMES WHEN HE WOULD CHANGE THE OIL, THE LIGHT WOULD CONTINUE TO STAY ON AND I WOULD TAKE IT TO A PROFESSIONAL TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED THEN THE LIGHT WOULD CONTINUE TO STAY ON. I HAVE SPEND WAY TOO MUCH MONEY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE BEEN VERY DISSATIFIED WITH IT. I HAVE TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES TO EVEN HAVE A KEY MADE FOR IT. THE DOME LIGHTS DON'T COME ON UN…

Look up ODI 10025892 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.9%
ODI 10221852 · 130,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 3/18/08 AND AS I LEFT THE GAS STATION I HEARD THIS POP AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR CUT OFF. LATER AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC, I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIMING CHAIN BELT POPPED. I WAS ALSO NOTIFIED THAT THIS WAS A REGULAR OCCURRENCE WITH THE VEHICLE AND SUZUKI KNEW OF THIS, BUT HAD NO RECALL TO FIX OR CHANGE IT. I HAD NO IDEA OF THIS AND WAS TOLD WHEN BUYING THAT HAVING A CHAIN RATHER THAN A BELT WAS MUCH BETTER FOR YOUR CAR. NOT UNLESS IT POPS AND REPAIRS OF $2000 ARE NEEDED. I AM APPALLED THAT SUZUKI WOULD KNO…

Look up ODI 10221852 at NHTSA ↗

311.1%
ODI 10025892

I HAVE BEEN DISSATISFIED WITH MY SUZUKI GRAND VITARA SINCE I GOT IT. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD TO CHANGE THE OIL NUMBEROUS TIMES EVEN PRIOR TO THE REGULAR OIL CHANGES. THERE HAVE EVEN BEEN TIMES WHEN HE WOULD CHANGE THE OIL, THE LIGHT WOULD CONTINUE TO STAY ON AND I WOULD TAKE IT TO A PROFESSIONAL TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED THEN THE LIGHT WOULD CONTINUE TO STAY ON. I HAVE SPEND WAY TOO MUCH MONEY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE BEEN VERY DISSATIFIED WITH IT. I HAVE TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES TO EVEN HAVE A KEY MADE FOR IT. THE DOME LIGHTS DON'T COME ON UN…

Look up ODI 10025892 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10136213 · 4,000 mi

DT: THE CALLER SAID VEHICLE WILL NOT START. HE HAS CRANKED IT UNTIL THE BATTERY DIED. HE SAID THAT THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL UNDER THE HOOD. IT STARTED DOING IT A FEW TIMES, AND NOW IT DOES IT ALL THE TIME. THE CALLER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES. HE SAID THAT AFTER THE DEALER FIXED THE VEHICLE IT WILL START FOR AWHILE, BUT THE PROBLEM CAME BACK ,AND IT WILL NOT START. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10136213 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Suspension:FrontToo few reports for a range60,260 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10348381 · 108,519 mi

MY SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER FAIL WHILE HITTING THE BRAKES ON AN OFFRAMP ON MY 2000 SUZUKI VITARA. MY WHOLE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING VERY BADLY. THE PASSENGER NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SHAKING OUT OF CONTROL AND AFTER I INSPECTED IT, I FOUND THAT WHERE THE CONTROL ARM IS MOUNTED TO THE CROSSMEMBER, IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE EXACT SAME PART FOR THE 2000 CHEVY TRACKER WHICH IS BASICALLY THE SAME VEHICLE. COULD NOT FIND A RECALL ON THIS PART FOR THE VITARA HOWEVER. I THINK THIS SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED. THE…

Look up ODI 10348381 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10066451 · 12,000 mi

2001 GRAND VITARA 4 DOOR R235-60-16 TIRES; VEHICLE DRAMATICALLY SWERVES SUDDENLY TO THE SIDE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS; FORCES CONSTANT CONTROL OF VEHICLE; EXPERIENCED BY AT LEAST 2 OTHER DRIVERS OF THE VEHICLE; TIRES REPLACED; ALIGNMENT DONE; NO CHANGE; VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE UNSAFE ON TE HIGHWAY; IF TIRES ENCOUNTER AN IMPERFECTION IN THE ROAD SUCH AS AN INDENTATION WHERE THE ASPHALT MEETS, IT WILL HIT THAT SPOT AND JUMP TO THE SIDE; SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS; REPORTED TO DEALER WHO SAID THERE IS NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY; HOWEVER, IT APPEARDED IN THE L…

Look up ODI 10066451 at NHTSA ↗

SuspensionToo few reports for a range62,503 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10065816 · 6 mi

1999 VITARA HAS LOUD VIBRATION BETWEEN 55 TO 65 MPH. HAVE TO DRIVE BELOW OR ABOVE MPH RANGE TO STOP VIBRATION. SAFETY ISSUE. NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ON FILE. FEEL INVESTIGATION IS WARRANTED.*AK

Look up ODI 10065816 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10238726 · 125,000 mi

FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER HAS RUSTED THROUGH ON MY 1999 SUZUKI VITARA. THE CHEVROLET TRACKER, WHICH IS THE SAME CAR HAS HAD A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THIS POSES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN! *TR

Look up ODI 10238726 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine49,544–86,409 mi57,750 mi6
ODI 10103801 · 100,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 35 MP ENGINE LOCKED UP. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE PROBLEM ONCE, BUT IT WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK....*AK

Look up ODI 10103801 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10046802 · 62,000 mi

REAR MAIN SEAL IN THE V-6 ENGINE FAILED AND SPRAYED OIL OVER THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR. SMELLED LIKE IT COULD CATCH FIRE WITH THE OIL OPEN THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *LA

Look up ODI 10046802 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10153075 · 94,545 mi

MOTOR BLEW AT 94000 MILES RINGS WORE OUT AND POURED OIL. *JB

Look up ODI 10153075 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range38,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10184360 · 52,000 mi

AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DESPITE FRONTAL IMPACT AT ROUGHLY 550 MPH. *JB

Look up ODI 10184360 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10121073 · 24,000 mi

DT: RAN OFF THE ROAD GOING ABOUT 25 MPH ONTO THE SIDEWALK. CONSUMER HIT AN ELECTRICAL BOX AND STREET SIGN. THE CAR STOPPED AND THE POLICE AND EMV CAME. THE POLICE STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AS A PRECAUTION. CONSUMER DID HAVE PREVIOUS BACK PROBLEMS AND DIDN'T KNOW IF IT WOULD CAUSE MORE PROBLEMS. *TT

Look up ODI 10121073 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range63,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10221852 · 130,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON 3/18/08 AND AS I LEFT THE GAS STATION I HEARD THIS POP AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR CUT OFF. LATER AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC, I WAS TOLD THAT THE TIMING CHAIN BELT POPPED. I WAS ALSO NOTIFIED THAT THIS WAS A REGULAR OCCURRENCE WITH THE VEHICLE AND SUZUKI KNEW OF THIS, BUT HAD NO RECALL TO FIX OR CHANGE IT. I HAD NO IDEA OF THIS AND WAS TOLD WHEN BUYING THAT HAVING A CHAIN RATHER THAN A BELT WAS MUCH BETTER FOR YOUR CAR. NOT UNLESS IT POPS AND REPAIRS OF $2000 ARE NEEDED. I AM APPALLED THAT SUZUKI WOULD KNO…

Look up ODI 10221852 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10116331 · 57,000 mi

DRIVING AND SUDDENLY ENGINE MAKES A HORRIBLE NOISE AND STOPPED. ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHT CAMEON, I DID NOT START THE VEHICLE. HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC. ONCE THE MECHANIC GOT IT STARTED HE TOLD ME THAT HE THOUGHT I HAD MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS. DECIDED TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY NEPHEW'S MECHANIC WHOM I WOULD TRUST, AND THE FOUND THAT THE TIME CHAIN APPARTENTLY JUMPED STOPPED WHICH CAUSED MAJOR ENGINE DAMAGE. ALSO, THEY HAD COME TO THE CONCLUSION THE REASON WHY THE TIMING CHAIN DID THIS WAS DUE TO A FOREIGN PIECE OF MEDAL THAT LOOKED LIKE A W…

Look up ODI 10116331 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10125128 · 70,000 mi

OIL LEAK THAT HAS BEEN A KNOWN ENGINEERING DEFECT AND NOT YET CORRECTED BY SUZUKI

Look up ODI 10125128 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2003: 1 complaints · 2004: 1 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2003111
2004011
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2003100
2004100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentSuspension:FrontSuspensionEngine And Engine Cooling:EnginePower Train:Automatic TransmissionAir Bags:FrontalEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineUnknown Or OtherEngine And Engine Cooling
Suspension:Front—0
2
ODI 845089

PASSENGER'S FRONT SIDE BOUNCES, CAUSING TIRE DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE WHICH MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. DEALER REPLACED MOTOR MOUNTS. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 845089 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10232727

THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER POP'S OUT WHEN IT DONE TO WERE I CAN'T FIND IT, IT HAS BURNT SEVERAL ITEMS IN MY TRAY,AND FLOOR. ALSO THE GAS PEDAL STICK'S WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN ON IT TO GIVE A VERBAL ACCELERATION TO GET AROUND SOMEONE ETC. THE AIR IN THE TIRE'S ARE ALWAYS GOING DOWN. THE OIL SAYS IT LOW EVERYTIME I LOOK AT IT ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE BELT ON THE AC KEEP LOSING AND NOW IT NEEDS REPLACED BECAUSE IT NOW HAS FREEZED UP ON ME. THE RADIO AT 12:00 AM AND PM READS 00. THEN THE MINUTES ONLY DISPLACED. THERE'S A RATTLE UNDER THE CAR, DON'T KNOW WH…

Look up ODI 10232727 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 710817

BUMPY/VIBRATION FELT AT 35+ MPH, SMOOTHS OUT TO SOME DEGREE ABOVE 45 UNTIL YOU REACH 60+. VIBRATION ABOVE 60 FEELS AS IF YOU MAY NOT HAVE STEERING CONTROL. A/C CONTROL LEVER DOES NOT OPEN/CLOSE COMPLETELY. A/C FROZE UNDER DASH ON PASSENGER SIDE, WOULD NOT COOL, WATER DISCHARGED INTO FLOOR BOARD. DOES NOT ADEQUATELY COOL INTERIOR IN DIRECT SUN WITH TEMPTS. ABOVE 85. GEAR SHIFTER SOMETIMES (SPORADIC) JAMS - PROBLEM APPEARS TO DEAL WITH 2ND GEAR (SOMETIMES 1ST TO 2ND OR 3RD TO 2ND). WHEN IT JAMS IT FEELS AS IF SOMETHING IS HITTING RUBBER (NO …

Look up ODI 710817 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10232727

THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER POP'S OUT WHEN IT DONE TO WERE I CAN'T FIND IT, IT HAS BURNT SEVERAL ITEMS IN MY TRAY,AND FLOOR. ALSO THE GAS PEDAL STICK'S WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN ON IT TO GIVE A VERBAL ACCELERATION TO GET AROUND SOMEONE ETC. THE AIR IN THE TIRE'S ARE ALWAYS GOING DOWN. THE OIL SAYS IT LOW EVERYTIME I LOOK AT IT ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE BELT ON THE AC KEEP LOSING AND NOW IT NEEDS REPLACED BECAUSE IT NOW HAS FREEZED UP ON ME. THE RADIO AT 12:00 AM AND PM READS 00. THEN THE MINUTES ONLY DISPLACED. THERE'S A RATTLE UNDER THE CAR, DON'T KNOW WH…

Look up ODI 10232727 at NHTSA ↗

0000
Suspension0—000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
ODI 845089

PASSENGER'S FRONT SIDE BOUNCES, CAUSING TIRE DAMAGE TO THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE WHICH MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. DEALER REPLACED MOTOR MOUNTS. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 845089 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10232727

THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER POP'S OUT WHEN IT DONE TO WERE I CAN'T FIND IT, IT HAS BURNT SEVERAL ITEMS IN MY TRAY,AND FLOOR. ALSO THE GAS PEDAL STICK'S WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN ON IT TO GIVE A VERBAL ACCELERATION TO GET AROUND SOMEONE ETC. THE AIR IN THE TIRE'S ARE ALWAYS GOING DOWN. THE OIL SAYS IT LOW EVERYTIME I LOOK AT IT ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE BELT ON THE AC KEEP LOSING AND NOW IT NEEDS REPLACED BECAUSE IT NOW HAS FREEZED UP ON ME. THE RADIO AT 12:00 AM AND PM READS 00. THEN THE MINUTES ONLY DISPLACED. THERE'S A RATTLE UNDER THE CAR, DON'T KNOW WH…

Look up ODI 10232727 at NHTSA ↗

0—
1
ODI 10232727

THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER POP'S OUT WHEN IT DONE TO WERE I CAN'T FIND IT, IT HAS BURNT SEVERAL ITEMS IN MY TRAY,AND FLOOR. ALSO THE GAS PEDAL STICK'S WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN ON IT TO GIVE A VERBAL ACCELERATION TO GET AROUND SOMEONE ETC. THE AIR IN THE TIRE'S ARE ALWAYS GOING DOWN. THE OIL SAYS IT LOW EVERYTIME I LOOK AT IT ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE BELT ON THE AC KEEP LOSING AND NOW IT NEEDS REPLACED BECAUSE IT NOW HAS FREEZED UP ON ME. THE RADIO AT 12:00 AM AND PM READS 00. THEN THE MINUTES ONLY DISPLACED. THERE'S A RATTLE UNDER THE CAR, DON'T KNOW WH…

Look up ODI 10232727 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 859527

ENGINE OIL PAN CRACKED CAUSING AN OIL LEAKED WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. THERE ARE MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE, SUCH AS EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE FAILURE, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 859527 at NHTSA ↗

0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
2
ODI 710817

BUMPY/VIBRATION FELT AT 35+ MPH, SMOOTHS OUT TO SOME DEGREE ABOVE 45 UNTIL YOU REACH 60+. VIBRATION ABOVE 60 FEELS AS IF YOU MAY NOT HAVE STEERING CONTROL. A/C CONTROL LEVER DOES NOT OPEN/CLOSE COMPLETELY. A/C FROZE UNDER DASH ON PASSENGER SIDE, WOULD NOT COOL, WATER DISCHARGED INTO FLOOR BOARD. DOES NOT ADEQUATELY COOL INTERIOR IN DIRECT SUN WITH TEMPTS. ABOVE 85. GEAR SHIFTER SOMETIMES (SPORADIC) JAMS - PROBLEM APPEARS TO DEAL WITH 2ND GEAR (SOMETIMES 1ST TO 2ND OR 3RD TO 2ND). WHEN IT JAMS IT FEELS AS IF SOMETHING IS HITTING RUBBER (NO …

Look up ODI 710817 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10232727

THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER POP'S OUT WHEN IT DONE TO WERE I CAN'T FIND IT, IT HAS BURNT SEVERAL ITEMS IN MY TRAY,AND FLOOR. ALSO THE GAS PEDAL STICK'S WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN ON IT TO GIVE A VERBAL ACCELERATION TO GET AROUND SOMEONE ETC. THE AIR IN THE TIRE'S ARE ALWAYS GOING DOWN. THE OIL SAYS IT LOW EVERYTIME I LOOK AT IT ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE BELT ON THE AC KEEP LOSING AND NOW IT NEEDS REPLACED BECAUSE IT NOW HAS FREEZED UP ON ME. THE RADIO AT 12:00 AM AND PM READS 00. THEN THE MINUTES ONLY DISPLACED. THERE'S A RATTLE UNDER THE CAR, DON'T KNOW WH…

Look up ODI 10232727 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10232727

THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER POP'S OUT WHEN IT DONE TO WERE I CAN'T FIND IT, IT HAS BURNT SEVERAL ITEMS IN MY TRAY,AND FLOOR. ALSO THE GAS PEDAL STICK'S WHEN YOU PUSH DOWN ON IT TO GIVE A VERBAL ACCELERATION TO GET AROUND SOMEONE ETC. THE AIR IN THE TIRE'S ARE ALWAYS GOING DOWN. THE OIL SAYS IT LOW EVERYTIME I LOOK AT IT ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS. THE BELT ON THE AC KEEP LOSING AND NOW IT NEEDS REPLACED BECAUSE IT NOW HAS FREEZED UP ON ME. THE RADIO AT 12:00 AM AND PM READS 00. THEN THE MINUTES ONLY DISPLACED. THERE'S A RATTLE UNDER THE CAR, DON'T KNOW WH…

Look up ODI 10232727 at NHTSA ↗

—0
1
ODI 862625

VEHICLE HAD BEEN PURCHASED MORE THAN 30 DAYS AGO & IT ALREADY HAS STALLED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT SHAKES REAL BADLY, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK

Look up ODI 862625 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 862625

VEHICLE HAD BEEN PURCHASED MORE THAN 30 DAYS AGO & IT ALREADY HAS STALLED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT SHAKES REAL BADLY, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK

Look up ODI 862625 at NHTSA ↗

0
Air Bags:Frontal0000—000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline000
1
ODI 862625

VEHICLE HAD BEEN PURCHASED MORE THAN 30 DAYS AGO & IT ALREADY HAS STALLED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT SHAKES REAL BADLY, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK

Look up ODI 862625 at NHTSA ↗

0—
2
ODI 862625

VEHICLE HAD BEEN PURCHASED MORE THAN 30 DAYS AGO & IT ALREADY HAS STALLED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT SHAKES REAL BADLY, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK

Look up ODI 862625 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 864221

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION IN THE SYSTEM. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN WITHOUT WARNING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 864221 at NHTSA ↗

0
Unknown Or Other00
1
ODI 859527

ENGINE OIL PAN CRACKED CAUSING AN OIL LEAKED WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. THERE ARE MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE, SUCH AS EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE FAILURE, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 859527 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 862625

VEHICLE HAD BEEN PURCHASED MORE THAN 30 DAYS AGO & IT ALREADY HAS STALLED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT SHAKES REAL BADLY, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK

Look up ODI 862625 at NHTSA ↗

0
2
ODI 862625

VEHICLE HAD BEEN PURCHASED MORE THAN 30 DAYS AGO & IT ALREADY HAS STALLED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT SHAKES REAL BADLY, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK

Look up ODI 862625 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 864221

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION IN THE SYSTEM. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN WITHOUT WARNING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 864221 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 10025892

I HAVE BEEN DISSATISFIED WITH MY SUZUKI GRAND VITARA SINCE I GOT IT. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD TO CHANGE THE OIL NUMBEROUS TIMES EVEN PRIOR TO THE REGULAR OIL CHANGES. THERE HAVE EVEN BEEN TIMES WHEN HE WOULD CHANGE THE OIL, THE LIGHT WOULD CONTINUE TO STAY ON AND I WOULD TAKE IT TO A PROFESSIONAL TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED THEN THE LIGHT WOULD CONTINUE TO STAY ON. I HAVE SPEND WAY TOO MUCH MONEY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE BEEN VERY DISSATIFIED WITH IT. I HAVE TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES TO EVEN HAVE A KEY MADE FOR IT. THE DOME LIGHTS DON'T COME ON UN…

Look up ODI 10025892 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling000000
1
ODI 10025892

I HAVE BEEN DISSATISFIED WITH MY SUZUKI GRAND VITARA SINCE I GOT IT. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD TO CHANGE THE OIL NUMBEROUS TIMES EVEN PRIOR TO THE REGULAR OIL CHANGES. THERE HAVE EVEN BEEN TIMES WHEN HE WOULD CHANGE THE OIL, THE LIGHT WOULD CONTINUE TO STAY ON AND I WOULD TAKE IT TO A PROFESSIONAL TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED THEN THE LIGHT WOULD CONTINUE TO STAY ON. I HAVE SPEND WAY TOO MUCH MONEY FOR THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE BEEN VERY DISSATIFIED WITH IT. I HAVE TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES TO EVEN HAVE A KEY MADE FOR IT. THE DOME LIGHTS DON'T COME ON UN…

Look up ODI 10025892 at NHTSA ↗

—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

5 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 27,350 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 854326

WHENEVER VEHICLE IS STARTED, IT WOULD STALL OUT. ALSO, BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON UNTIL THE CLUTCH WAS PUSHED. FINALLY, ALL THE LIGHTS WOULD FAIL TO COME ON. TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE THE ELECTRICAL WIRES CHECKED. *AK

Look up ODI 854326 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 862625

VEHICLE HAD BEEN PURCHASED MORE THAN 30 DAYS AGO & IT ALREADY HAS STALLED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT SHAKES REAL BADLY, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. DEALER CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK

Look up ODI 862625 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10037262

MY PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE STARTED RIGHT AWAY. I HAVE A 200 SUZUKI VITARA, AND WITHIN THE FIRST MONTHS I NOTICED IT WASN'T SHIFTING JUST RIGHT. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NORMAL. RIGHT AWAY ALSO I NOTICED IT WAS LEAKING OIL AND WHEN I TOOK IT IN THE DEALERSHIP GAVE THE SAME ANSWER. FINALLY AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE IN SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WERE FORCED TO TO REALLY DEAL WITH THE ISSUES I WAS HAVING THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR IN THAT NEXT DAY. ON MY WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP MY VEHICLE STALLED. I CALLED A TO…

Look up ODI 10037262 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

5 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 35 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 762686

FROM DAY ONE, THE BELT ON THE CAR MADE A CHIRPING NOISE. THE CAR HAD GONE BACK TO THE DEALER ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASSIONS-AND AS OF RIGHT NOW, THE BELT HAS BEEN CHANGED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES, BUT THE NOISE CONTINUES. WHEN IT RAINS, IT GETS A VERY LOUD SQUEAKY NOISE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DELAER AT LEAST TWICE, AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SENSOR, BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS FINE. HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON OCCASSIONALLY OFF AND ON. I HAD CONSISTENT OIL CHANG…

Look up ODI 762686 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10107849 · 35 mi

AFTER PURCHASE WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR, IGNITION SWITCH LOCKED UP AND MOTOR WENT OUT ON THE POWER WINDOWS. NEXT PROBLEM WAS A MAJOR OIL LEAK. SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THEN THAT I WOULD HAVE MORE PROBLEMS DOWN THE ROAD. REPAIRED BY DEALERSHIP AT APPROXIMATELY 67,000 MILES. WAS TOLD THAT FRONT AND REAR OIL SEALS WERE REPLACED. NOW AT 77,000 MILES AM BEING TOLD THAT MOTOR NEEDS REPLACEMENT. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. OIL CHANGES WERE MAINTAINED REGULARLY. TIMING CHAINS IN MOTOR HAVE BROKE. STILL OWE ON VEHICLE AND WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AT 72,000 MILES.…

Look up ODI 10107849 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10118107

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MY WIFE BROUGHT IT IN TO ROYAL SUZUKI TUCSON,, ARIZONA REPEATEDLY WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER KEPT TELLING HER IT WAS HER FAULT FOR NOT CLOSING GAS CAP TIGHTLY ENOUGH. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AT A CHARGE OF $50 , EXTENDED WARRANTY DEDUCTIBLE, EACH TIME. I EVEN BOUGHT A NEW GAS CAP, NO CHANGE. NOW THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, THEY TELL US IT THE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR IN THE TANK NEEDS REPLACING. THERE ARE NO AFTER MARKET PARTS FOR THIS, AND I REFUSE TO PAY THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE PART THEY SHOULD HAVE REPL…

Look up ODI 10118107 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 859527

ENGINE OIL PAN CRACKED CAUSING AN OIL LEAKED WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. THERE ARE MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE, SUCH AS EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE FAILURE, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMING ON. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 859527 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8010483

POWER ASSIST BOOSTER FAILED WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AND CAUSED BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Look up ODI 8010483 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 13,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10003156 · 13,000 mi

2001 GRAND VITARA XL-7 4WD, FUEL LINE FEED (PIPE) TO THROTTLE BODY HAD CRACK CAUSEING GAS TO LEAK ONTO ENGINE. FUEL PIPE IS LOCATED ON REAR OF THROTTLE BODY, LEFT SIDE (LOOKING FROM FRONT), TOWARDS FIREWALL. GAS LINE HAS "BANJO" FITTING WITH BANJO BOLT HOLDING LINE ONTO THROTTLE BODY. GAS LEAKS ONTO FITTING AND DROPS ONTO ENGINE. STRONG SMELL OF GAS IN CAB OF VEHICLE DURING WARM-UP AND AT IDLE. ONCE IN MOTION SMELL IS NOT AS STRONG IF AT ALL. SMELL IS REALLY BAD DURING SUMMER (WARMER) DAYS. REPLACEMENT OF THIS FUEL PIPE APPEARS TO HAVE CURED TH…

Look up ODI 10003156 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 720056

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD, GRINDS WHEN PUTTING INTO GEAR, AND SOMETIMES WON'T GO INTO GEAR. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION, BUT THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 720056 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 744004

WHEN THE CLUTCH IS PRESSED THE ENGINE WILL DIE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 10+ TIMES SINCE 2/2000. IT HAPPENS SPORADICALLY AND DESPITE 6 RETURNS TO THE DEALER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. WHEN THIS HAPPENS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT OR LEAVING THE HIGHWAY, THE STEERING LOCKS AND THE BRAKES GET VERY HARD TO DEPRESS. I HAVE GONE THROUGH AT LEAST ONE RED LIGHT OUT OF CONTROL AS A RESULT. THE DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 744004 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b