Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2000 Suzuki VITARA: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

35 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

53,500 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 model year. Data updated: . 9 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 35 complaints (11.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior720.0%
Transmission and shifting411.4%
Steering behavior38.6%
Engine operation12.9%
Electrical and battery issues12.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
4
Suspension:Front
4
Air Bags:Frontal
3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
3
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc
2
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Automatic Transmission4
Suspension:Front4
Air Bags:Frontal3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline3
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc2
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm2

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 4; Suspension:Front: 4; Air Bags:Frontal: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 3; Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc: 2; Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
2
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9993
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9992
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 2; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 26 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2000
8
2001
2
2002
10
2003
3
2004
3
2005
3
2006
2
2007
2
2008
1
2010
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20008
20012
200210
20033
20043
20053
20062
20072
20081
20101

2000: 8; 2001: 2; 2002: 10; 2003: 3; 2004: 3; 2005: 3; 2006: 2; 2007: 2; 2008: 1; 2010: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 7 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10030953 · 2003-08-06 (August 6, 2003)

DEFECTS AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER DAMAGE BEHIND FAN ASSEMBLY. FAILURE OF CONDENSER IN LOCATION CONSISTENT WITH OTHER FAILURES BY OTHER OWNERS. PULL TO RIGHT WHILE DRIVING EVEN AFTER ALIGHNMENT, SIMILAR TO OTHER OWNER COMPLAINTS. VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING AND PREMATURE WEAR, SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER OWNERS. ITEMS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 1 miles reported. Look up ODI 10030953 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10037262 · 2003-09-04 (September 4, 2003)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10037262 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10046802 · 2003-11-12 (November 12, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 62,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10046802 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10059196 · 2004-02-17 (February 17, 2004)

WHILE DRIVING 30-40 MPH CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND HIT A TREE, AND VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN INTO A 15 FEET EMBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10059196 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10074968 · 2004-06-08 (June 8, 2004)

THE BRAKES ON MY 2000 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. THEY WERE REPLACED IN JUNE OF 2003 3 TIMES WITHIN 2 MONTHS BECAUSE THEY SQUEAK AND MAKE GRINDING NOISES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY SERVICE PEOPLE THAT THEY CONTACTED SUZUKI DIRECTLY AND WERE TOLD TO PUT ON SPECIAL NO SQUEAK BRAKES SO THEY DID---THEY STILL SQUEAK AND SOMETIMES GRIND. I HAVE HAD THE SERVICE PEOPLE CHECK THEM SEVERAL TIMES AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHEN WE REPLACED THE FIRST SET OF BRAKES--THE BRAKES WERE WORN REALLY STRANG…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10074968 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10095569 · 2004-10-11 (October 11, 2004)

OWNER OF A 2000 SUZUKI VITARA 2.0L AND CAR IS NOT EVER 4 YEARS OLD YET BUT HAS 74,000 MILES AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER ALREADY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED! NOW THE CAR IS NOT GOING TO PASS SMOG THE FIRST YEAR IT IS REQUIRED TO PASS SMOG FOR REGISTRATION PURPOSES! WHAT KIND OF BULL IS THAT! JUST A WAY FOR CA. EMISSIONS TO GET MORE MONEY! *NM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10095569 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10107849 · 2005-01-24 (January 24, 2005)

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.…

Owner-reported narrative. 35 miles reported. Look up ODI 10107849 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10118107 · 2005-04-19 (April 19, 2005)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10118107 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

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

25.7%Usable mileage9 / 35 records
94.3%Valid incident date33 / 35 records
100.0%Valid filing date35 / 35 records
94.3%Ordered incident and filing dates33 / 35 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 range108,519 mi1 (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 ↗

Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range52,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10184360 · 52,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10184360 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range62,000 mi3 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10162838 · 53,500 mi

SUZUKI IS AWARE OF LATENT DEFECTS CONCERNING TIMING CHAIN COVER SEALS THAT LEAK OIL AND WILL WORSEN OVER TIME. IT IS DOCUMENTED THAT THE LEAKS OCCUR WITH SUZUKI GRAND VITARAS FROM 1999-2001. MY GRAND VITARA IS ONE OF THOSE CARS WITH THE LATENT DEFECT. I TOOK IT TO A AUTHORIZED SUZUKI MECHANIC AS REQUIRED, BUT THEY NEVER INFORMED ME THAT SUZUKI WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH ON MY PART DID SUZUKI CORPORATION ACKNOWLEDGE THEY KNEW OF THE LATENT DEFECT. I AM ASKING SUZUKI IN ALL FAIRNESS TO COVER THE COST OF THIS REPAIR BASE…

Look up ODI 10162838 at NHTSA ↗

Equipment:Appliance:Air ConditionerToo few reports for a range1 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10030953 · 1 mi

DEFECTS AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER DAMAGE BEHIND FAN ASSEMBLY. FAILURE OF CONDENSER IN LOCATION CONSISTENT WITH OTHER FAILURES BY OTHER OWNERS. PULL TO RIGHT WHILE DRIVING EVEN AFTER ALIGHNMENT, SIMILAR TO OTHER OWNER COMPLAINTS. VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING AND PREMATURE WEAR, SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER OWNERS. ITEMS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED.*AK

Look up ODI 10030953 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:DiscToo few reports for a range1 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10030953 · 1 mi

DEFECTS AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER DAMAGE BEHIND FAN ASSEMBLY. FAILURE OF CONDENSER IN LOCATION CONSISTENT WITH OTHER FAILURES BY OTHER OWNERS. PULL TO RIGHT WHILE DRIVING EVEN AFTER ALIGHNMENT, SIMILAR TO OTHER OWNER COMPLAINTS. VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING AND PREMATURE WEAR, SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER OWNERS. ITEMS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED.*AK

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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
ComponentPower Train:Automatic TransmissionSuspension:FrontAir Bags:FrontalEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineEquipment:Appliance:Air ConditionerService Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:DiscSuspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm
Power Train:Automatic Transmission—0000000
Suspension:Front0—000000
Air Bags:Frontal00—00000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine000—0000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline0000—0
1
ODI 758793

THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE SPRINGS SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING BRAKES TO LOCK WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION, THANK GOD IT WAS NOT AT HIGHWAY SPEED! TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS WITH NO PARTS TOOK TWO MONTHS UNDRIVABLE FOR REPAIR. NEXT FAILURE WAS A MAJOR OIL LEAK, DEALER SAYS CAN'T TELL WHERE ITS COMING FROM AS OIL IS EVERYWHERE , CAUSED METAL SHAVINGS IN OIL AND REPORTEDLY NEEDS NEW ENGINE. NO WARNING LIGHTS ACTIVATED THOUGH DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS LESS THAN A QUART OF OIL LEFT IN ENGINE.*AK

Look up ODI 758793 at NHTSA ↗

0
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner00000—
1
ODI 10030953 · 1 mi

DEFECTS AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER DAMAGE BEHIND FAN ASSEMBLY. FAILURE OF CONDENSER IN LOCATION CONSISTENT WITH OTHER FAILURES BY OTHER OWNERS. PULL TO RIGHT WHILE DRIVING EVEN AFTER ALIGHNMENT, SIMILAR TO OTHER OWNER COMPLAINTS. VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING AND PREMATURE WEAR, SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER OWNERS. ITEMS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED.*AK

Look up ODI 10030953 at NHTSA ↗

0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc0000
1
ODI 758793

THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE SPRINGS SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING BRAKES TO LOCK WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION, THANK GOD IT WAS NOT AT HIGHWAY SPEED! TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS WITH NO PARTS TOOK TWO MONTHS UNDRIVABLE FOR REPAIR. NEXT FAILURE WAS A MAJOR OIL LEAK, DEALER SAYS CAN'T TELL WHERE ITS COMING FROM AS OIL IS EVERYWHERE , CAUSED METAL SHAVINGS IN OIL AND REPORTEDLY NEEDS NEW ENGINE. NO WARNING LIGHTS ACTIVATED THOUGH DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS LESS THAN A QUART OF OIL LEFT IN ENGINE.*AK

Look up ODI 758793 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10030953 · 1 mi

DEFECTS AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER DAMAGE BEHIND FAN ASSEMBLY. FAILURE OF CONDENSER IN LOCATION CONSISTENT WITH OTHER FAILURES BY OTHER OWNERS. PULL TO RIGHT WHILE DRIVING EVEN AFTER ALIGHNMENT, SIMILAR TO OTHER OWNER COMPLAINTS. VIBRATION WHILE BRAKING AND PREMATURE WEAR, SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER OWNERS. ITEMS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED.*AK

Look up ODI 10030953 at NHTSA ↗

—0
Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm0000000—

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.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 8.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 35 mi (1 usable records).

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.…

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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…

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ODI 758793

THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE SPRINGS SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING BRAKES TO LOCK WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION, THANK GOD IT WAS NOT AT HIGHWAY SPEED! TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS WITH NO PARTS TOOK TWO MONTHS UNDRIVABLE FOR REPAIR. NEXT FAILURE WAS A MAJOR OIL LEAK, DEALER SAYS CAN'T TELL WHERE ITS COMING FROM AS OIL IS EVERYWHERE , CAUSED METAL SHAVINGS IN OIL AND REPORTEDLY NEEDS NEW ENGINE. NO WARNING LIGHTS ACTIVATED THOUGH DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS LESS THAN A QUART OF OIL LEFT IN ENGINE.*AK

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

Brake response concerns

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

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

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

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 2.9% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

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…

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