Suzuki Grand Vitara

Is your Suzuki Grand Vitara a lemon?

After a series of unsuccessful launches in the SUV segment by Suzuki, the company introduced the Grand Vitara in 1999. At that time, it still had two marginal engines, an outdated interior and seven seats in a confined space. Today, the Grand Vitara boasts a stylish look, a V6 engine, a new suspension, three drive trains, and a sensible body structure.

Standard features include ESP stability control, rear wheel drive, two optional 4-wheel drive systems, an anti-lock brake system, traction control, and ladder frame. The automatic climate control system makes it easy to ride in comfort, while automatic headlights and daytime running lights are also standard features. As for safety, the Grand Vitara offers three 3-point belts, three collapsible head restraints, head curtain air bags (dual-stage type), side bags, and even SmartPass Keyless ignition.

Despite these features, the Suzuki Grand Vitara has faced criticism and dissatisfaction from consumers, who have filed complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and in online forums.

Common Problems

The following are common problems faced by Grand Vitara owners, as filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Exterior Lighting: Headlights
• Engine and Engine Cooling: Engine
• Seats: Front Assembly: Seat Heater/Cooler
• Power Train: Axle Assembly: Axle Shaft
• Electrical System: Wiring: Interior/Under Dash

Consumers have filed the following specific complaints with the NHTSA:

"This happened a day after we bought vehicle. Valve tapping started coming from motor even at idle condition. Rattling noise from engine at 50 mph . Passenger heated seat works 10% of the time. Took vehicle to dealership; gave back in one hour. The help ticket states need to order part to heat seat and they need to call tech support to resolve tapping. I took the SUV in two weeks ago. I call every other day. They say they are still waiting for tech support and they want to fix both problems at once. Are they waiting until the motor has serious damage before moving on to fix it?"

"The contact stated while driving 35 mph on normal road conditions, the headlights had a distortion and a white light diminished the driver's visibility, especially under severe weather and at night. There were no warning signals prior to the incident. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, which determined the headlights were working fine and were properly aligned. They did not find any problems. The manufacturer was contacted, and determined the headlights were working as designed. Owner affirmed that the headlights were defective."

The following recalls were filed with the NHTSA:

On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 16-inch wheels, the front brake discs may break under severe driving conditions. The breakage can occur in conditions where the vehicle is driven on a regular basis on extremely steep paved down-slopes while continuously applying the brakes. As a result, the front brakes may become inoperative and the vehicle may pull to one side. This could result in a crash without prior warning.

On certain passenger vehicles, the left side of the retainer rear drive shaft may crack and the gears may get stuck due to oil leakage by the retainer. This can lead to the rear differential gears locking up and the vehicle may become disabled, increasing the risk of a crash.

Legal Rights

See the listing at the above right for things you can do.