FaultScore

FaultScore report

2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems

Owners have filed 63 complaints about the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara with NHTSA between 2002 and 2020. The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control. Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 13 worst.

D

FaultScore 74/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Suzuki Grand Vitara.

How this is worked out

The numbers

63

Complaints

9

Crashes reported

3

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

27,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

59%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 47 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
25.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
59% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2002 compares with every other Suzuki Grand Vitara

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 23,000 mi

Brakes 10 15.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 41,000 mi

Seat Belts 6 9.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 41,500 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 5 7.9%

Median failure at 62,000 miles

Suspension 4 6.3%

Median failure at 41,000 miles

Equipment & Accessories 3 4.8%
Tires 3 4.8%

Median failure at 26,000 miles

Body & Structure 3 4.8%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 37,500 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 3 4.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 29,056 mi

Electrical System 2 3.2%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Engine & Cooling 2 3.2%

Median failure at 28,000 miles

Other & Unspecified 1 1.6%
Seats 1 1.6%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 24,651 mi

Wheels 1 1.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 22,000 mi

Lights 1 1.6%
Steering 1 1.6%

Median failure at 17,260 miles

Airbags 1 1.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 82,000 mi

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Cables 8 40.0%
Accelerator Pedal 4 20.0%
Cruise Control 2 10.0%
Front 2 10.0%
Seat Heater/Cooler 1 5.0%
Front 1 5.0%
Underbody Shields 1 5.0%
Filler Pipe AND CAP 1 5.0%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 5 14.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 6 17.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 15 44.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 5 14.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 2 5.9%
150,000+ miles 1 2.9%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Aug 2002 peak 8 Jan 2020

Recalls on the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

05V452000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

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.

Risk: THE FRONT BRAKES MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE AND THE VEHICLE MAY PULL TO ONE SIDE. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

04V427000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

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

03V512000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CASING CAP THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE FIREWALL CAN CRACK DUE TO EXTENDED EXPOSURE TO FORCES FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND INSUFFICIENT LONG-TERM DURABILITY OF THE PLASTIC CASING CAP. IF THE CASING CAP BECOMES CRACKED, MOVEMENT OF THE INNER ACCELERATOR CABLE THROUGH THE CAP CAN CAUSE THE INNER ACCELERATOR CABLE TO BECOME FRAYED.

Risk: IF THE INNER ACCELERATOR CABLE BECOMES FRAYED, IT CAN STICK DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THE CASE WHERE AN ACCELERATOR CABLE STICKS, THE DRIVER COULD HAVE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING VEHICLE SPEED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

03V223000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

CERTAIN PASSENGER (111 MY 2002 ESTEEM, 777 MY 2002 AERIO, 2,368 MY 2003 AERIO) AND SPORT UTILITY (324 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA, 274 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA, 684 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA XL-7, AND 781 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA XL-7) VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED TO THE VEHICLE BODY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ADHESION BETWEEN THE PAINT APPLIED DURING THE SECOND-STAGE PAINTING PROCESS AND THE PAINT APPLIED DURING FINAL-STAGE PAINTING.

Risk: IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, IT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE EJECTION OF UNBELTED OCCUPANTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2004313 20,322 units in Canada

Fuel System

On certain 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. Fuel loss in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Correction: For 1999-2000 model year vehicles, dealers will (1) replace the fuel pressure regulator & vacuum hose and change the system routing to accommodate use of a higher surge tank attachment location that will prevent water from being sucked into the fuel pressure regulator, and (2) replace the fuel delivery hose and replace the hose clamp with an improved clamp. For 2001 and later model year vehicles, dealers will only replace the fuel pressure regulator & vacuum hose and change the system routing as described above. Note: This recall supersedes recall 2001032.

Recall 2003320 20,676 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the accelerator cable casing cap that is attached to the firewall can crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable and insufficient long-term durability of the plastic casing cap. If the casing cap becomes cracked, movement of the inner accelerator cable through the cap can cause the inner accelerator cable to become frayed. If the inner accelerator cable becomes frayed, it can stick during vehicle operation. Correction: Dealer will replace the accelerator cable assembly.

Recall 2003155 867 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body due to insufficient adhesion between paint applied during the second-stage painting process and paint applied during final-stage painting. If the windshield is not properly secured to the vehicle body, it may separate from the vehicle during a collision resulting in ejection of unbelted occupants and severe injury or death. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 82,000 miles Marshall, MI Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A BRIDGE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS FROM A STOP SIGN, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST CAUSING A CRASH INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE CONTACT COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND HER BODY LUNGED FORWARD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (NUMBER 19005490). THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN BY AN AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR HER MULTIPLE INJURIES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN STERNUM AND MULTIPLE TEETH, INJURED HER CHEST WALL, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT KNEES AND NECK. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD SUFFERED FROM PNEUMONIA AND WAS SEEKING TREATMENT BY A NEUROLOGIST AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HER LEFT KNEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOTALED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO UNKNOWN LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA complaint #11296613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 82,000 miles Marshall, MI Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A BRIDGE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS FROM A STOP SIGN, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST CAUSING A CRASH INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE CONTACT COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND HER BODY LUNGED FORWARD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (NUMBER 19005490). THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN BY AN AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR HER MULTIPLE INJURIES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN STERNUM AND MULTIPLE TEETH, INJURED HER CHEST WALL, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT KNEES AND NECK. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD SUFFERED FROM PNEUMONIA AND WAS SEEKING TREATMENT BY A NEUROLOGIST AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HER LEFT KNEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOTALED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO UNKNOWN LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA complaint #11296613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Altoona, PA Crash

POWER TRAIN

2002 SUZUKI VITARA WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL GO INTO REVERSE WITH NO HELP FROM THE DRIVER AND OTHER TIMES IT WILL LOCK UP AND NOT GO INTO REVERSE. SHE ALSO STATES THAT IT HAS CAUSED DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE THIRD INCIDENT OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE.

NHTSA complaint #10210568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,500 miles Independence, MO Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

MY 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA (LIMITED 4WD) WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH. IT WAS A HILLY STRETCH OF HIGHWAY NEAR PITTSVILLE, MO AND THERE WAS A LIGHT DUSTING OF SNOW JUST STARTING TO FALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL MADE THE CAR JUMP INTO A LOWER GEAR WHEN ASCENDING A HILL TO KEEP IT AT 55 MPH. THE RPM'S JUMPED FROM ABOUT 2,000 TO 5,000 WHEN THE CAR SHIFTED INTO 3RD GEAR - WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO LOSE TRACTION AND I WRECKED INTO 2 HIGHWAY SIGN POSTS AND SKIDDED SIDEWAYS ABOUT 50 YARDS INTO THE CENTER MEDIAN. IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT I DIDN'T ROLL OVER SEVERAL TIMES. IT COST ME $5,000 IN COLLISION DAMAGE TO FIX THE CAR. THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES THIS ALL THE TIME STILL WHEN EVEN ON MODERATE HILLS TO KEEP UP WITH THE SET MPH. IT IS A DESIGN FLAW IN MY OPINION. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR THAT NEEDED TO JUMP UP TO OVER 5,000 RPM'S JUST TO GO 65 MPH AND STAY UP WITH THE SET CRUISE SPEED. THANKS. DWS

NHTSA complaint #10200466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 41,119 miles Wenonah, NJ Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

AT SPEED OF 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, I WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAD TO APPLY MY BRAKES QUICKLY, AND MUCH TO MY SHOCK, THE CAR WENT SIDEWAYS AND SLAMMED INTO A STEEL DIVIDER. THIS CAUSED BODY DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE TO THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE - FROM FRONT TO BACK AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY REPAIRS DONE AS OF YET.

NHTSA complaint #10130652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,000 miles Zebulon, NC Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND PUSHING IN THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER LIGHTER POPPED OUT AND LANDED INTO SOME TISSUE, WHICH CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.

NHTSA complaint #10091884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 82,000 miles Marshall, MI Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A BRIDGE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS FROM A STOP SIGN, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST CAUSING A CRASH INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE CONTACT COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND HER BODY LUNGED FORWARD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (NUMBER 19005490). THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN BY AN AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR HER MULTIPLE INJURIES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN STERNUM AND MULTIPLE TEETH, INJURED HER CHEST WALL, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT KNEES AND NECK. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD SUFFERED FROM PNEUMONIA AND WAS SEEKING TREATMENT BY A NEUROLOGIST AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HER LEFT KNEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOTALED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO UNKNOWN LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA complaint #11296613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 82,000 miles Marshall, MI Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A BRIDGE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS FROM A STOP SIGN, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST CAUSING A CRASH INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE CONTACT COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND HER BODY LUNGED FORWARD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL AS THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RETRACT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (NUMBER 19005490). THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN BY AN AMBULANCE TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR HER MULTIPLE INJURIES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN STERNUM AND MULTIPLE TEETH, INJURED HER CHEST WALL, BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT KNEES AND NECK. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD SUFFERED FROM PNEUMONIA AND WAS SEEKING TREATMENT BY A NEUROLOGIST AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR HER LEFT KNEE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOTALED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO UNKNOWN LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA complaint #11296613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 54,000 miles Milwaukee, WI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN AT A STOP WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WOULD BEGIN TO REV WITH THE RPM LEVELS VIGOROUSLY FLUCTUATING. SHE NOTICED THE PROBLEM ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS SINCE JUNE 2009. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURES. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,330. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000.

NHTSA complaint #10312651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Baytown, TX

TIRES

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. UNTIL RECENTLY, THE CONTACT HAS NEVER USED THE TIGER PAW SPARE TIRE THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, A TIRE BLEW OUT WITH A LOUD POP. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD TO SAFETY. THE FENDER WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE TIRE AND HOW IT DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES EXCEEDED 200,000. UPDATED 01/14/09.

NHTSA complaint #10248323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Altoona, PA Crash

POWER TRAIN

2002 SUZUKI VITARA WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL GO INTO REVERSE WITH NO HELP FROM THE DRIVER AND OTHER TIMES IT WILL LOCK UP AND NOT GO INTO REVERSE. SHE ALSO STATES THAT IT HAS CAUSED DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE THIRD INCIDENT OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE.

NHTSA complaint #10210568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 52,500 miles Independence, MO Crash 1 injured

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

MY 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA (LIMITED 4WD) WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH. IT WAS A HILLY STRETCH OF HIGHWAY NEAR PITTSVILLE, MO AND THERE WAS A LIGHT DUSTING OF SNOW JUST STARTING TO FALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL MADE THE CAR JUMP INTO A LOWER GEAR WHEN ASCENDING A HILL TO KEEP IT AT 55 MPH. THE RPM'S JUMPED FROM ABOUT 2,000 TO 5,000 WHEN THE CAR SHIFTED INTO 3RD GEAR - WHICH CAUSED THE TIRES TO LOSE TRACTION AND I WRECKED INTO 2 HIGHWAY SIGN POSTS AND SKIDDED SIDEWAYS ABOUT 50 YARDS INTO THE CENTER MEDIAN. IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT I DIDN'T ROLL OVER SEVERAL TIMES. IT COST ME $5,000 IN COLLISION DAMAGE TO FIX THE CAR. THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES THIS ALL THE TIME STILL WHEN EVEN ON MODERATE HILLS TO KEEP UP WITH THE SET MPH. IT IS A DESIGN FLAW IN MY OPINION. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR THAT NEEDED TO JUMP UP TO OVER 5,000 RPM'S JUST TO GO 65 MPH AND STAY UP WITH THE SET CRUISE SPEED. THANKS. DWS

NHTSA complaint #10200466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Minneapolis, MN

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

I AM WRITING ABOUT THE SEAT BELTS IN MY 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT FREQUENTLY LOCKS UP AND DOESN'T ALLOW THE PERSON WEARING IT TO MOVE. I FIND IT VERY ANNOYING AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE AS WHOEVER IS IN THAT SEAT USUALLY ENDS UP UNBUCKLING IT AND NOT PUTTING IT BACK ON. THIS ALSO HAPPENS IN THE REAR SEATS, ALTHOUGH IT ISN'T AS MUCH OF A PROBLEM AS I GENERALLY DON'T HAVE REAR PASSENGERS. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BOTH FRONT BELTS NOT RETRACTING FULLY WHEN WE EXIT THE VEHICLE, I CHECKED WITH THE DEALER, BUT REPLACING THE RETRACTOR WAS QUITE EXPENSIVE AND I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT AS SEAT BELTS SHOULD LAST LONGER THEN A FEW YEARS.

NHTSA complaint #10149408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Minneapolis, MN

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

I AM WRITING ABOUT THE SEAT BELTS IN MY 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT FREQUENTLY LOCKS UP AND DOESN'T ALLOW THE PERSON WEARING IT TO MOVE. I FIND IT VERY ANNOYING AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE AS WHOEVER IS IN THAT SEAT USUALLY ENDS UP UNBUCKLING IT AND NOT PUTTING IT BACK ON. THIS ALSO HAPPENS IN THE REAR SEATS, ALTHOUGH IT ISN'T AS MUCH OF A PROBLEM AS I GENERALLY DON'T HAVE REAR PASSENGERS. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BOTH FRONT BELTS NOT RETRACTING FULLY WHEN WE EXIT THE VEHICLE, I CHECKED WITH THE DEALER, BUT REPLACING THE RETRACTOR WAS QUITE EXPENSIVE AND I FEEL THIS IS A DEFECT AS SEAT BELTS SHOULD LAST LONGER THEN A FEW YEARS.

NHTSA complaint #10149408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,000 miles Bend, OR

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY BROKE. THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT LOCK . HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. *AK UPDATED 12/07/05.

NHTSA complaint #10143880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Overland Park, KS

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER 2002 GRAND VITARA AIR COMPRESSOR FAILED. *TS THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT.

NHTSA complaint #10142141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 41,000 miles Nashville, TN

SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING SOUND WHILE DRIVING AT 35-40 MPH. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AND NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT SHE MAY HAVE RUN OVER SOMETHING. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF THIS, AND SHE PROCEEDED. AFTERWARDS, THE BRAKES WERE HARD TO APPLY. AGAIN THE POPPING NOISE BECAME MORE PROMINENT AFTER APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE. THE CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND DISCOVERED NOTHING AT THAT TIME. THE POPPING NOISE CONTINUED ALONG WITH HARD BRAKING, AND THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT IN WHICH THEY STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKES FAILED ALONG WITH THE STRUTS. THE ENTIRE HARDWARE INCLUDING THE SHOES AND THE DRUMS WERE DESTROYED. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE WHY THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS. *AK (11/23/05) THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE CABLES HAD BROKEN LOOSE AND THE REAR BRAKES COULD SELF DESTRUCT.

NHTSA complaint #10140554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 41,000 miles Nashville, TN

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING SOUND WHILE DRIVING AT 35-40 MPH. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AND NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT SHE MAY HAVE RUN OVER SOMETHING. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF THIS, AND SHE PROCEEDED. AFTERWARDS, THE BRAKES WERE HARD TO APPLY. AGAIN THE POPPING NOISE BECAME MORE PROMINENT AFTER APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE. THE CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN AND DISCOVERED NOTHING AT THAT TIME. THE POPPING NOISE CONTINUED ALONG WITH HARD BRAKING, AND THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT IN WHICH THEY STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKES FAILED ALONG WITH THE STRUTS. THE ENTIRE HARDWARE INCLUDING THE SHOES AND THE DRUMS WERE DESTROYED. THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DIAGNOSE WHY THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS. *AK (11/23/05) THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE CABLES HAD BROKEN LOOSE AND THE REAR BRAKES COULD SELF DESTRUCT.

NHTSA complaint #10140554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 41,119 miles Wenonah, NJ Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

AT SPEED OF 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, I WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAD TO APPLY MY BRAKES QUICKLY, AND MUCH TO MY SHOCK, THE CAR WENT SIDEWAYS AND SLAMMED INTO A STEEL DIVIDER. THIS CAUSED BODY DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE TO THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE - FROM FRONT TO BACK AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY REPAIRS DONE AS OF YET.

NHTSA complaint #10130652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 63,500 miles Wurtsboro, NY

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

FUEL DOOR FELL OFF AGAIN!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10116019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 62,000 miles Wurtsboro, NY

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

GASOLINE FUEL DOOR FELL OFF FOR NO REASON, AS FAR I CAN TELL, ALL THE HARDWARE THAT WOULD SECURE FUEL DOOR IS STILL THERE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER SUZUKI'S WITH THE SAME THING.

NHTSA complaint #10114846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Canonsburg, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

SUZUKI TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES FOR IGNITION LOCKED AND 2 TIMES FOR THE 4WD PROBLEM. *BF WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR THE SECOND TIME REGARDING THE 4-WHEEL IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERNAL LOCATED IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA complaint #10109523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Canonsburg, PA

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

SUZUKI TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES FOR IGNITION LOCKED AND 2 TIMES FOR THE 4WD PROBLEM. *BF WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR THE SECOND TIME REGARDING THE 4-WHEEL IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERNAL LOCATED IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA complaint #10109523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 47,000 miles Mount Solon, VA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

THE PEDALS ARE TO CLOSE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO SIMULTANEOUSLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE/ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALERSHIP WILL BE NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.

NHTSA complaint #10108544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alton, IL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

CONSUMER APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. AFTERWARDS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED HESITANTLY ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE, AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED.

NHTSA complaint #10106775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roselle, NJ

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

RESPONSE TO A LETTER THE CONSUMER RECEIVED IN REGARDS TO SELLING HER 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. *PH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL WHILE BRAKING, A SPEAKER WAS BLOWN, NONE OF THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS WORKED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN THE CONSUMER PICKED THE VEHICLE UP FROM THE DEALER NONE OF THE PROBLEMS HAD BEEN REPAIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10066609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roselle, NJ

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

RESPONSE TO A LETTER THE CONSUMER RECEIVED IN REGARDS TO SELLING HER 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. *PH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL WHILE BRAKING, A SPEAKER WAS BLOWN, NONE OF THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS WORKED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN THE CONSUMER PICKED THE VEHICLE UP FROM THE DEALER NONE OF THE PROBLEMS HAD BEEN REPAIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10066609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roselle, NJ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

RESPONSE TO A LETTER THE CONSUMER RECEIVED IN REGARDS TO SELLING HER 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. *PH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL WHILE BRAKING, A SPEAKER WAS BLOWN, NONE OF THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS WORKED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN THE CONSUMER PICKED THE VEHICLE UP FROM THE DEALER NONE OF THE PROBLEMS HAD BEEN REPAIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10066609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Roselle, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

RESPONSE TO A LETTER THE CONSUMER RECEIVED IN REGARDS TO SELLING HER 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. *PH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL WHILE BRAKING, A SPEAKER WAS BLOWN, NONE OF THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS WORKED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN THE CONSUMER PICKED THE VEHICLE UP FROM THE DEALER NONE OF THE PROBLEMS HAD BEEN REPAIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10066609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Toledo, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

THERE WAS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE ROTORS HAD COMPLETELY WARPED.

NHTSA complaint #10101553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Schaumburg, IL

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE(04V427000) FOR THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10096864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.