83 of the
880 complaints filed about the Suzuki Grand Vitara
are about the electrical system —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2006.
I bought this car used one year ago and have had to change the low beam lights twice and now they are out again. At night I drive with the high beams on and they are so weak no one can tell. Last month the engine started surging making the car try to take off wether in neutral, park or drive. I have to hold the brake very strongly to keep the car from taking off. This is extremely dangerous for obvious reasons and someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed because Suzuki will not acknowledge or fix this problem. This will be my last Suzuki product ever. I can't afford to get another vehicle right now so I'm having to drive this nightmare daily.
NHTSA complaint #11514906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the instrument cluster turned off inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument cluster later turned on but then turned off again erroneously. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times that day. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys where the driver's side wheel speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. Additionally, the check engine, ABS, and the electronic stability control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to an unknown dealer for assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they only performed recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.
NHTSA complaint #11461810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE SPEEDOMETER READING, FUEL GAUGE READING, AND ABS READING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GERMAIN TOYOTA OF NAPLES (13315 TAMIAMI TRL N, NAPLES, FL 34110, (888) 722-4941) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,675.
NHTSA complaint #11385785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE GPS WAS RECALLED ON THE NAVI SYSTEM. I HAVE A 765 NAVI SYSTEM AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE RECALL. I DO NOT KNOW WHO TO CONTACT. THE GPS GOT SO HOT THAT IT STOPPED WORKING AND HAD TO TAKE IT OUT OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11343709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE HEADLIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS BURN OUT CONSTANTLY. MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS, PARKING LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS EVERY 3-4 MONTHS FOR THE 3 1/2 YEARS WE HAVE THIS VEHICLE. VERY CAREFUL WITH BULB HANDLING AND INSTALLATION. BULB CONNECTIONS APPEAR TO BE BURNED AND MELTED.
NHTSA complaint #11322476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FAILED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE READINGS, AND THE ENGINE, ABS, ASP, AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11203901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA HAS BLOWN AT LEAST 4 HEAD LIGHTS SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. SUZUKI SAYS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSISTOR TO THE LIGHTS,IN THAT IT GIVES TOO MUCH POWER TO THE LIGHTS, THUS CAUSING IT TO BLOW PREMATURELY. THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL, SUZUKI NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ASAP!!
NHTSA complaint #11084290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED APPROXIMATELY FIVE MONTHS AGO. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO SUZUKI DEL CARIBE IN CAROLINA, PUERTO RICO WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,827.
NHTSA complaint #11000786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FAILED AND TURNED OFF, ONE SHORTLY AFTER THE OTHER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULBS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUZUKI OF GREEN BROOK (101 US-22, GREEN BROOK TOWNSHIP, NJ 08812) WHO STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THAT THE ADAPTER, SOCKETS, AND FUSES WERE ALL BURNED DUE TO A HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT FLOWING INTO THE ASSEMBLIES. THE ADAPTERS, SOCKETS, AND HEAD LAMPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC DID NOT KNOW HOW TO REPAIR THE UNDERLYING ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST OR ESCALATE THE CASE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10995608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHEN CAR WAS INITIALLY STARTED, AFTER FEW MINUTES OF WARM UP TIME, HEAT WAS ACTIVATED AND NO HEAT WAS DISPERSED. BEGAN DRIVING, DESPITE NO HEAT. WITHIN 1 MILE TRAVELING LESS THAT 15 MPH, THE TEMPARATURE GAGE INCREASED TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL, STILL WITHOUT HEAT IN CAR. (PICTURE 1) AS SPEED INCREASED, TEMPERATURE GAGE RAPIDLY FLUCTUATED AND ESP WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON DASH. (PICTURE 2) PULLED OFF HIGHWAY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING WARNING LIGHTS, ENGINE FOUND TO BE SMOKING. DIAGNOSED WITH ENGINE CRACK., CRACK SEALED FOR TEMPORARY FUNCTION, WITHIN DAYS OF SEAL, SAME SYMPTOMS AS PREVIOUSLY STATED, BUT TOTAL SYSTEM SHUT DOWN FOLLOWING ESP WARNING LIGHTS. ACCELERATION HALTED, POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND BRAKES DIFFICULT TO WORK. AFTER SITTING OFF, CAR UNABLE TO START.
NHTSA complaint #10950047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS, HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEM FOUR TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR AND HALF. IT ALSO AFFECTS THE INTERIOR LIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CLIMATE CONTROL PANEL MAKING THE HEAT/COOL CONTROLS UNABLE TO WORK PROPERLY. AND THE FUEL DOOR RELEASE LEVER DOESN'T OPEN THE FUEL DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10898162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I BOUGHT MY 07 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA IN 2008. SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ABOUT EVERY 3-4 MONTHS. THE LIGHTS EVEN AFTER BEING REPLACED WILL FLICKER AND TURN OFF. I HAVE TO OPEN THE HOOD AND WIGGLE THE LIGHT TO COME BACK ON. THE CONNECTORS ON THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BECOME OVERHEATED AND MEALTED. ONCE WHILE DRIVING I SMELLED SMOKE, AFTER OPENING THE HOOD I REALIZED IT WAS THE HEADLIGHT. I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE MY HEADLIGHT(S) HAVE TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE HAD TO DRIVE MULTIPLE TIMES WITH THE HIGH BEAMS. ALSO THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM I CAN BARELY SEE A YARD INFRONT OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THESE ARE ALL SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARDS AND EVEN LIFE THREATENING IF THE HEADLIGHTS WERE TO CATCH FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10882201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAD BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS, I HAD TWO TICKETS AS RESULTS OF THIS PROBLEMS. I HAD REPLACED THEM AT LEAST 6 TIMES A YEAR. ALSO A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAT AND COOLING. I RECENTLY REPLACE ALL THE COMPONENTS FROM PUMP, RADIATOR,THERMOSTAT AND THE LAST ONE HEATING CORD MORE $4000.00 FOR A 2010. MAKE NO SENSE AT ALL. AND THE WORST IS THAT WE DO NOT HAVE ANY SUPPORT FROM THE ZUSUKI. BAD PURCHASES ON THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10825397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
12/31/15 -- OUTSIDE TEMP APPROX 8 DEG F, VEHICLE DEFROSTER FAILED TO ACTUATE, WINDSHIELD FROZE OVER INTERNALLY WORSE & WORSE, FINALLY RESORTED TO USE ICE SCRAPER ON INSIDE OF WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVER CONTINUED ON STATE HWY. HEATED AIR WAS COMING OUT DASH VENTS, FLOOR, BUT NOT A WHIFF FROM DEFROSTER. WAS ON THE WAY TO A HOSPITAL, KEPT DRIVING TIL ABOUT 12 MILES ALONG SUDDENLY DEFROSTER VENTS ACTUATED, BLOWING HEATED AIR LIKE CRAZY. BUT HAD I NOT BEEN ALONG, SPOUSE WOULD HAVE BEEN HARD-PRESSED TO SAFELY PULL OFF OR GET TO SURGERY APPOINTMENT. SINCE HEAT WAS BLOWING OUT OF OTHER VENTS, INDICATES ACTUATOR FAULT. PROBLEM NOT DIAGNOSED, NOT SURE IF TEMP.-RELATED OR INTERMITTENT FAULT. IN SNOWSTORM OR AT NIGHT COULD HAVE BECOME REALLY SERIOUS EVENT (RECENTLY PURCHASED USED, NOT SURE OF HISTORY) 124000 MILES
NHTSA complaint #10817319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE VEHICLE WOULD RANDOMLY PERFORMING IN VERY ODD MANNERS SUCH AS STALLING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS (LIGHTS, STEREO, ETC) TURNING OFF AND ON RANDOMLY, REDUCING SPEED IGNORING ACCELERATOR POSITION AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS. SEVERAL VISITS TO DIFFERENT MECHANICS FOUND NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. WHILE SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT ONE POINT WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK I NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER FLOOR WAS SOAKING WET AND WE HAD NOT HAD RAIN FOR MANY DAYS. AFTER DOING MY OWN INVESTIGATING I FOUND THAT THE DRAIN PAN FOR THE A/C CONDENSER IS LOCATED INSIDE THE CAR BEHIND THE STEREO JUST TO THE LEFT OF THE GLOVE BOX. THE DRAIN PAN HAS A HOSE THAT ROUTES THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND DRAINS ONTO THE GROUND FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THIS DRAIN HOSE BECAME CLOGGED AND AS A RESULT ALL OF THE WATER FROM THE A/C CONDENSATION WAS OVERFLOWING AND DRAINING DIRECTLY ONTO THE ECU AND THEN ONTO THE PASSENGER FLOOR. THIS WATER WAS CAUSING THE ECU TO MISBEHAVE WHICH WAS CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION BUT BY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC THE WATER HAD DRIED AND THE CAR WAS BEHAVING PROPERLY. ONCE THE DRAIN HOSE WAS CLEARED THERE WERE NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. AFTER CHECKING ON SOME SUZUKI FORUMS I FOUND A COUPLE OTHERS THAT HAD THE SAME SITUATION ARISE. IT'S A FIX THAT TAKES LESS THAN A HALF HOUR AND REQUIRES NO PARTS BUT NOT ONE THAT MECHANICS KNOW ABOUT AND CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH THE COMPUTER ACTING UNPREDICTABLY AND FREQUENTLY CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY.
NHTSA complaint #10809846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE HEADLIGHT BULB BURNS OUT EVERY 2 MONTHS AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW. I AM THE SECOND OWNER, AND BULBS BURN OUT EVERY 2 MONTHS. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS IN THIS VEHICLE ASIDE FROM MINOR FENDER BENDER IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10794438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY CAR CAN'T SEEM TO JUST BLOW 1 HEADLIGHT , BOTH GO OUT AT SAME TIME TAKING WITH IT A SMALL LIGHT AS WELL. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR A LITTLE OVER 2 YEARS AND THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE WHERE THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10743490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CHANGED LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS LAST YEAR. BOTH WENT OUT AGAIN AT EXACT SAME TIME WHEN STARTING. LIGHTS DON'T DUE THAT SAW A BULLETIN ABOUT A SWITCH OR MODULATOR, LOOKING FOR A RECALL & DON'T KNOW IF IT'S THE LIGHTS ONLY OR A SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10693674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.