Owners have filed 35 complaints
about the 2003 Suzuki XL-7 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2022.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 6 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 48
Against the median year of the Suzuki XL-7. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 82
48% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2003 Suzuki XL-7
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
617.1%
Median failure at 10,000 miles
Electrical System
514.3%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 157,510 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
411.4%
2 crashes, 1 fires · median 14,000 mi
Engine & Cooling
411.4%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 44,766 mi
Seat Belts
38.6%
Median failure at 87,500 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
38.6%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 88,010 mi
Body & Structure
38.6%
Median failure at 5,000 miles
Airbags
25.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 38,600 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
25.7%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 32,000 mi
Equipment & Accessories
12.9%
Lights
12.9%
Suspension
12.9%
Median failure at 2,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
520.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
520.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
312.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
416.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
312.0%
150,000+ miles
520.0%
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.
Dec 2003peak 5Aug 2022
Recalls on the 2003 Suzuki XL-7
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.
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200431320,322 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 200332020,676 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 20032961,908 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the ignition system wiring harness could rub against the intake manifold during vehicle operation, possibly causing abrasion damage to the harness. Damage to the wiring harness may create a short in the ignition circuit, which can cause the ignition fuse to blow and the engine to stop running. Correction: Dealer will inspect the wiring harness and repair any damage. A protector plate will be installed to prevent future wiring harness damage.
Recall 2003155867 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 170,000 milesHaskell, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, IT CAME TO A STOP ON ITS OWN .. I GOT OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG, AND I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FIRE COMING OUT OF THE BACK AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR. AS I RAN AWAY FROM THE CAR I COULD SEE THE FIRE DRIPPING FROM THE BOTTOM .
NHTSA complaint #10562070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesHaskell, NJFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, IT CAME TO A STOP ON ITS OWN .. I GOT OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG, AND I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FIRE COMING OUT OF THE BACK AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR. AS I RAN AWAY FROM THE CAR I COULD SEE THE FIRE DRIPPING FROM THE BOTTOM .
NHTSA complaint #10562070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,020 milesAugusta, GAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY 2003 SUZUKI XL-7 STARTED MAKING NOISES AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD AT AN INTERSECTION DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC. MY CAR WOULD NOT CRANK BACK UP AND I HAD TO HAVE A POLICE OFFICER HELP ME PUSH MY CAR THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. THE TOW TRUCK TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL SUZUKI DEALERSHIP AND SERVICE DEPT. THE HEAD MECHANIC INFORMED ME AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THAT MY INTERNAL FUEL PUMP BURNT ALL MY WIRING HARNESSES UP IN THE ENTIRE CAR. I WAS LOW ON FUEL THAT DAY AND IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT THE FUEL TANK DID NOT BLOW UP AND OR THE VEHICLE DIDN'T CATCH FIRE. THE MECHANIC HAS RECORDED WHAT HE FOUND AND WE HAVE ALL THE BURNT AND DEFECTIVE ORIGINAL PARTS. I HAVE PAID A LOT AND AM STILL WAITING FOR OVER TWO MONTHS WITHOUT A CAR FOR THE PARTS TO GET IT FIXED. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE MADE AND AN INVESTIGATION ON THE FUEL PUMP THAT WAS INSTALLED IN MY CAR BY THE MANUFACTURER SUZUKI.
NHTSA complaint #10268844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,020 milesAugusta, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2003 SUZUKI XL-7 STARTED MAKING NOISES AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD AT AN INTERSECTION DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC. MY CAR WOULD NOT CRANK BACK UP AND I HAD TO HAVE A POLICE OFFICER HELP ME PUSH MY CAR THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. THE TOW TRUCK TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL SUZUKI DEALERSHIP AND SERVICE DEPT. THE HEAD MECHANIC INFORMED ME AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THAT MY INTERNAL FUEL PUMP BURNT ALL MY WIRING HARNESSES UP IN THE ENTIRE CAR. I WAS LOW ON FUEL THAT DAY AND IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT THE FUEL TANK DID NOT BLOW UP AND OR THE VEHICLE DIDN'T CATCH FIRE. THE MECHANIC HAS RECORDED WHAT HE FOUND AND WE HAVE ALL THE BURNT AND DEFECTIVE ORIGINAL PARTS. I HAVE PAID A LOT AND AM STILL WAITING FOR OVER TWO MONTHS WITHOUT A CAR FOR THE PARTS TO GET IT FIXED. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE MADE AND AN INVESTIGATION ON THE FUEL PUMP THAT WAS INSTALLED IN MY CAR BY THE MANUFACTURER SUZUKI.
NHTSA complaint #10268844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesSaginaw, MIFire
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS
SUBTLE BUT NOTICEABLE VIBRATION FELT IN REAR AXLE; WHILE UNDER TOW (BEHIND MOTORHOME) RIGHT REAR WHEEL (TIRE, WHEEL, HUB) SEPARATED FROM AXLE AND LEFT VEHICLE. VEHICLE DRIVETRAIN WAS IN MFG RECOMMENDED POSITION FOR TOWING (TRANSMISSION IN D, TRANSAXLE SET TO N). HEAT GENERATED FROM FAILURE (POSSIBLY BAD WHEEL BEARING) LED TO FIRE. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY POLICE. SUZUKI REFUSED TO WARRANTY THIS FAILURE UNDER THEIR 100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN COVERAGE. SUBSEQUENT TO REAR-END REBUILD FROM THIS INCIDENT, A SIMILAR VIBRATION WAS FELT AGAIN ON RIGHT REAR SIDE. SUZUKI DID AT THIS TIME REPLACE A BAD WHEEL BEARING UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10148290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesSuffolk, VAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN, IT WENT FROM 40 MPH TO 5 MPH, COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER OF ACCELERATION PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE GOING IN A REVERSE MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #10118958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 204,000 milesTaylors, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2003 Suzuki XL7. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The failure also occurred right after starting the vehicle. During the failure, the vehicle lost braking and power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle coasted to a stop and she was able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, several unknown warning lights illuminated off and on during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed for the brake failure however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.
NHTSA complaint #11477577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,000 milesTaylors, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2003 Suzuki XL7. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The failure also occurred right after starting the vehicle. During the failure, the vehicle lost braking and power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle coasted to a stop and she was able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, several unknown warning lights illuminated off and on during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed for the brake failure however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.
NHTSA complaint #11477577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesPittsburgh, KS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUZUKI XL-7. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 165000. UPDATED 3/24/15
NHTSA complaint #10667772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesHaskell, NJFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, IT CAME TO A STOP ON ITS OWN .. I GOT OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG, AND I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FIRE COMING OUT OF THE BACK AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR. AS I RAN AWAY FROM THE CAR I COULD SEE THE FIRE DRIPPING FROM THE BOTTOM .
NHTSA complaint #10562070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesHaskell, NJFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, IT CAME TO A STOP ON ITS OWN .. I GOT OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG, AND I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FIRE COMING OUT OF THE BACK AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR. AS I RAN AWAY FROM THE CAR I COULD SEE THE FIRE DRIPPING FROM THE BOTTOM .
NHTSA complaint #10562070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,532 milesToledo, OH
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC TO A SCHEDULED DOCTORS APPOINTMENT FROM TOLEDO, OHIO TO ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, THE POWER STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND OPERATE THE VEHICLE PROPERLY AND SAFELY. WHEN CHANGING LANES TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY AFTER DRIVING 56 MILES THE POWER STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN WHILE EXITING OFF THE OFFRAMP. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO A NEARBY SERVICE CENTER CALLED GOODYEAR. GOODYEAR ANALYZED THE VEHICLE AND SAID THE DRIVE BELT HAD BROKEN OFF THE AIR COMPRESSOR WHICH CONTROLS THE POWER STEERING BELT. GOODYEAR HAD TO PUT A NEW DRIVE BELT ON, WHICH COST ME $115.89. ADDITIONALLY, GOODYEAR SAID THE A/C COMPRESSOR HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND THAT CAUSED THE A/C COMPRESSOR TO FREEZE UP WHICH CAUSED THE SERIOUS PROBLEM OF THE POWER STEERING BELT TO BREAK OFF. (SHREDDED) GOODYEAR'S ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE COMPRESSOR MALFUNCTION WAS $1,500.00 DOLLARS. THE ESTIMATE COST OF THE A/C COMPRESSOR PART BY ITSELF FOR THE SUZUKI XL7 03 WAS $600 DOLLARS. ALSO, WHEN I RESEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR OTHER SIMILAR SUZUKI A/C MALFUNCTION COMPLAINTS I FOUND NUMEROUS SUZUKI XL7 OWNERS WHO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, IE., THE A/C COMPRESSOR HAS A SERIOUS HABIT OF FREEZING UP AND BREAKING THE DRIVE BELT! I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR OWNERS OF SUZUKI XL7 03 MODELS AND YOUR AGENCY NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THIS SAFETY DEFECT BEFORE THE SUZUKI XL7 CAUSES A SERIOUS VEHICLE ACCIDENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN DEATH! ADDITIONALLY,ANYTHING THAT WOULD IMPAIR THE OPERATION OF A MAJOR PART OF ANY VEHICLE IS A "SAFETY DEFECT" AND HAZARDOUS!" SUZUKI MANUFACTURERS OUGHT TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS SAFETY PROBLEM AS THEY MANUFACTURED THE SUZUKI XL7 03 AND SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THE A/C COMPRESSOR COULD MALFUNCTION WHICH IS THE CAUSE FOR THE DRIVE BELT TO BREAK OFF THE POWER STEERING.
NHTSA complaint #10458499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSebring, FL
SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUZUKI XL-7. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BECAME LOOSE AND AFTERWARD, WOULD NOT BUCKLE. SHE CALLED AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED OF THE PRICE OF A FULL SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #10324538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesEast Aurora, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUZUKI XL7. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT BRAKES HAS FAIL. AS HE STEP ON THE BRAKES IT GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. WHEN THE PADS GET TOO THIN THE EMERGENCY LIGHT COMES ON. THE REAR AXLE SEAL HAS TO BE REPAIR TWICE BECAUSE THEY KEEP WEARING OUT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN ONCE AND THEY CANNOT FIND THE FAILURE FOR THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
NHTSA complaint #10314520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,020 milesAugusta, GAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY 2003 SUZUKI XL-7 STARTED MAKING NOISES AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD AT AN INTERSECTION DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC. MY CAR WOULD NOT CRANK BACK UP AND I HAD TO HAVE A POLICE OFFICER HELP ME PUSH MY CAR THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. THE TOW TRUCK TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL SUZUKI DEALERSHIP AND SERVICE DEPT. THE HEAD MECHANIC INFORMED ME AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THAT MY INTERNAL FUEL PUMP BURNT ALL MY WIRING HARNESSES UP IN THE ENTIRE CAR. I WAS LOW ON FUEL THAT DAY AND IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT THE FUEL TANK DID NOT BLOW UP AND OR THE VEHICLE DIDN'T CATCH FIRE. THE MECHANIC HAS RECORDED WHAT HE FOUND AND WE HAVE ALL THE BURNT AND DEFECTIVE ORIGINAL PARTS. I HAVE PAID A LOT AND AM STILL WAITING FOR OVER TWO MONTHS WITHOUT A CAR FOR THE PARTS TO GET IT FIXED. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE MADE AND AN INVESTIGATION ON THE FUEL PUMP THAT WAS INSTALLED IN MY CAR BY THE MANUFACTURER SUZUKI.
NHTSA complaint #10268844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,020 milesAugusta, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY 2003 SUZUKI XL-7 STARTED MAKING NOISES AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD AT AN INTERSECTION DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC. MY CAR WOULD NOT CRANK BACK UP AND I HAD TO HAVE A POLICE OFFICER HELP ME PUSH MY CAR THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND CALL A TOW TRUCK. THE TOW TRUCK TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL SUZUKI DEALERSHIP AND SERVICE DEPT. THE HEAD MECHANIC INFORMED ME AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THAT MY INTERNAL FUEL PUMP BURNT ALL MY WIRING HARNESSES UP IN THE ENTIRE CAR. I WAS LOW ON FUEL THAT DAY AND IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT THE FUEL TANK DID NOT BLOW UP AND OR THE VEHICLE DIDN'T CATCH FIRE. THE MECHANIC HAS RECORDED WHAT HE FOUND AND WE HAVE ALL THE BURNT AND DEFECTIVE ORIGINAL PARTS. I HAVE PAID A LOT AND AM STILL WAITING FOR OVER TWO MONTHS WITHOUT A CAR FOR THE PARTS TO GET IT FIXED. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE MADE AND AN INVESTIGATION ON THE FUEL PUMP THAT WAS INSTALLED IN MY CAR BY THE MANUFACTURER SUZUKI.
NHTSA complaint #10268844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesChesterville, MO
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUZUKI XL-7. THE REAR QUARTER PANEL HAS TWO SLOTS THAT ARE SPLITTING THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE REAR SEAT BELTS TROUGH THE PLASTIC. THE SEAT BELTS WERE RARELY USED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SECOND AND THIRD ROWS OF SEATS PASS THROUGH THE OPENINGS IN THE INTERIOR PLASTIC TRIM. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOLDING PROCESS USED TO MAKE THIS TRIM PANEL LEFT A FLASH LINE AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE HOLE. UPDATED 12/12/07
NHTSA complaint #10205741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,600 milesMacon, GA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUZUKI XL-7. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR HER ENGINE TO BE SERVICED. UPON LEAVING THE DEALER, SHE NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. SHE RETURNED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL, THE ILLUMINATED LIGHT SIGNIFIES THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR IS DISCONNECTED, PREVENTING THE AIR BAG FROM DEPLOYING. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE PART IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT SHE SHOULD NOTIFY THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE ESTIMATED COST TO HAVE THE UNIT REPLACED IS $500. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR TWO WEEKS NOW. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 38,600.
NHTSA complaint #10193149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallahassee, FM
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL
I HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED AND THE MECHANIC MADE ME AWARE OF AN ISSUE WITH THE REAR BREAKS. THE REAR AXLE SEALS HAD LEAKED ON THE REAR BRAKE PADS, DRUMS AND THE REAR AXLE. THE MECHANIC CALLED THE SUZUKI DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED BY THEIR SERVICE DEPT. THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MY AXLE FREEZING UP AND OF COURSE MY REAR BRAKES WERE NOT UP TO PAR. THERE IS A BULLETIN OUT (MY MECHANIC TOLD ME, THE SUZUKI DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM) BUT NO RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10171421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesColumbus, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE SUV MADE A STRANGE SOUND ON SUNDAY MORNING AS WE ATTEMPTED TO CRANK IT UP AND GO TO CHURCH (SEPTEMBER 3RD, 2006)..AFTER CHURCH IT MADE ANOTHER STRANGE SOUND WE MADE IT HOME AND THE POWER COMPLETELY WENT OUT IN OUR DRIVEWAY...(2) ON MONDAY (LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 4,2006)..I TOOK THE BATTERY OUT AND WENT TO TWO AUTO PARTS STORES TO HAVE IT TESTED...FINALLY GETTING A NEW BATTERY AT AUTOZONE (AT MY PERSONAL EXPENSE)...THE OLD BATTERY WAS NO GOOD..THEN PUTTING THE BATTERY BACK IN THE SUV STARTING IT UP AND NOTICING THAT THE GAS HAND REGISTERED ALMOST EMPTY, WHICH WAS IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE WE ONLY DROVE 4 MILES TO CHURCH AND THE SUV HAD WELL OVER HALF A TANK OF FUEL..ANYWAY I DROVE TO THE CORNER GAS STATION (APPX. 4 BLOCKS) FILLED THE TANK STARTED TO DRIVE BACK AND ALL THE POWER WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON ME...AT 35 MILES PER HOUR..ALMOST CAUSING THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY BEHIND ME TO REAR END ME...AT THAT POINT I HAD TO FIGHT TO KEEP THE SUV FROM GOING INTO THE DITCH BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD...THE CONSEQUENCES ARE: THAT I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THE SUV AGAIN (3) WHAT WAS DONE OR IS BEING DONE: I HAD THE SUV TOWED TO THE JAY SUZUKI DEALERSHIP ON VETERANS PARKWAY IN COLUMBUS GEORGIA ON YESTERDAY AND THEY ARE STILL CHECKING INTO IT? AS THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE...AND I NOTIFIED AMERICAN SUZUKI CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION IN BREA CALIFORNIA VIA FAX AND EMAIL AND THEY HAVE NOT HAD THE COURTESY TO GET BACK WITH ME..YET..PLEASE NOTE THIS SUV HAS HAD THE TWO RECALL CAMPAIGNS COMPLETED THAT WERE SUPPOSED TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AND THIS IS THE THIRD BATTERY IN THIS 2003 XL-7 IN LESS THAN 33 MONTHS..SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG?
NHTSA complaint #10167440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesBridgewater, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
I BOUGHT NY 2003 SUZUKI XL7 IN MARCH 2006 . I WAS PUTTING GAS IN WHEN THE FUEL TANK DOOR FELL OFF. BEFORE THE WARRANTY WAS UP. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP HE SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED BUT COULD GET ME A NEW ONE AND PAINT IT FOR ABOUT $100.00. WHY I JUST BOUGHT IT LESS THAN 4 WEEKS AGO USED BUT I DIDN'T EXPECT IT. I WAS SHOCKED AND SO DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE I REALLY LIKE THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10162531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardnerville, NV
SEAT BELTS
LETTER OF COMPLAINT AND FRUSTRATION ON THE POOR QUALITY OF 2003 SUZUKI XL-7 AND SUBSEQUENT PATHETIC LACK OF SERVICE AT THE DEALER. *TS ***NAR*** THE MOLDING ON THE RUNNING BOARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE CAME OFF. ALL THE SEAT BELTS EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER LOCK FOR NO REASON. ONCE LOCKED THE SEAT BELTS CAN NOT BE LOOSENED. THE SEAT BELT HAS TO BE UNBUCKLED THE ALLOWED TO RETRACT FULLY BEFORE IT WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY. WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE IN AUTO MODE THE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON WHEN THE DOORS WERE OPENED. A CONSUMER SMELL A FOUL ODOR LIKE OIL OR SOMETHING BURNING. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE SMELL WAS FROM THE UNDERCOATING APPLIED TO PROTECT THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND THAT IT WOULD GO AWAY IN A FEW MONTHS. THE SMELL PERSISTED BEYOND A FEW MONTHS. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WOULD GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE BRAKES MADE NOISE. THE DEALER BLAMED THE NOISE ON THE BRAKES BEING NEW. THE BATTERY TERMINALS CORRODED.
NHTSA complaint #10159467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardnerville, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
LETTER OF COMPLAINT AND FRUSTRATION ON THE POOR QUALITY OF 2003 SUZUKI XL-7 AND SUBSEQUENT PATHETIC LACK OF SERVICE AT THE DEALER. *TS ***NAR*** THE MOLDING ON THE RUNNING BOARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE CAME OFF. ALL THE SEAT BELTS EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER LOCK FOR NO REASON. ONCE LOCKED THE SEAT BELTS CAN NOT BE LOOSENED. THE SEAT BELT HAS TO BE UNBUCKLED THE ALLOWED TO RETRACT FULLY BEFORE IT WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY. WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE IN AUTO MODE THE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON WHEN THE DOORS WERE OPENED. A CONSUMER SMELL A FOUL ODOR LIKE OIL OR SOMETHING BURNING. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE SMELL WAS FROM THE UNDERCOATING APPLIED TO PROTECT THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND THAT IT WOULD GO AWAY IN A FEW MONTHS. THE SMELL PERSISTED BEYOND A FEW MONTHS. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WOULD GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE BRAKES MADE NOISE. THE DEALER BLAMED THE NOISE ON THE BRAKES BEING NEW. THE BATTERY TERMINALS CORRODED.
NHTSA complaint #10159467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardnerville, NV
INTERIOR LIGHTING
LETTER OF COMPLAINT AND FRUSTRATION ON THE POOR QUALITY OF 2003 SUZUKI XL-7 AND SUBSEQUENT PATHETIC LACK OF SERVICE AT THE DEALER. *TS ***NAR*** THE MOLDING ON THE RUNNING BOARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE CAME OFF. ALL THE SEAT BELTS EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER LOCK FOR NO REASON. ONCE LOCKED THE SEAT BELTS CAN NOT BE LOOSENED. THE SEAT BELT HAS TO BE UNBUCKLED THE ALLOWED TO RETRACT FULLY BEFORE IT WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY. WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE IN AUTO MODE THE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON WHEN THE DOORS WERE OPENED. A CONSUMER SMELL A FOUL ODOR LIKE OIL OR SOMETHING BURNING. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE SMELL WAS FROM THE UNDERCOATING APPLIED TO PROTECT THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND THAT IT WOULD GO AWAY IN A FEW MONTHS. THE SMELL PERSISTED BEYOND A FEW MONTHS. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WOULD GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE BRAKES MADE NOISE. THE DEALER BLAMED THE NOISE ON THE BRAKES BEING NEW. THE BATTERY TERMINALS CORRODED.
NHTSA complaint #10159467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardnerville, NV
STRUCTURE
LETTER OF COMPLAINT AND FRUSTRATION ON THE POOR QUALITY OF 2003 SUZUKI XL-7 AND SUBSEQUENT PATHETIC LACK OF SERVICE AT THE DEALER. *TS ***NAR*** THE MOLDING ON THE RUNNING BOARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE CAME OFF. ALL THE SEAT BELTS EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER LOCK FOR NO REASON. ONCE LOCKED THE SEAT BELTS CAN NOT BE LOOSENED. THE SEAT BELT HAS TO BE UNBUCKLED THE ALLOWED TO RETRACT FULLY BEFORE IT WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY. WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE IN AUTO MODE THE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON WHEN THE DOORS WERE OPENED. A CONSUMER SMELL A FOUL ODOR LIKE OIL OR SOMETHING BURNING. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE SMELL WAS FROM THE UNDERCOATING APPLIED TO PROTECT THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND THAT IT WOULD GO AWAY IN A FEW MONTHS. THE SMELL PERSISTED BEYOND A FEW MONTHS. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WOULD GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE BRAKES MADE NOISE. THE DEALER BLAMED THE NOISE ON THE BRAKES BEING NEW. THE BATTERY TERMINALS CORRODED.
NHTSA complaint #10159467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gardnerville, NV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
LETTER OF COMPLAINT AND FRUSTRATION ON THE POOR QUALITY OF 2003 SUZUKI XL-7 AND SUBSEQUENT PATHETIC LACK OF SERVICE AT THE DEALER. *TS ***NAR*** THE MOLDING ON THE RUNNING BOARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE CAME OFF. ALL THE SEAT BELTS EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER LOCK FOR NO REASON. ONCE LOCKED THE SEAT BELTS CAN NOT BE LOOSENED. THE SEAT BELT HAS TO BE UNBUCKLED THE ALLOWED TO RETRACT FULLY BEFORE IT WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY. WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE IN AUTO MODE THE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON WHEN THE DOORS WERE OPENED. A CONSUMER SMELL A FOUL ODOR LIKE OIL OR SOMETHING BURNING. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE SMELL WAS FROM THE UNDERCOATING APPLIED TO PROTECT THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND THAT IT WOULD GO AWAY IN A FEW MONTHS. THE SMELL PERSISTED BEYOND A FEW MONTHS. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WOULD GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE BRAKES MADE NOISE. THE DEALER BLAMED THE NOISE ON THE BRAKES BEING NEW. THE BATTERY TERMINALS CORRODED.
NHTSA complaint #10159467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesSaginaw, MIFire
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS
SUBTLE BUT NOTICEABLE VIBRATION FELT IN REAR AXLE; WHILE UNDER TOW (BEHIND MOTORHOME) RIGHT REAR WHEEL (TIRE, WHEEL, HUB) SEPARATED FROM AXLE AND LEFT VEHICLE. VEHICLE DRIVETRAIN WAS IN MFG RECOMMENDED POSITION FOR TOWING (TRANSMISSION IN D, TRANSAXLE SET TO N). HEAT GENERATED FROM FAILURE (POSSIBLY BAD WHEEL BEARING) LED TO FIRE. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY POLICE. SUZUKI REFUSED TO WARRANTY THIS FAILURE UNDER THEIR 100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN COVERAGE. SUBSEQUENT TO REAR-END REBUILD FROM THIS INCIDENT, A SIMILAR VIBRATION WAS FELT AGAIN ON RIGHT REAR SIDE. SUZUKI DID AT THIS TIME REPLACE A BAD WHEEL BEARING UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10148290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,000 milesSuffolk, VAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOW DOWN ON ITS OWN, IT WENT FROM 40 MPH TO 5 MPH, COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER OF ACCELERATION PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE GOING IN A REVERSE MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #10118958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesFayetteville, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS A LOUD ROARING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #10113678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE SUZUKI XL-7. FUNNY BURNING SMELL EACH TIME THE AIR CONSITIONER IS TURNED ON. ALSO GAS MILEAGE IS A PROLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10109034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THE SUZUKI XL-7. FUNNY BURNING SMELL EACH TIME THE AIR CONSITIONER IS TURNED ON. ALSO GAS MILEAGE IS A PROLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10109034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.