Owners have filed 63 complaints
about the 2004 Suzuki XL-7 with NHTSA between 2003 and 2017.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 86
Against the median year of the Suzuki XL-7. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 75
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
917.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
815.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
35.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1019.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1019.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
35.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
713.5%
150,000+ miles
23.8%
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.
Nov 2003peak 5Aug 2017
Recalls on the 2004 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cape Coral, FLCrash1 injured1 killed
STRUCTURE
THAT SUZUKI FEELS THAT IT IS EASIER TO PAY PEOPLE OFF THAT HAVE LOST THERE LIFE OR THAT HAVE BEEN HURT IN A CAR ACCIDENT THAN TO PUT IN A SIMPLE PART THAT WILL PREVENT THERE CARS THEY HAVE BUILT FROM CRUSHING! I AM LETTING YOU KNOW THIS BECAUSE MY MOTHER WAS KILLED ON MAY 18, 2008 WHILE DRIVING HER SUZUKI XL 7 (2004) ON THE WAY HOME FROM SPENDING THE WEEKEND WITH HER 3 GRANDCHILDREN IN CAPE CORAL, FL. SHE WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON I-75 AND WHEN HER CAR AND ANOTHER COLLIDED. OUR LIVES WHERE CHANGED FOREVER. MY MOTHERS CAR ROLLED 2.5 TIMES AND LANDED ON THE ROOF SIDE AND HER CAR WAS CRUSHED BEYOND ANYTHING YOU COULD IMAGINE. THEY COULD NOT GET THROUGH THE METAL THAT WAS ALL TANGLED AND MASHED TOGETHER, SO THEY HAD TO USE THE JAWS OF LIFE REMOVE MY MOTHER FROM HER CAR. I AM NOT WRITING YOU THIS OUT OF PITY BUT MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE DRIVING A SUZUKI XL 7 (2004) THAT LITTLE DO YOU KNOW THAT IF YOU ARE TO ROLL THERE IS NO PROTECTION FOR YOU. PLEASE TAKE WHATEVER ACTION YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO DO TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND OTHERS YOU KNOW THAT MIGHT NOT BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT SUZUKI IS AWARE OF, BUT FEEL IT IS COST EFFECTIVE TO JUST PAY PEOPLE TO KEEP THERE MOUTHS SHUT! PLEASE HELP ME FIX THIS AWFUL PROBLEM SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE DOES NOT FEEL THE PAIN THAT I AM FEELING WITH THE LOSS OF MY MOTHER.
NHTSA complaint #10234525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,500 milesMiddlesboro, KYCrash3 injured
SEAT BELTS
ACCIDENTAL EMERGENCY BRAKE ACTIVATION. ONLY ONE WHEEL LOCKED UP THAT ON PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL INTO A GUARDRAIL. ALSO, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT RESTRAINTS ALLOWED UPPER BODY TO MOVE FREELY INTO INTERIOR COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10229980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,500 milesMiddlesboro, KYCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
ACCIDENTAL EMERGENCY BRAKE ACTIVATION. ONLY ONE WHEEL LOCKED UP THAT ON PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL INTO A GUARDRAIL. ALSO, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT RESTRAINTS ALLOWED UPPER BODY TO MOVE FREELY INTO INTERIOR COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10229980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,500 milesMiddlesboro, KYCrash3 injured
PARKING BRAKE
ACCIDENTAL EMERGENCY BRAKE ACTIVATION. ONLY ONE WHEEL LOCKED UP THAT ON PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL INTO A GUARDRAIL. ALSO, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT RESTRAINTS ALLOWED UPPER BODY TO MOVE FREELY INTO INTERIOR COMPONENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10229980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moravian Falls, NCCrash
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING THE 2004 SUZUKI XL-7'S STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRIKE A GUARDRAIL. *TS
NHTSA complaint #10175394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckeesport, PACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
DT: 2004 SUZUKI XL7. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS STICKING ON 2004 SUZUKI XL7. WHEN I APPLYING THE BRAKES IT PICKS UP SPEED. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER, AND HAD VIN CHECKED. THEY STATED THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HIT NEIGHBOR'S POST WHICH THE CONSUMER REPAIRED, BUT NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE NEIGHBORS CALLED THE POLICE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE CONSUMER REPORTED THE ACCIDENT T INSURANCE COMPANY. THERE WAS NO FOREWARNING THAT THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY AND JUST TOOK OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10139512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Swoope, VA
POWER TRAIN
BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. AFTER NOTICING SOME ISSUES & LOOKING BACK OVER CARFAX, REPAIR REPORT, & RECALLS ONLINE, I CALLED SUZUKI. GAVE THE VIN# AND WAS TOLD A RECALL WAS DONE IN 2004 BY DEALER. WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE OTHER RECALLS, SHE SAID THERE WAS NO OTHER RECALLS. ALL PAPERWORK I HAVE HAS NO INDICATIONS OF THE RECALL BEING DONE. I SEE 3 RECALLS ON THIS SITE AS WELL. WHAT SHOULD I DO OR WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
NHTSA complaint #11014782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swoope, VA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. AFTER NOTICING SOME ISSUES & LOOKING BACK OVER CARFAX, REPAIR REPORT, & RECALLS ONLINE, I CALLED SUZUKI. GAVE THE VIN# AND WAS TOLD A RECALL WAS DONE IN 2004 BY DEALER. WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE OTHER RECALLS, SHE SAID THERE WAS NO OTHER RECALLS. ALL PAPERWORK I HAVE HAS NO INDICATIONS OF THE RECALL BEING DONE. I SEE 3 RECALLS ON THIS SITE AS WELL. WHAT SHOULD I DO OR WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
NHTSA complaint #11014782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swoope, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. AFTER NOTICING SOME ISSUES & LOOKING BACK OVER CARFAX, REPAIR REPORT, & RECALLS ONLINE, I CALLED SUZUKI. GAVE THE VIN# AND WAS TOLD A RECALL WAS DONE IN 2004 BY DEALER. WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE OTHER RECALLS, SHE SAID THERE WAS NO OTHER RECALLS. ALL PAPERWORK I HAVE HAS NO INDICATIONS OF THE RECALL BEING DONE. I SEE 3 RECALLS ON THIS SITE AS WELL. WHAT SHOULD I DO OR WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
NHTSA complaint #11014782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesSacramento, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
RECALL 03V51200 AFFECTED PART OF THE 2004 XL7 BUT NOT THOSE PRODUCED AFTER 6/13/2003. THE LATTER VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATER CABLE STICKING. ON MARCH 18, 2017 MY WIFE'S CABLE GOT STUCK AND HER VEHICLE ALMOST REAR ENDED A DIESEL TRUCK ON HIGHWAY 99 SOUTH IN SACRAMENTO, CA. IF SHE HADN'T PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL SHE WOULDN'T HAVE STOPPED SO I LOOKED RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND THE ABOVE STATED RECALL. JUST TO FIND OUT THAT HER VEHICLE SUFFERED FROM THE SAME AFFLICTION AS THE VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED BUT WASNT INCLUDED. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS AND I FEEL ALL THE VEHICLES FROM 2004 SHOULD BE FIXED
NHTSA complaint #10968141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Culpeper, VA
AIR BAGS
ABOVE AREA WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO ENTER THE REST OF THE VIN. # ----X92V044100900? MAKE AND MODEL WAS NOT AVAILABLE ON THIS CHART? I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM SAID-BUSINESS OWNER OF B & R AUTO BODY AND REPAIR. THEY CLAIMED IT TO BE THEIR BUSINESS VEHICLE? I KNEW THERE WERE ISSUE AND I TOOK CARE OF THEM: BRAKES, WIND SHIELD SMALL STUFF-NO PROBLEM ON VEHICLE . WHEN I TOOK VEHICLE FOR STATE INSPECT IT FAILED DUE TO NO AIR BAG LIGHT SHOWING. I WAS AN ELECTRONIC TECH. FOR M1/BRADLY TANKS SO WAS COMFORTABLE TEARING DASH APART TO EXAMINE LIGHT FOR DAMAGES. WOULD HAVE FIXED IF NECESSARY? ONCE I GOT INSIDE I FINED SOMEONE HAD DELIBERATELY TAPED BLACK ELECTRIC TAPE OVER LIGHT SO IT WOULD NOT SHOW A DEFAULT BY CONSTANTLY STAYING ON. I TOOK TAPE OFF WITH TWEEZER-HAVE SPOKE TO STATE POLICE AND WANT TO FILE MORE CHARGES AGAINST PREVIOUS OWNER FOR RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT OF MY LIFE & OTHERS. THIS WAS A DELIBERATE ACT TO DEFRAUD/HURT SOMEONE? FINGER PRINTS ON TAPE WILL SAY WHO DID IT. MY SUSPICIONS IS BRIAN OWNER OF VEHICLE/BUSINESS. IF AIRBAGS ARE SO IMPORTANT TO MY VEHICLE AND ITS SAFETY-NOT WORKING CAUSES IT TO FAIL TEST-THEN TAMPERING WITH THE ELECTRONICS TO DEFRAUD SOMEONE SHOULD HOLD EQUAL OFFENSE IN STATE OF VA. OR ELSEWHERE. THIS MAN ENDANGERED MY LIFE!
NHTSA complaint #10638939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesWest Yarmouth, MA
AIR BAGS
GOING ON A SMALL TRIP, AND MY PASSENGER, A RATHER LARGE MAN, SAT IN PASS FRONT SEAT, AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD, AND THE CLOCK STARTED FLASHING. BROUGHT TO BRAINTREE TOYOTA, NEAREST DEALERSHIP THAT WORKED ON SUZUKIS, AND THEY WERE ABLE TO RECALIBRATE UNDER PASS SEAT, RESET, AND ALL WORKED UNTIL A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHEN THE SAME MAN SAT IN THE PASS SEAT, AND AGAIN, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CLOCK FLASHED, AND HAS BEEN EVER SINCE. I HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH THIS PROBLEM NOW FOR ABOUT 3-4 YEARS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS TO REPLACE WOULD BE SENSORS AT A COST OF ABOUT 1500.00 TO ME, AT MASTRIA SUZUKI.
NHTSA complaint #10632179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesPuyallup, WA
AIR BAGS
AFTER A SNOW STORM WE GOT INTO OUR VEHICLE AND STARTED IT TO WARM IT UP. THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULDN'T GO OFF AND THE DISPLAY ON THE STEREO FLASHED CONTINUOUSLY. FROM THIS POINT ON, THESE DISPLAYS CONTINUE TO STAY ON AT ALL TIMES. AFTER CHECKING WITH THE DEAL AND SUZUKI, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR IS BROKEN. IT CAN HAPPEN FROM SITTING THINGS ON THE SEAT OTHER THAN A PERSON, A HEAVY PERSON ON THE SEAT, NORMAL EVERY DAY USE, AND FINALLY THE COLD. I'M TOLD THE CONSEQUENCE OF THIS IS THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS OFF AND WILL REMAIN OFF FROM THAT POINT ON. THE ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT WITH THE SENSOR WHICH CAN RANGE BETWEEN $2000 AND $1000 DEPENDING ON THE DEALER YOU TALK TOO. THERE IS NO EXPLANATION OF THE RADIO DISPLAY FLASHING OTHER THAN SOMEHOW THE ELECTRONICS ARE LINKED TOGETHER. I BELIEVE A RECALL SHOULD BE IN PLACE TO FIX THIS FAULTY SENSOR WITH AN EXTREMELY HIGH COST TO AN AVERAGE USER TO REPLACE AS IT RENDERS THE AIRBAG USELESS FOR THE PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE. THERE IS NO COST EFFECTIVE WAY FOR THE CONSUMER TO FIX IT, IT REDUCES THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE. I'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS IN FORUMS ACROSS THE NET WITH THIS EXACT PROBLEM. IT REQUIRES ALSO THAT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL BE USED TO FIX THE ISSUE WHICH INCREASES THE COST SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE CONSUMER.
NHTSA complaint #10572560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesAlbia, IA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI XL-7. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55 MPH AND NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT UNOCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 01/07/14
NHTSA complaint #10549835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesPuyallup, WA
AIR BAGS
OUR 2004 SUZUKI XL7 HAS RUN WONDERFULLY WITH FULL MAINTENANCE SINCE IT WAS NEW. HOWEVER JUST THIS LAST MONTH OUT OF NO WHERE FOR NO REASON THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASH DISPLAY CAME ON AND HAS BEEN ON SINCE. THE CLOCK FLASHES AND CAN NOT BE SET IT JUST FLASHES. THE CODES APPEAR TO SAY WE NEED TO PAY 2000 OR MORE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SEAT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE SENSOR FOR THE AIRBAG, WHICH SUZUKI DOESN'T FEEL THEY SHOULD REPLACE. WE'VE CONTACTED THEM AND WERE TOLD IT WAS NOT A DEFECT IT HAPPENED AFTER WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10548640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesDartmouth, MA
AIR BAGS
I HAVE READ ABOUT THE RECALL ON SUZUKI VEHICLES DATED 09/17/2013 THAT ARE HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR NOT KNOWING IF A CHILD OR AN ADULT IS ON THE SEAT, THERE FORE CAUSING THE BAG TO DEPLOY EVEN IF A SMALL CHILD IS IN THE SEAT. I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH MY VEHICLE EXCEPT IT IS A 2004 MODEL WHICH DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL, THOUGH I DO NOT KNOW WHY.
NHTSA complaint #10544005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesVictorville, CA
AIR BAGS
ENTERED VEHICLE TO GO TO SERVICE CENTER FOR OTHER SERVICE AND AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ON AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESET, SHUTTING VEHICLE OFF GETTING OUT AND RE-SEATING MY SELF THE SYSTEM REMAINS INOPERATIVE TO THIS DATE. CODE SCANNER SAYS PASSENGER SEAT MUST BE REPLACED TO REMEDY PROBLEM. COST OF PARTS $2500.00 PLUS LABOR. AFTER DISCUSSION WITH SEVERAL OTHER SUZUKI OWNERS WE FEEL THAT THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH THE SUZUKI AND SHOULD BE RESOLVED BY THE MANUFACTURER. IT IS NOT SAFE TO HAVE A VEHICLE WITHOUT THE AIR BAGS BEING OPERATIONAL. WE HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2004, IT WAS NEW.
NHTSA complaint #10543627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,400 milesSylvania, OH
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI XL-7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT UNOCCUPIED. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,400.
NHTSA complaint #10509435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesFolsom, PA
AIR BAGS
I STARTED MY CAR AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON AND THE CLOCK IS BLINKING LOOKED ONLINE SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN ALMOST EVERY MAKE OF SUZUKI CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID ITS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT NOT COVERED WILL COST 2 GRAND FOR A NEW PASSENGER SEAT TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10502424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesOrlando, FL
AIR BAGS
ON A 2004 SUZUKI XL7 HAVING 140,000 MILES THE CLOCK/TEMP DISPLAY IS FLASHING AND AIRBAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL REMAINS ON.
NHTSA complaint #10490547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesOrlando, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON A 2004 SUZUKI XL7 HAVING 140,000 MILES THE CLOCK/TEMP DISPLAY IS FLASHING AND AIRBAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL REMAINS ON.
NHTSA complaint #10490547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 223,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT STAY LIGHT AND CLOCK KEEPS FLASHING.
NHTSA complaint #10461257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesEtoile, TX
AIR BAGS
AFTER REPLACING THE BATTERY, MY CLOCK STARTED FLASHING AND MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. NOTHING THAT HAS BEEN TRIED HAS REMEDIED EITHER PROBLEM. THERE IS NO SUZUKI DEALERSHIP IN MY AREA. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT IF I HAVE AN ACCIDENT, MY AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY OR WORK PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #10452454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,150 milesWinterville, NC
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON AND CLOCK STOPPED WORKING-MECHANIC STATED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR IN THIS MODEL-THEY WANTED $100 TO PUT ON COMPUTER TO VERIFY AND IT WOULD BE $2000 TO REPAIR-IF GOV MANDATES AIR BAGS IN VEHICLES IT SHOULD MANDATE A RECALL IF THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM-I HAVE RESEARCHED AND OTHER XL-7 OWNERS HAVE SAME PROBLEM AROUND THE SAME MILEAGE-HE ALSO STATED THE AIR BAGS MAY NOT WORK IN A CRASH-I HAVE A 98 DODGE WITH AIR BAGS WITH OVER 125,000 MILES WITH NO PROBLEMS WITH SENSORS-IT WOULD BE NICE IF OUR GOV. WOULD STEP UP AND MAKE THE COMPANY REPAIR THIS PROBLEM DUE TO SAFETY-IF IT DEALT WITH THE ENGINE/BRAKES ETC. I WOULD NOT HAVE A PROBLEM BUT WHEN SOMEONE SITS ON A SENSOR AND THERE IS MALFUNCTION IT APPEARS TO BE DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT ON THEIR PART.
NHTSA complaint #10447667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesRockville, MD
AIR BAGS
ON A 2004 SUZUKI XL7 HAVING 58,000 MILES THE CLOCK/TEMP DISPLAY IS FLASHING AND AIRBAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL REMAINS ON. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS NOT LIT INDICATING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PORTION OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE SUZUKI DEALER INFORMED ME THAT BESIDES THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING NON-FUNCTIONAL AS LONG AS THE INSTRUMENT PANELS RED AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON THERE WILL BE NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER OR DRIVER AIR BAGS WHEN NEEDED. ESSENTIALLY, THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DISABLED. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM FOR TWO REASONS: IT IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR A 2004 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA / XL7 (AS SEEN BY THE MANY INTERNET POSTINGS ON THIS TOPIC) AND DUE TO THE SAFETY CONCERNS THAT ABSENCE OF AIRBAGS IN A CRASH CAN INCREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY OR DEATH. OTHER INTERNET POSTINGS SHOW THIS TO BE FROM CERTAIN LOADING CONDITIONS THAT MAY CAUSE THE FOUR WEIGHT SENSORS IN THE FRONT PASSENGERS SEAT TO SENSE UNEQUAL LOADING. IT IS INTERESTING THIS IS FROM UNEQUAL LOADING SENSOR MALFUNCTION BECAUSE FOR MOST OF CARS LIFE THERE HAS NOT BEEN AN OCCUPANT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SUGGESTS THAT THIS COMPONENT WOULD HAVE FAILED SOONER HAD THERE BEEN A REGULAR FRONT SEAT PASSENGER.
NHTSA complaint #10441888 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesCedar Rapids, IA
AIR BAGS
2004 SUZUKI XL7 AIRBAG SYSTEM DISABLED DUE TO MALFUNCTION IN SENSOR IN PASSENGER SEAT. SUZUKI REFUSED TO HELP AND TOOK 20 DAYS TO REPLY.
NHTSA complaint #10421327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesMeadowview, VA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI XL7. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 104,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10413091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesEnola, PA
AIR BAGS
SEAT BELT LIGHT REMAINS ON, 2004 SUZUKI, XL-7, VIN [XXX]. AS I STARTED THE VEHICLE, I HAD A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FASTEN HIS SEAT BELT. THE AIR BAG LIGHT IN THE DASH, REMAINED ON AND THE CLOCK STARTED FLASHING, (THE CLOCK IS ON THE SAME ELECTRIC CIRCUIT AS THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT/AIR BAG INDICATOR). AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG CIRCUIT WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF ALMOST $1800. THE CIRCUIT WAS AN INTEGRATED PART OF THE SEAT, THEREFORE THE ENTIRE SEAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 55,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY. I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY SUCH AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILURE OF THIS TYPE ON ANY OTHER MAKE OF VEHICLE, REGARDLESS OF MODEL OR YEAR. I DID NOTE THAT THIS SAME TYPE OF FAILURE WAS REPORTED PREVIOUSLY TO NHTSA FOR THE EXACT SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR SUZUKI VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND SUZUKI ARE UNWILLING TO COVER THE COST OF REPLACING THIS PART AND UNWILLING TO NEGOTIATE ON SHARING THE COST OF REPLACEMENT. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THIS REPRESENTS A CRITICAL SAFETY DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION, BEYOND 3 YEARS/36,000 MILES, IN A SIMILAR MANNER AS THE 100,000 MILE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. I FEEL IT SHOULD BE HANDLED SIMILAR TO OTHER SAFETY RECALLS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10402081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,622 milesFT. Bliss, TX
AIR BAGS
MY 2004 SUZUKI XL7 PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH INDICATING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SUZUKI DEALER AND THEY WANTED ALMOST $2000.00 TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE PASSENGER AIR BAG SYSTEM. I CHECKED ONLINE FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL, BUT NO LUCK, HOWEVER I DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR A 2004 SUZUKI XL7. THE SUZUKI DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THE AIR BAGS WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY WHILE THE AIR BAG SENSOR IS MALFUNCTIONING. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM DUE TO THE SAFETY CONCERNS. SUZUKI SELLS A REPLACEMENT PART THAT CORRECTS THE PROBLEM KNOWING THEY SOLD A DEFECTIVE PART THAT MAY CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH IF THE AIR BAGS MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA complaint #10374874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,800 milesConcord, CA
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON IN JULY 2010 FOR MY SUZUKI XL-7. CAR WAS TAKEN TO SUZUKI DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED PROBLEM (FOR $150) AS A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE ($1,232). HOWEVER, DEALER DID NOT GUARANTEE THIS FIX WOULD SOLVE PROBLEM. MANY INTERNET COMMENTS DESCRIBE MANY OTHER SUZUKI VEHICLES EXPERIENCING THIS EXACT PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN MANIFESTING ITSELF OVER MANY YEARS. IN FACT, FOUR WHEELER MAGAZINE WROTE WHEN IT TESTED THE VEHICLE THAT IT EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. LETTER WAS SUBSEQUENTLY SENT TO SUZUKI MOTORS IN BREA CA IN JULY 2010 DESCRIBING PROBLEM AND ASKING FOR IT TO BE REPAIRED SINCE IT IS A KNOWN AND PUBLISHED SAFETY DEFECT. THEY RESPONDED VERBALLY AND STATED THAT THE DEALER HAD NOT PROPERLY DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE CAR AND ASKED ME TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE SUZUKI FACTORY TECH WOULD HELP THEM FIX IT. I ARRIVED TO THE DEALER AND SUZUKI DEMANDED THAT I REPAY THE DIAGNOSIS FEE OF $150 EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM HAD ALREADY BEEN DIAGNOSED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND SUZUKI SHOULD RECALL THE VEHICLES AND REPAIR THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10369719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,345 milesChandler, AZ
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND CLOCK KEEPS FLASHING. SUZUKI SAYS IT IS A FAILED SENSOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT WHICH WOULD COST $1,000+ TO FIX. FAILURE TO FIX CAN CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO POSSIBLY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY. THIS SEEMS LIKE A HIGH-COST SAFETY FIX CONSIDERING NO CAR DAMAGE AND IT IS A FAILED COMPONENT.
NHTSA complaint #10369660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.