FaultScore

FaultScore report

2006 Suzuki XL-7 problems

Owners have filed 38 complaints about the 2006 Suzuki XL-7 with NHTSA between 2006 and 2017. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 6 worst.

D

FaultScore 70/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Suzuki XL-7.

How this is worked out

The numbers

38

Complaints

10

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries reported

43,436 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

42%

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 52 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 72 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 52
Against the median year of the Suzuki XL-7. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
44.7% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 72
42% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2006 compares with every other Suzuki XL-7

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 2006 Suzuki XL-7

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

Airbags 10 26.3%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 60,294 mi

Steering 5 13.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 89,505 mi

Suspension 3 7.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,875 mi

Brakes 3 7.9%

Median failure at 8,294 miles

Electrical System 3 7.9%
Transmission & Drivetrain 3 7.9%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 25,718 mi

Engine & Cooling 3 7.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,000 mi

Equipment & Accessories 1 2.6%
Doors, Latches & Locks 1 2.6%
Stability & Traction Control 1 2.6%

Median failure at 109 miles

Seats 1 2.6%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

Tires 1 2.6%

Median failure at 20,625 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 1 2.6%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 2.6%

Median failure at 7,900 miles

Body & Structure 1 2.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 43,436 mi

When it fails

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

Under 1,000 miles 3 11.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 6 23.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 7.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 3 11.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 7 26.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 1 3.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 1 3.8%
150,000+ miles 3 11.5%

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 2006 peak 7 Sep 2017

Recalls on the 2006 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.

Canada — Transport Canada

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

Recall 2010197 4,782 units in Canada

Engine

On certain vehicles, the tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt which operates the power steering pump and air conditioner compressor (if equipped) has an outer portion that is made of plastic. Repeated heat stress can cause the plastic material to deteriorate and pieces of the pulley can break off. Broken pieces of the pulley can get caught between the pulley and the drive belt, causing the drive belt to come off and resulting in the driver needing increased effort to steer the vehicle. This situation could result in a crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the power steering pump drive belt tension adjuster pulley.

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 185,000 miles Goodletsville, TN Crash 1 injured

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI XL7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH TO LANES, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE THEN DRIFTED ABNORMALLY TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A MILD CONCUSSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC WHAT CAUSED THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

NHTSA complaint #10563305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Keokee, VA Crash 3 injured

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI XL7. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS THE STEERING FAILED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER ARMS, NECK, AND STOMACH. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND NECK. THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE STOMACH, HEAD, AND FACE. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND THAT HIS INSURANCE COMPANY COULD FILE A CLAIM AGAINST THEM FOR POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT. IN AUGUST 2010, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTICE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V250000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: PUMP) ADVISING THERE WAS A DEFECT IN HIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #10350385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 42,000 miles Salkum, WA Crash

AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI XL-7. THE CONTACT PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING, BUT WOKE UP RIGHT BEFORE CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE POLICE ARRIVED AND FILED A REPORT. THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS NOT INJURED. HE WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

NHTSA complaint #10265660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 43,436 miles Gypsum, CO Crash 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

APRIL 21ST 2008 WE HAD TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO MEDVED IN WHEAT RIDGE, CO. WHERE THEY HAD DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THEY HAD DECIDED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE SENSORS, 4-LOW SWITCH, AND TRANSFER CASE MODULE. THEY HAD KEPT THE VEHICLE UNTIL MAY 2ND, 2008. MID MAY 2008. JULY 25TH 2008 I DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK DOWN TO MEDVED BECAUSE SUZUKI AMERICA DECLINED A TOW, THE REASON FOR THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS ABOVE, THIS TIME THEY WERE ABLE TO RECOVER CODES FROM THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST THEY RAN, THEY THEN DECIDED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ACTUATOR SWITCH AND SENSORS, MY VEHICLE WAS KEPT IN THE SHOP UNTIL JULY 31ST ,2008. SEPTEMBER 3RD ,2008 I CALLED MEDVED AND REQUESTED A TOW TO THEIR SHOP BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN 4-LOW AGAIN, THEY SENT A MAN TO LEADVILLE FOR THE SUV THAT AFTERNOON AND TOOK IT TO MEDVED. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD DISCOVERED CORROSION AT THE CONNECTORS ON THE RIGHT FOOTWALL AREA OF THE DASH. THEY HAD THEN REPLACED THE MAIN HARNESS ON THE VEHICLE. EAST BOUND ON I-70, I HAD JUST PASSED THE EXIT FOR EDWARDS WHEN THE 4-LOW KICKED ON FOR A THIRD TIME THAT MORNING, I COULDN'T GET CONTROL OF THE CAR, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND STARTED MAKING A WEIRD SOUND, I THEN HIT A GUARDRAIL ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE THEN FLEW ACROSS 2 LANES AND HIT THE GUARDRAIL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE. I CALLED 911 (APPROX 8:59 AM) AND REPORTED THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE NO ONE HAD STOPPED TO SEE IF I WAS ALRIGHT (THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY), I WAS THEN TRANSPORTED TO THE VAIL HOSPITAL FOR THE INJURIES THAT HAD OCCURRED DURING THE ACCIDENT. PLEASE CALL ME OR E MAIL ME I DO HAVE MORE INFO FOR YOU BUT IT WONT FIT IN THIS SQUARE 7192933068.

NHTSA complaint #10252328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 43,436 miles Gypsum, CO Crash 1 injured

STRUCTURE

APRIL 21ST 2008 WE HAD TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO MEDVED IN WHEAT RIDGE, CO. WHERE THEY HAD DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND THEY HAD DECIDED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE SENSORS, 4-LOW SWITCH, AND TRANSFER CASE MODULE. THEY HAD KEPT THE VEHICLE UNTIL MAY 2ND, 2008. MID MAY 2008. JULY 25TH 2008 I DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK DOWN TO MEDVED BECAUSE SUZUKI AMERICA DECLINED A TOW, THE REASON FOR THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM AS ABOVE, THIS TIME THEY WERE ABLE TO RECOVER CODES FROM THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST THEY RAN, THEY THEN DECIDED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ACTUATOR SWITCH AND SENSORS, MY VEHICLE WAS KEPT IN THE SHOP UNTIL JULY 31ST ,2008. SEPTEMBER 3RD ,2008 I CALLED MEDVED AND REQUESTED A TOW TO THEIR SHOP BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN 4-LOW AGAIN, THEY SENT A MAN TO LEADVILLE FOR THE SUV THAT AFTERNOON AND TOOK IT TO MEDVED. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAD DISCOVERED CORROSION AT THE CONNECTORS ON THE RIGHT FOOTWALL AREA OF THE DASH. THEY HAD THEN REPLACED THE MAIN HARNESS ON THE VEHICLE. EAST BOUND ON I-70, I HAD JUST PASSED THE EXIT FOR EDWARDS WHEN THE 4-LOW KICKED ON FOR A THIRD TIME THAT MORNING, I COULDN'T GET CONTROL OF THE CAR, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND STARTED MAKING A WEIRD SOUND, I THEN HIT A GUARDRAIL ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE THEN FLEW ACROSS 2 LANES AND HIT THE GUARDRAIL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE. I CALLED 911 (APPROX 8:59 AM) AND REPORTED THE ACCIDENT BECAUSE NO ONE HAD STOPPED TO SEE IF I WAS ALRIGHT (THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY), I WAS THEN TRANSPORTED TO THE VAIL HOSPITAL FOR THE INJURIES THAT HAD OCCURRED DURING THE ACCIDENT. PLEASE CALL ME OR E MAIL ME I DO HAVE MORE INFO FOR YOU BUT IT WONT FIT IN THIS SQUARE 7192933068.

NHTSA complaint #10252328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 4,875 miles Bakersfield, CA Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI XL-7. THE FRONT CONTROL ARM BOLTS ON THE SUSPENSION WERE VERY LOOSE. THE FAILURE OCCURS FREQUENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY 4 OR 5 TIMES AND EACH TIME THEY STATED THAT THE BOLTS WERE LOOSE. THE BOLTS HAVE ONLY BEEN RETIGHTENED INSTEAD OF REPLACED. THE BOLTS LOOSEN EVERY FIVE MONTHS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,875 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,000. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, FOR THE CONTROL ARM BOLTS BEING LOOSE. THE CONSUMER HAD AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THE FAILED CONTROL ARM BOLTS. UPDATED

NHTSA complaint #10220371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

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

at 210,000 miles Mechanicsburg, PA

ENGINE

I HAD THE TIMING CHAIN REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MILES UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MILES. THE TIMING CHAIN FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 210,000 MILES AND STOPPED RUNNING WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE TIMING CHAIN SHOULD NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED SO OFTEN AND I HAVE HEARD OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS WEB SITES AND FROM OTHER SOURCES.

NHTSA complaint #11025465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,000 miles Wenatchee, WA

AIR BAGS

I WENT OUT TO START MY VEHICLE ONE MORNING. AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION ON, THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CAME ON, AND AT THE SAME TIME THE PASSENGER AIRBAG NOTIFICATION LIGHT STARTED FLASHING ON THE CENTER CONSOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. AFTER CALLING THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHO WORKS ON SUZUKIS HERE, I WAS TOLD THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS M/M/Y OF VEHICLE, AND THAT THE REPAIR IS BETWEEN $1.5K-$2K. MY VEHICLE IS NOT OLD, ABUSED, NOR HAS IT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. WITH THE MILES AT APPROX 61,000... WHY IS THERE A SAFETY ISSUE REGARDING MY AIRBAG SYSTEM? AFTER DIGGING AROUND ONLINE, I FOUND THAT THIS M/M/Y VEHICLE DOES, IN FACT, HAVE A LARGE COMPLAINT AGAINST IT REGARDING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. MOST SPECIFICALLY THE EXACT ISSUE I AM HAVING. IN LIGHT OF THE MASSIVE AIRBAG RECALL ISSUE, ONE WOULD ASSUME SAFETY IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE. I THINK THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA complaint #10783531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109 miles Chandler, AZ

STEERING

I WAS DRIVING MY CHILDREN HOME AND I HEARD A THUDDING IN THE ENGINE LIKE SOMETHING WAS BREAKING. THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT HOT INSTANTLY AND I TRIED TO CHANGE LANES TO PULL TO A STOP TO LOOK AT IT. WHEN I STOPPED AND TRIED TO TURN THE CORNER, I FOUND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I COULDN'T TURN PROPERLY AND WAS TURNING WIDE INTO THE OTHER LANE BECAUSE OF THIS. MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE WENT INTO MOTION AND NOW I HAVE TO CLICK THE BUTTON TO BE ABLE TO REVERSE OR STEER PROPERLY (SO THAT I'M NOT ON THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SETTING) BUT THE LIGHT FOR THE 2 WHEEL DRIVE BLINKS. MY BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ARE ON.

NHTSA complaint #10749384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109 miles Chandler, AZ

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS DRIVING MY CHILDREN HOME AND I HEARD A THUDDING IN THE ENGINE LIKE SOMETHING WAS BREAKING. THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT HOT INSTANTLY AND I TRIED TO CHANGE LANES TO PULL TO A STOP TO LOOK AT IT. WHEN I STOPPED AND TRIED TO TURN THE CORNER, I FOUND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I COULDN'T TURN PROPERLY AND WAS TURNING WIDE INTO THE OTHER LANE BECAUSE OF THIS. MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE WENT INTO MOTION AND NOW I HAVE TO CLICK THE BUTTON TO BE ABLE TO REVERSE OR STEER PROPERLY (SO THAT I'M NOT ON THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SETTING) BUT THE LIGHT FOR THE 2 WHEEL DRIVE BLINKS. MY BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ARE ON.

NHTSA complaint #10749384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109 miles Chandler, AZ

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

I WAS DRIVING MY CHILDREN HOME AND I HEARD A THUDDING IN THE ENGINE LIKE SOMETHING WAS BREAKING. THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT HOT INSTANTLY AND I TRIED TO CHANGE LANES TO PULL TO A STOP TO LOOK AT IT. WHEN I STOPPED AND TRIED TO TURN THE CORNER, I FOUND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. I COULDN'T TURN PROPERLY AND WAS TURNING WIDE INTO THE OTHER LANE BECAUSE OF THIS. MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE WENT INTO MOTION AND NOW I HAVE TO CLICK THE BUTTON TO BE ABLE TO REVERSE OR STEER PROPERLY (SO THAT I'M NOT ON THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE SETTING) BUT THE LIGHT FOR THE 2 WHEEL DRIVE BLINKS. MY BRAKE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ARE ON.

NHTSA complaint #10749384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Zephyrhills, FL

AIR BAGS

SUZUKI HAS NOT PROVIDED INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR VEHICLES FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL. AS A 71 YEAR OLD, WEIGHING ONLY 90 POUNDS, I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIR BAGS IN MY CAR. SINCE SUZUKI PULLED THEIR AUTO UNIT OUT OF THE US A FEW YEARS AGO, THOSE OF US WHO PURCHASED A SUZUKI HAVE BEEN LEFT HANGING HIGH AND DRY.

NHTSA complaint #10725456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leesville, SC

POWER TRAIN

WHEN GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE, CAR SUDDENLY LOST SPEED BUT RPM'S KEPT GOING UP, COULD NOT GO OVER 40, WHEN PULLED OVER, PUT IN PARK BUT ENGINE KEPT REVVING UP.

NHTSA complaint #10626925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leesville, SC

AIR BAGS

FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE SEAT IS EMPTY AND THE SEAT BELT IS NOT BUCKLED. THE LIGHT CONSTANTLY FLASHES AND BEEPS.

NHTSA complaint #10626929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leesville, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHEN GETTING ON THE INTERSTATE, CAR SUDDENLY LOST SPEED BUT RPM'S KEPT GOING UP, COULD NOT GO OVER 40, WHEN PULLED OVER, PUT IN PARK BUT ENGINE KEPT REVVING UP.

NHTSA complaint #10626925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leesville, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ONE DAY WHEN I GO TO START MY CAR WHEN I TURN THE KEY, A STATIC NOISE COMES FROM WHERE THE KEY GOES. VEHICLE STARTED BUT WHILE DRIVING, WOULD LOOSE POWER AND ACT LIKE IT IS GOING TO CUT OFF.

NHTSA complaint #10626927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leesville, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE FUSE THAT GOES TO THE FUEL INJECTORS KEEPS BLOWING, IT ONLY BLOWS HALF OF THE FUSE, EVERY FEW WEEKS, THE CAR WON'T START AND THE FUSE HAS TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10626933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leesville, SC

SERVICE BRAKES

WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TURN , BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL, HAD TO PULL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. MY YOUNG SON WAS IN THE CAR, THIS COULD HAVE ENDED BADLY.

NHTSA complaint #10626931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leesville, SC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE FUSE THAT GOES TO THE FUEL INJECTORS KEEPS BLOWING, IT ONLY BLOWS HALF OF THE FUSE, EVERY FEW WEEKS, THE CAR WON'T START AND THE FUSE HAS TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10626933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 162,000 miles Stockbridge, GA

SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND WITHOUT WARNING MY BACK AXLE CAME OFF. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MOVE MY VEHICLE OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. I HAD BEEN TRAVELING WITH MY FAMILY THE SPARKS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CAUGHT ON FIRE. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE BODY SHOP AND NO ONE COULD GIVE ME A EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THE AXLE CAME OFF. MY TRUCK IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED, THIS HAS COST ME UNFORESEEN EXPERIENCES FOR CAR RENTALS AND MISSING WORK TO GET MY VEHICLE REPAIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10609821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 185,000 miles Goodletsville, TN Crash 1 injured

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI XL7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH TO LANES, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE THEN DRIFTED ABNORMALLY TO THE RIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A MILD CONCUSSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC WHAT CAUSED THE DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

NHTSA complaint #10563305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Kenmore, WA

AIR BAGS

THE VEHICLES AIRBAG DASH LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE CLOCK ALSO BEGAN FLASHING AND CAN NOT BE ADJUSTED. I WAS TOLD BY THE AIRBAG SPECIALIST THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM ON THIS EXACT VEHICLE YEAR/MAKE/MODEL, BUT FOR SOME REASON MY VIN# WAS NOT INCLUDED. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MY CAR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT MY AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY UNTIL FIXED. I WAS TOLD THE PART COSTS $1700 TO REPLACE OUT OF POCKET.

NHTSA complaint #10556377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Riverhead, NY

SEATS

THE OCM SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS FAILED. THEREFORE MY PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2007. THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS RARELY BEEN USED. IT HAS ALWAYS REMAINED IN THE SAME POSITION. IT HAS NEVER BEEN SUBJECT TO EXCESS MOISTURE. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VALID SAFETY ISSUE TO NEED A RECALL OF THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR. IF SOMEONE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THERE IS A CRASH, THEN THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THE PASSENGER WILL BE SUBJECT TO MORE SERIOUS INJURIES. MY PASSENGER SEAT HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED, JUST ONE DAY THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND NEVER SHUT OFF.

NHTSA complaint #10548325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Riverhead, NY

AIR BAGS

THE OCM SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS FAILED. THEREFORE MY PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2007. THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS RARELY BEEN USED. IT HAS ALWAYS REMAINED IN THE SAME POSITION. IT HAS NEVER BEEN SUBJECT TO EXCESS MOISTURE. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VALID SAFETY ISSUE TO NEED A RECALL OF THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR. IF SOMEONE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THERE IS A CRASH, THEN THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THE PASSENGER WILL BE SUBJECT TO MORE SERIOUS INJURIES. MY PASSENGER SEAT HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED, JUST ONE DAY THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND NEVER SHUT OFF.

NHTSA complaint #10548325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pocatello, ID

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

2006 SUZUKI XL7. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE REGARDING POWER STEERING PUMP. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECENTLY RECEIVED A SECOND RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON JANUARY 14, 2010 AND THE INFORMATION WAS SUBMITTED TO SUZUKI ALONG WITH THE FIRST RECALL NOTICE WHICH HE RECEIVED ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 20, 2010, WHICH WAS SEVEN MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY SUZUKI, THEY WOULD REIMBURSE HIM FOR THE REPAIRS, BECAUSE HE DID NOT KNOW THE PART NUMBER.

NHTSA complaint #10438432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,200 miles Misuhen, MA

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI XL7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE OCM SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,200.

NHTSA complaint #10396047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,000 miles Chandler, AZ

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

SAFETY ISSUE ??? NOT SURE IF AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY WITH ADULT IN THE SEAT. SEEMS UNSAFE TO ME. FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR. LIGHT COMES ON AND CHIMES (MEANING A SMALL PERSON IS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND SEATBELT IS OFF EVEN WHEN NO ONE SITTING IN SEAT). ONSET CAME WHEN VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON. LIGHT DOES GO OFF WHEN AN ADULT SITS IN SEAT.

NHTSA complaint #10392635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,010 miles Frederick, MD

STEERING

I WAS LEAVING THE PARKING LOT AND NOTICED SOME EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT FELT LIKE IT DIDN'T RESPOND TO WHAT I WANT IT TO DO. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS COMING OUT, THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE COLUMN WAS LOOSE. MY CAR IS A SUZUKI 2006 XL-7 WITH 59000 MILES AND NEVER HAD A ACCIDENT OR ANY WORK DONE TO IT. I FEEL THAT THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND IT MAY COME OUT WHILE DRIVEN IN THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint #10375929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,294 miles Methuen, MA

AIR BAGS

AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON ALL OF A SUDDEN, THIS EFFECTS MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING SYSTEM ALSO. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SUZUKI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT COVERED BY MY WARRANTY SERVICE CONTRACT, I CALL MY EXTENDED WARRANTY CO. AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED ALSO. THIS IS AN AIRBAG SENSOR MALFUNCTION WHICH COULD BE A SAFETY PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10353354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Keokee, VA Crash 3 injured

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI XL7. THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN SHE HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS THE STEERING FAILED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. SHE SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER ARMS, NECK, AND STOMACH. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD AND NECK. THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE STOMACH, HEAD, AND FACE. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL AND THAT HIS INSURANCE COMPANY COULD FILE A CLAIM AGAINST THEM FOR POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT. IN AUGUST 2010, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTICE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V250000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: PUMP) ADVISING THERE WAS A DEFECT IN HIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #10350385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 42,000 miles Salkum, WA Crash

AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI XL-7. THE CONTACT PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING, BUT WOKE UP RIGHT BEFORE CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE POLICE ARRIVED AND FILED A REPORT. THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS NOT INJURED. HE WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

NHTSA complaint #10265660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.