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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1999–2013

Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns and 639 owner complaints for the Suzuki Grand Vitara, covering model years 1999 to 2013. The 2006 model year drew the most complaints (161), and Air Bags is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Suzuki Grand Vitara VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 15 recall campaigns on file
  • 639 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 15 model years with data (1999–2013)
  • most complaints: 2006 (161 for that model year)
  • top component: Air Bags (134 complaints)
  • latest recall 19V187000 (reported Mar 7, 2019)
  • 65 complaints reporting a crash (10.2%)
  • 12 complaints reporting a fire (1.9%)
  • 29 complaints reporting an injury (4.5%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints by model year

15 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2006 model year has the most complaints: 161 of 639, or 25.2%. Next come 1999 (108) and 2000 (85). The fewest are for 2005, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Suzuki Grand Vitara owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1999–2013Column chart of 639 complaints across 15 model years. The highest is 2006 with 161. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1999: 108 complaints10819992000: 85 complaints8520002001: 38 complaints3820012002: 47 complaints4720022003: 29 complaints2920032004: 8 complaints820042005: 1 complaint120052006: 161 complaints16120062007: 58 complaints5820072008: 42 complaints4220082009: 14 complaints1420092010: 20 complaints2020102011: 11 complaints1120112012: 13 complaints1320122013: 4 complaints42013
Show the figures for all 15 model years
Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
199910816280
2000858230
2001388030
2002477330
2003291110
200482010
200510000
200616115350
2007583020
2008423030
2009140000
2010200000
2011111000
2012131100
201340000
All model years6396512290

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Suzuki Grand Vitara components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Air Bags is the component named most often, in 134 complaints (21.0% of all 639), followed by Electrical System (82) and Exterior Lighting (80).

Components named most often in Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Air Bags13421.0%
Electrical System8212.8%
Exterior Lighting8012.5%
Vehicle Speed Control7411.6%
Fuel System, Gasoline639.9%
Engine and Engine Cooling497.7%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic487.5%
Power Train477.4%
Steering375.8%
Suspension314.9%
Seat Belts304.7%
Tires294.5%
Equipment213.3%
Seats193.0%
Structure193.0%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls

15 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Grand Vitara, newest first. The 15 campaigns cover model years 1999 to 2013. The 2006 model year appears in the most campaigns (6).

  • 15 recall campaigns
Suzuki Grand Vitara recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1999: 4 campaigns
2000: 4 campaigns2001: 5 campaigns2002: 4 campaigns2003: 4 campaigns2004: 2 campaigns2005: 1 campaign2006: 6 campaigns2007: 3 campaigns2008: 2 campaigns2009: 4 campaigns
2010: 5 campaigns2011: 4 campaigns2012: 2 campaigns2013: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 19V187000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification; Seats

    Model years 2006–2013

    Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an adult or child is occupying the seat.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's numbers for this recall are 4011 and 4012.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 18V667000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System

    Model year 2006

    Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara vehicles. The power steering pump belt tension adjuster pulley has an outer portion that is made of plastic. Repeated heat stress can cause the plastic material to deteriorate, causing pieces of the pulley to break off.

    Consequence:
    Broken pieces of the pulley can get caught between the pulley and the drive belt, causing the drive belt to come off, resulting in a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump drive belt tension adjuster pulley, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is 4009. Note: The vehicles included in this recall were not previously recalled under 10V-250.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 17V085000

    Reported

    Power Train › Manual Transmission

    Model years 2009–2013

    Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The gear shift rear shaft on these vehicles may break, preventing the gears from being able to be changed.

    Consequence:
    If the transmission cannot be shifted, it can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gear shift rear shaft, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VZ.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 13V405000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model years 2006–2011

    Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child.

    Consequence:
    Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
    Remedy:
    Suzuki will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge. Sufficient quantities of parts are not currently available to fix all of the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified of the recall in October 2013 and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired. The recall began on May 23, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's recall campaign number is VD.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 11V055000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator

    Model years 2009–2011

    Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines; model year 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles produced prior to October 17, 2010; model year 2010 Suzuki SX4 passenger vehicles; and 2011 Suzuki SX4 passenger vehicles produced prior to October 14, 2010. The tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump, has an improperly manufactured internal spring that can break due to repeated stress. If the spring breaks, the drive belt will not be adjusted properly and can slip, causing a squeaking noise. Or the drive belt could come off causing the driver to increase to steer the vehicle. This can also cause the coolant temperature indication to rise, which can lead to the engine overheating, or can cause the charging light to come on, which can lead to battery discharge and engine stall.

    Consequence:
    If the drive belt comes off, requiring the driver to use increased steering effort, or the engine stalls, a vehicle crash could occur
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on February 16, 2011. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-887-697-8985 or visit Suzuki's website at http://www.suzukiauto.com.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 10V392000

    Reported

    Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System)

    Model year 2010

    Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 SX4, 2010 Grand Vitara, and 2009 through 2010 equator vehicles that were equipped with a garmin nuvi model 750, 760, and 765 navigation system. The batteries contained in the affected GPS units can overheat.

    Consequence:
    Overheated batteries could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Suzuki will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge. The safety recall began on September 24, 2010. Owners may contact garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or Suzuki at 1-887-697-8985. Owners may also visit garmin's website at www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 10V250000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump

    Model year 2006

    Suzuki is recalling certain model year model year 2006 Grand Vitara and model year 2005-2006 XL-7 vehicles. The tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that 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.

    Consequence:
    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 increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the power steering pump drive belt tension adjuster pulley free of charge. The safety recall began on June 28, 2010. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 07V554000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift

    Model years 2006–2007

    Certain vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114, 'theft protection. ' the automatic transmission selector lever "park" lock function may be inoperative due to a sticking shift lock arm. The shift lever may be able to be shifted out of "park" with the key removed and without depressing the brake pedal.

    Consequence:
    This can give rise to increased incidents of crashes resulting from the rollaway of parked vehicles as a result of inadvertently moving the shift lever from the "park" position when the parking brake is not fully engaged.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the shift lock module free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2008. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 05V548000

    Reported

    Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft

    Model year 2006

    On certain passenger vehicles, the left side of the retainer rear drive shaft may crack and the gears may get stuck due to oil leakage by the retainer.

    Consequence:
    This can lead to the rear differential gears locking up and the vehicle may become disabled increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the left side of the retainer rear drive shaft. Suzuki will call owners on or about December 15, 2005. Followup letters to owners were mailed on February 13, 2006. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 05V452000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor

    Model years 1999–2005

    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.

    Consequence:
    The front brakes may become inoperative and the vehicle may pull to one side. This could result in a crash without prior warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the front brake discs on these vehicles. The recall began on November 10, 2005. These vehicles are located on st. thomas island (Virgin Islands). Owners may contact Suzuki del caribe at 787-622-0600.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Show 5 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 04V427000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model years 1999–2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    Fuel loss in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the fuel pressure regulator, the fuel deliver hose and replace the hose clamp with an improved clamp. The recall began on September 29, 2004. Owners should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 03V512000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control › Cables

    Model years 1999–2004

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the accelerator cable, which includes the plastic casing cap. Owner notification began on January 5, 2004. Owners should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 03V223000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield

    Model years 2002–2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect these vehicles. Vehicles that are found to have insufficient paint adhesion will either have the problem remedied by repainting, or will be replaced, or repurchased and destroyed. Owner notification began on July 8, 2003. Owners should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 01V146000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System

    Model years 1999–2001

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under temperatures below -25 degrees, moisture can freeze in the fuel pressure regulator. Fuel system pressure could increase at the time of engine start up, causing fuel loss at the fuel pipe/fuel hose connection.

    Consequence:
    Fuel loss in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a redesigned intake manifold vacuum union and a new fuel pressure regulator. Owner notification began June 4, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 01V070000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2001

    Vehicle description: some sport utility vehicles do not comply with the certain requirements of FMVSS No. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." The presentation of some of the information on the tire information label deviates from the format set forth in the standard and the label may not be "permanently affixed" as required by the standard.

    Consequence:
    The label may not be fully understood by some customers.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install new labels as well as an update to the owner's manual. Owner notification began March 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

    Filed by Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Suzuki Grand Vitara questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Suzuki Grand Vitara have?

NHTSA lists 15 vehicle recall campaigns for the Suzuki Grand Vitara, covering model years 1999 to 2013. The most recent, 19V187000, was reported on March 7, 2019 and is filed under “Air bags”. The 2006 model year is covered by the most campaigns (6).

Which Suzuki Grand Vitara model year has the most complaints?

The 2006 model year, with 161 of the 639 complaints in NHTSA’s file (25.2%). The next are 1999 (108) and 2000 (85). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Suzuki Grand Vitara complaint?

Air Bags is the component named most often: 134 complaints, or 21.0% of all 639. Electrical System (82) and Exterior Lighting (80) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Suzuki Grand Vitara?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Suzuki dealer.

How many Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 639 complaints, 65 report a crash, 12 a fire, 29 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Suzuki models

8 models · most complaints first

The Suzuki models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Suzuki VIN decoder with every Suzuki model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Suzuki models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.