RoadVitals

2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
15
Latest Mar 18, 2009
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Aug 30, 2004
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 15 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7, most frequently naming the engine, seat belts and tires & wheels categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 2 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine426.7%
  • Seat belts213.3%
  • Tires & wheels213.3%
  • Driver assistance213.3%
  • Airbags16.7%
  • Transmission16.7%
  • Brakes16.7%
  • Fuel system16.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Aug 30, 2004
172,093 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: FUEL LOSS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The 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.
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.Manufacturer number 99-ERView on NHTSA.gov

WHEELS

Dec 26, 2000
98 units potentially affected
The defect: EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: STEEL REPLACEMENT WHEELS, PART NO. 4310-665D21-27S, USED FOR SPARE PARTS ON 1999-2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA AND 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA XL-7 MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED WHEELS WERE PRODUCED FROM JULY 30 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20, 2000. THE THICKNESS OF THE STEEL WHEEL INBOARD OF THE AREA WHERE THE WHEEL RIM IS WELDED TO THE WHEEL DISK IS LESS THAN THE DESIGN SPECIFICATION.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE WHEEL, GRADUAL LOSS OF AIR IN THE TIRE, AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
The remedy: DEALERS WERE NOTIFIED TO REMOVE ANY OF THESE AFFECTED WHEELS FROM THE STOCK INVENTORY AND RETURN TO AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR COMPANY. SUZUKI WILL NOTIFY ANY END USERS WHICH PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT WHEELS OF THE DEFECT AND TO RETURN THEIR WHEELS TO SUZUKI FOR A FREE REPLACEMENT.
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Mar 18, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA XL7. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 55 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKES LOCKED WHILE THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO AVOID A SWERVING VEHICLE. TWO OF THE BRAKE LINES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE SWERVED UNCONTROLLABLY TO THE RIGHT. THE HOSES ALSO BLEW OUT AND LEFT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY BRAKES. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD TO SAFETY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V452000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR). THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY MORE THAN $200 TO REPLACE THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 100,000.

NHTSA ID
10262245
Incident
Mar 16, 2009
Mileage
100,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 14, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA XL-7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP IS BURNING INSIDE THE GAS TANK, WHICH CAUSES NO CONNECTION TO THE BATTERY OF THE VEHICLE. SUZUKI ADVISED HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FOR A FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. THE CONTACT HAS NOT HAD THE RECALL SERVICED FOR HIS VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 167,000.

NHTSA ID
10193330
Incident
Jun 12, 2007
Mileage
167,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 13, 2005

CONSUMER COMPLAINING ABOUT ENGINE NOISE INVOLVING THE 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA.*MR CONSUMER WAS TOLD NOISE IS FROM TIMING CHAIN AND HAD THE TENSIONER ADJUSTER ASSEMBLY REPLACED. [XXX] IS THE VIN. *TT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10130220
Incident
Jan 1, 1901
Engine
Filed Apr 29, 2005

MY WIFE'S 2001 SUZUKI XL-7 HAS MADE AN ENGINE NOISE SINCE SHE BOUGHT IT. WE HAD IT SERVICED AT 32,000 MILES FOR A RECALL AND NOTHING WAS SAID BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ( STILL UNDER WARRANTY ) AGAIN AT 64,000 PLUS WE HAD IT SERVICED AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW TIMING BELT TESIONER PUT ON FOR AROUND $1300.00 DOLLARS. I CALLED THE CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY SAID TO GO BY A DEALERSHIP AND GET THE DISTRICT MANAGER'S NUMBER TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I DID , AND I CALLED : ONLY TO BE TOTALLY DISRESPECTED BY THE DISTRICT MANAGER ([XXX]) , HE REALLY DIDN'T LIKE THE FACT THAT I GOT HIS PHONE NUMBER AND TOLD ME SO ; I HOPE HE LIKES IT NOW! THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE HAS REALLY NOT SHOWN ANY CONCERN ABOUT MY FAMILY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE EITHER SO I'M TELLING EVERYONE THAT DONALD CRAIG SUZUKI IN MOORESVILLE , NC COULD CARE LESS ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS AFTER YOU BUY A CAR FROM THEM AND THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS EVEN WORSE. THEIR SERVICE MANAGER HASN'T BOTHERED TO EVEN CONTACT ME EVEN AFTER A COMPLAINT TO THE DISTRICT MANAGER ( WHO'S A REAL JERK) AND A COMPLAINT TO SUZUKI'S CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS. I HOPE THAT NOONE ELSE GETS MIXED UP[ WITH THIS GROUP BUT IF YOU DO OR HAVE PLEASE GIVE THEM A CALL AND VOICE YOUR COMPLAINT : I'M SURE THEY WOULD LOVE TO HERE FROM YOU!. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10118718
Incident
Apr 11, 2005
Engine
Filed Dec 28, 2004

THE TIMING CHAIN SNAPPED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO CEASE. THE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND CHAIN WAS $3600. THIS VEHICLE IS 38 MONTHS OLD WITH 52,000 MILES OF WEAR: 2001 SUZUKI XL7. *JB

NHTSA ID
10104657
Incident
Dec 3, 2004
Mileage
52,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 17, 2004

THE CLOCK SPRING SWITCH FAILED. AS A RESULT, AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. *AK

NHTSA ID
10092555
Incident
Sep 16, 2004
Mileage
39,977 mi
Seat belts
Filed Jun 4, 2004
1 injury reported

THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT TWISTED AROUND THE CHILD'S WAIST. AS A RESULT, THE CHILD WAS TRAPPED FOR 7 HOURS. THE CONSUMER HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT IN ORDER TO RELEASE THE CHILD. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ID
10067170
Incident
Apr 10, 2004
Mileage
77,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 26, 2004

WHILE DRIVING, ALL 4 TIRES MALFUNCTIONED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. BRIDGESTONE, 235/60R16. *AK

NHTSA ID
10071510
Incident
Mar 11, 2004
Mileage
2,800 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SUZ_016008

STRUCTURE; SUSPENSION

Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.

N-Q-G-045

EQUIPMENT; SUSPENSION

This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension lower arm ball joints to prevent the ball stud from becoming separated from the suspension lower arm.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2005200
2004171042.4
2003133055.4
2002262049.5
2001Viewing152043.3

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.