2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance916.4%
- Engine814.5%
- Airbags610.9%
- Brakes59.1%
- Visibility47.3%
- Suspension47.3%
- Powertrain (other)35.5%
- Fuel system35.5%
- Tires & wheels35.5%
- Electrical23.6%
- Steering23.6%
- Heating & air conditioning23.6%
- Interior & seats11.8%
- Exterior lighting11.8%
- Seat belts11.8%
- Transmission11.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000. UPDATED 04/05/17*LJ *CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE ALMOST TURNED OVER WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED INTO THE BUSHES TO AVOID A CRASH AND WAS THEN SHUTDOWN WITH THE KEYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,400. UPDATED 04/02/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ARRESTED BECAUSE OF THIS EVENT. UPDATED 04/18/2013 *JS
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE ALMOST TURNED OVER WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED INTO THE BUSHES TO AVOID A CRASH AND WAS THEN SHUTDOWN WITH THE KEYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,400. UPDATED 04/02/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ARRESTED BECAUSE OF THIS EVENT. UPDATED 04/18/2013 *JS
I PURCHASED A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARTA WITH 8000 MILES. AT 24,500 MILES THE ENGINE BEGAN TO HAVE NOISE. TOOK TO DEALER WHO STATED IT WAS TIMING CHIN TENSIONER. THEY REPLACED 2 TENSIONERS AT THE DEALERS EXPENSE. I HAVE PUT AN ADDITIONAL 5000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE BACK. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE TENSIONERS AND FOUND 100'S OF COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME PART. SUZUKI HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS ITEM AS OF YET, HOWEVER IF THE TIMING CHAIN SHOULD BREAK, ACCIDENTS CAN OCCUR. I HAVE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND AM NOT SURE IF THE PROBLEM WITH BE FIXED AND IS SO AT WHOSE EXPENSE. THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP IS 65 MILES AWAY. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN TSB ON THIS PART SO SUZUKI IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *NM
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UNTIL AFTER IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND STERNUM WHILE THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FACIAL INJURY FROM STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UNTIL MOMENTS AFTER IMPACT. THE PASSENGER WAS PROPELLED INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE KNEE, FINGERS AND FACE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE STERNUM. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED TO DETERMINE THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 12/24/13*CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR WAS CALLED BACK YEARS AGO BUT NEVER SERVICED . THEY SAID THEY'D CALL NEVER DID. NOW I'M EXPIERIENCING PROBLEMS VITH MY CAR. IT HAS BEEN AN EXCELLENT CAR AND WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING. IT'S A 2001 GRAND VITARA STANDARD AND IT CRANKS BUT WON'T START. IT'S HAPPEND BEFORE. MY GAS PEDDLE GOES ALL THE WAY ON THE FLOOR. DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT. FEELS AS IF A LINE WAS BROKEN. THE CAR USE TO SHIFT TO THE SIDE WHEN HITTING THE BRAKES. CAN YOU HELP? WHAT IS IT? I HAVEN'T BEEN SBLE TO USE MY CAR FOR A WEEK.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE ALMOST TURNED OVER WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED INTO THE BUSHES TO AVOID A CRASH AND WAS THEN SHUTDOWN WITH THE KEYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,400. UPDATED 04/02/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ARRESTED BECAUSE OF THIS EVENT. UPDATED 04/18/2013 *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALER AGREED TO FIX THE LEAK. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME A DIFFERENT REPAIR WAS MADE BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO USE A QUART OF OIL EVERY 3000 MILES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE OIL CONSUMPTION. *AK THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. THE FRONT END WOBBLED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING NOISE FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT WINDOWS WHEN CLOSING THEM. *NLM
CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE CLEANING WINDSHIELD CLEAN FLUID LEAK INSIDE VEHICLE THROUGH SEAL. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALER AGREED TO FIX THE LEAK. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME A DIFFERENT REPAIR WAS MADE BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO USE A QUART OF OIL EVERY 3000 MILES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE OIL CONSUMPTION. *AK THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. THE FRONT END WOBBLED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING NOISE FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT WINDOWS WHEN CLOSING THEM. *NLM
DRIVELINE VIBRATION AT OVER 57 MPH. 24,000 MILES. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, ITS NORMAL FOR THAT VEHICLE! LOOKING AT IT ON LIFT FOR A HOUR, CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE, SAYS EVERYTHING IS NORMAL. THERE IS A DRONING TYPE NOISE DEFINITELY DRIVELINE RELATED, ANY PASSENGER WITH THEIR EYES CLOSED CAN TELL WHEN YOU ARE GOING OVER 57 MPH. EITHER DRIVESHAFT PROBLEMS OR TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE,REAR END PROBLEM. ORIGINAL TIRES HYDROPLANING AT 24,000 MILES. HAD TO REPLACE TIRES, ALSO ALIGNMENT WAS OFF VEHICLE PULLS TO SIDE. SECOND DEALER ALSO SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM. *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVELINE VIBRATION AT OVER 57 MPH. 24,000 MILES. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, ITS NORMAL FOR THAT VEHICLE! LOOKING AT IT ON LIFT FOR A HOUR, CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE, SAYS EVERYTHING IS NORMAL. THERE IS A DRONING TYPE NOISE DEFINITELY DRIVELINE RELATED, ANY PASSENGER WITH THEIR EYES CLOSED CAN TELL WHEN YOU ARE GOING OVER 57 MPH. EITHER DRIVESHAFT PROBLEMS OR TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE,REAR END PROBLEM. ORIGINAL TIRES HYDROPLANING AT 24,000 MILES. HAD TO REPLACE TIRES, ALSO ALIGNMENT WAS OFF VEHICLE PULLS TO SIDE. SECOND DEALER ALSO SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM. *NLM
NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND A NIGHTMARE TO OWN.. DEALER NOT SYPATHETIC. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR WAS CALLED BACK YEARS AGO BUT NEVER SERVICED . THEY SAID THEY'D CALL NEVER DID. NOW I'M EXPIERIENCING PROBLEMS VITH MY CAR. IT HAS BEEN AN EXCELLENT CAR AND WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING. IT'S A 2001 GRAND VITARA STANDARD AND IT CRANKS BUT WON'T START. IT'S HAPPEND BEFORE. MY GAS PEDDLE GOES ALL THE WAY ON THE FLOOR. DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT. FEELS AS IF A LINE WAS BROKEN. THE CAR USE TO SHIFT TO THE SIDE WHEN HITTING THE BRAKES. CAN YOU HELP? WHAT IS IT? I HAVEN'T BEEN SBLE TO USE MY CAR FOR A WEEK.
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE(04V427000) REGARDING THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 21 IN OHIO. I HEARD A FUNNY NOISE COMING FROM DRIVER SIDE BACK. DOING 60 MILES AN HOUR AND MY BACK DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. NO ACCIDENT. *NM
DRIVELINE VIBRATION AT OVER 57 MPH. 24,000 MILES. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, ITS NORMAL FOR THAT VEHICLE! LOOKING AT IT ON LIFT FOR A HOUR, CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE, SAYS EVERYTHING IS NORMAL. THERE IS A DRONING TYPE NOISE DEFINITELY DRIVELINE RELATED, ANY PASSENGER WITH THEIR EYES CLOSED CAN TELL WHEN YOU ARE GOING OVER 57 MPH. EITHER DRIVESHAFT PROBLEMS OR TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE,REAR END PROBLEM. ORIGINAL TIRES HYDROPLANING AT 24,000 MILES. HAD TO REPLACE TIRES, ALSO ALIGNMENT WAS OFF VEHICLE PULLS TO SIDE. SECOND DEALER ALSO SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM. *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE ALMOST TURNED OVER WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED INTO THE BUSHES TO AVOID A CRASH AND WAS THEN SHUTDOWN WITH THE KEYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,400. UPDATED 04/02/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ARRESTED BECAUSE OF THIS EVENT. UPDATED 04/18/2013 *JS
CONSUMER LETTER REGARDING CONCERNS WITH THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS ON THE 1999-2002 GRAND VITARI XL7. *MR OTHER PROBLEMS: BROKEN KEYLESS ENTRY WHICH OCCURRED TWICE, THE VEHICLE RADIATOR (TWICE), WATER PUMP (TWICE), AND THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED TWICE. TSB TS 07 03014R2 *SC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE ALMOST TURNED OVER WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED INTO THE BUSHES TO AVOID A CRASH AND WAS THEN SHUTDOWN WITH THE KEYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,400. UPDATED 04/02/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ARRESTED BECAUSE OF THIS EVENT. UPDATED 04/18/2013 *JS
AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALER AGREED TO FIX THE LEAK. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME A DIFFERENT REPAIR WAS MADE BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO USE A QUART OF OIL EVERY 3000 MILES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT SEAL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE OIL CONSUMPTION. *AK THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. THE FRONT END WOBBLED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING NOISE FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT WINDOWS WHEN CLOSING THEM. *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND A NIGHTMARE TO OWN.. DEALER NOT SYPATHETIC. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED. *AK
I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING FOR OVER A MONTH NOW. THE CONDINSER FOR THE SYSTEM IS SUPPOSIDLY ON BACK ORDER; HOWEVER, NEITHER THE DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURE WILL PROVIDE ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION. I LIVE IN AN ARE WHERE THE TEMPERATURE IS IN THE 90'S TO 100'S, AND HAVE GOTTEN HEAT EXHAUSTION ON THE FREEWAY CAUSING A SCARY SITUATION. I AM VERY UNHAPPY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 9 YEAR OLD WAS SITTING IN THE BACK RIGHT SEAT WHEN THE DOOR CAME OPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I HAD NO WARNING THAT SHE HAD NOT CLOSED THE DOOR PROPERLY. WHAT I LEARNED IS THAT THE THE DOME LIGHT WILL STAY ON IF THE DOOR IS NOT SHUT ALL THE WAY. HOWEVER THIS IS NOT AN EFFECTIVE MEANS DURING THE DAY.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAIL LIGHTS UNEXPECTEDLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING. *AK *MR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND A NIGHTMARE TO OWN.. DEALER NOT SYPATHETIC. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .