2006 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 2006 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
- Airbags5022.4%
- Exterior lighting3013.5%
- Electrical2511.2%
- Steering229.9%
- Driver assistance135.8%
- Engine114.9%
- Brakes104.5%
- Seat belts104.5%
- Interior & seats104.5%
- Visibility73.1%
- Powertrain (other)62.7%
- Suspension62.7%
- Other / unspecified52.2%
- Body & structure52.2%
- Tires & wheels52.2%
- Fuel system41.8%
- Heating & air conditioning20.9%
- Transmission20.9%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The contact stated that the door ajar warning light was constantly illuminated while the doors were securely closed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger’s side occupant classification system sensor was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WHERE I T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE AND MY 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA BECAME IMMOBILIZED BECAUSE THE IMPACT WAS SO HARD THAT THE DRIVELINE BROKE. BUT THE DRIVER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL!
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought this car used one year ago and have had to change the low beam lights twice and now they are out again. At night I drive with the high beams on and they are so weak no one can tell. Last month the engine started surging making the car try to take off wether in neutral, park or drive. I have to hold the brake very strongly to keep the car from taking off. This is extremely dangerous for obvious reasons and someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed because Suzuki will not acknowledge or fix this problem. This will be my last Suzuki product ever. I can't afford to get another vehicle right now so I'm having to drive this nightmare daily.
The contact owns a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the headlight bulbs several times; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought this car used one year ago and have had to change the low beam lights twice and now they are out again. At night I drive with the high beams on and they are so weak no one can tell. Last month the engine started surging making the car try to take off wether in neutral, park or drive. I have to hold the brake very strongly to keep the car from taking off. This is extremely dangerous for obvious reasons and someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed because Suzuki will not acknowledge or fix this problem. This will be my last Suzuki product ever. I can't afford to get another vehicle right now so I'm having to drive this nightmare daily.
TL* THE CONTACTS OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE SPEEDOMETER READING, FUEL GAUGE READING, AND ABS READING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GERMAIN TOYOTA OF NAPLES (13315 TAMIAMI TRL N, NAPLES, FL 34110, (888) 722-4941) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,675. *JS
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
RECORD ACCIDENT
THE VEHICLE WAS SHIPPED TO A SUZUKI DEALER IN PUERTO RICO AND THEN SHIPPED BACK TO THE USA. ONCE SHIPPED TO PUERTO RICO, SUZUKI PROVIDES A SPECIFIC VIN AS VEHICLES EXPORTED OUT OF THE USA. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIPPED BACK TO USA IN 2009 AND EVER SINCE I HAVE RECEIVED THREE SAFETY RECALL NOTIFICATIONS TO HAVE DONE BY LOCAL SUZUKI DEALER. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL SUZUKI DEALERS SEVERAL TIMES AND THE VIN DOES NOT APPEAR IN THEIR SYSTEM AT ALL. I BEEN TOLD THEY WILL NOT SERVICE MY VEHICLE BEING THAT IT WAS SHIP FROM PUERTO RICO AND THE ONLY PLACE THEY WOULD FIX THE RECALL WOULD BE THERE. I HAVE CONTACTED CORPORATE SUZUKI MULTIPLE TIMES AND BEEN TOLD THEY CAN'T DO MUCH TO TRY TO NEGOTIATE WITH THE DEALER AGAIN WHICH HAS REFUSED TO DO THE SERVICE. I HAVE BEEN MANY HOURS EXPLAINING MY SITUATION TO DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS FROM DEALER AND SUZUKI AND NEVER COME TO A SOLUTION AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS. I'M TOLD THAT VEHICLES SHIPPED TO PUERTO RICO (US TERRITORY) AND BACK TO US ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THESE SAFETY RECALLS DESPITE I AM RECEIVING THE NOTIFICATION TO MY OHIO ADDRESS. ITS BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS WE BEEN TRYING TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE AND ALWAYS GET THE RUN AROUND. ONE OF THE RECALL IS RELATED TO AIR BAGS AND DIFFERENTIAL TRAIN LOCKING DUE TO FAULTY SEAL. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN BY MY DAUGHTER FOR SCHOOL AND WE'VE NOW HAVE RESTRICTED HER FROM DRIVING THE VEHICLE CONCERNED FOR THESE ISSUES. WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY SUPPORT OR ASSISTANCE YOU MAY PROVIDE TO SOLVING THIS ISSUE.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I bought this car used one year ago and have had to change the low beam lights twice and now they are out again. At night I drive with the high beams on and they are so weak no one can tell. Last month the engine started surging making the car try to take off wether in neutral, park or drive. I have to hold the brake very strongly to keep the car from taking off. This is extremely dangerous for obvious reasons and someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed because Suzuki will not acknowledge or fix this problem. This will be my last Suzuki product ever. I can't afford to get another vehicle right now so I'm having to drive this nightmare daily.
RECORD ACCIDENT
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER SIDE INTAKE MANIFOLD BUTTERFLY VALVE CAME LOOSE AND THE SCREWS WENT THROUGH THE ENGINE. RECENTLY THE BUTTERFLY ITSELF GOT STUCK AND LEANED OUT AND RUINED MY O2 SENSOR AND IDLE AIR CONTROLLER
I WAS ACCELERATING ONTO A SUPER HIGHWAY WHEN MY VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE STARTED RUNNING ROUGH. WHEN I RETURNED HOME I PUT MY ENGINE SCAN ON THE COMPUTER AND IT STATED EGR VALVE....I BELIEVE IT MAY HAVE BEEN A P0401 CODE. I ORDERED A NEW EGR VALVE AND REPLACED IT ALONG WITH NUMEROUS GASKETS AND CLEANED EVERYTHING ACCORDING TO MY SERVICE MANUAL......WHICH BY THE WAY, IS THE $100 SHOP SERVICE MANUAL THE DEALERSHIP USES! IT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS TIME PERIOD AND THEN BEGAN ALL OVER AGAIN. I USE PREMIUM SHELL GASOLINE IN THE VEHICLE AND DO PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ON A REGULAR BASIS AS DESCRIBED IN THE SERVICE MANUAL. I HAVE DONE SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH ONLINE AND HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE HOWEVER, SUZUKI HAS NOT RESPONDED WITH A SOLUTION. I SEE FORD AND SOME OTHERS HAD THIS SIMILAR COMPLAINT AND REDESIGNED THEIR EGR VALVES TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. ALSO, I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL SUZUKI RECALLS HOWEVER, THERE ARE NO SUZUKI SERVICE CENTERS IN AMERICA NOW TO GET THESES ISSUES RESOLVED. THE LATEST RECALL WAS SENT TO ME FROM SUZUKI STATING THE ISSUE AND THAT THEY WOULD NOTIFY WHERE TO GET IT RESOLVED......SOON?? NEVER HEARD ANOTHER WORD! THIS IS LIKE 2-3 RECALLS NOW.....AIR BAGS, POWER STEERING PULLEY, AND SEVERAL OTHERS. I DID HAVE THE ABS BRAKE SENSORS AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCK ISSUES RESOLVED AT THE DEALERSHIP SHORTLY AFTER MY PURCHASE OF THE NEW VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE REST HAVE BEEN UNRESOLVED! THIS EGR VALVE IS EITHER A DEFECTIVE ENGINEERING ISSUE OR RELATED TO ETHANOL ADDED TO THE GAS WHICH IS THE BIGGEST NIGHTMARE EVER FOR ANY ENGINE AND SHOULD BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY AS ANY MECHANIC WILL TELL YOU!! IT WAS A MONEY MAKER FOR THE ULTRA RICH AND NOTHING TO DO WITH RESOLVING EMISSIONS OR ANYTHING ELSE AS A DEFECTIVE EGR WILL SPEW MORE POLLUTION THAN NOT HAVING IT AT ALL! UPDATED 09/21/15*LJ
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER STARTING UP MY VEHICLE ON A COLD MORNING THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK IMMEDIATELY. THE FIRST TIME I HIT THEM AFTER PUTTING THE CAR INTO GEAR AND MOVING THEY DID NOT STOP THE CAR. I STARTED TO ROLL THROUGH THE STOP SIGN, BUT PUMPED THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES AND STOPPED. THIS ALSO OCCURRED ON VERY COLD EVENING AT WORK THE TEMPERATURE WAS SOMEWHERE AROUND 10 DEG F. THIS TIME I HAD TO PULL THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP. AFTER PULLING INTO THE GARAGE AND LETTING THE CAR WARM UP IT DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. I AM CONCERNED THIS COULD HAPPEN WHEN DRIVING AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
WE PURCHASED A 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA LUXURY IN 2006. WE HAD THE CAR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AND NOTICED THE BACK TIRES WERE WEARING FASTER THAN NORMAL, ALSO THERE WAS THIS GRINDING SOUND WHEN YOU BRAKE, IT WAS SPORADIC. FROM 2006 TILL 2012 WE WERE GIVEN DOZENS OF REASONS WHY AND SOLUTIONS FOR A COST, NONE OF THEM FIXED THE PROBLEM. THE LAST COMPLAINT IN 2012 WE REFUSED TO LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP (ONE OF THE TWO IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA THAT WOULD STILL ALLOW YOU TO BRING IN A SUZUKI) UNTIL WE WERE GIVEN A ANSWER, WE WERE TOLD IT IS A INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE? OVER THE YEARS THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHECKED SO MUCH I CANT COUNT. IS IT THE ESP SYSTEM? AS TIME HAS PASSED IT HAS ONLY GOTTEN LOUDER. WE DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN, WE JUST WANT A ANSWER! SUZUKI KNOWS WHAT IT IS AND THEY ARE NOT TELLING ANYONE, THIS IS NOT ONLY IRRESPONSIBLE IT IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. *TR
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG WONT GO OUT ON DRIVERS SIDE WHEN SEAT OCCUPIED PASSENGER SEAT BELT WONT GOOUT WHEN ENGAGE BEFORE IN MOTION WAS OFFAND ON NOW STAYS ON
PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATBELT LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATBELT LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
A HOT DAY OR ANY BAG WEIGHING OVER 5 LBS. WILL TRIGGER THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR FOR THE AIR BAG. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS PROBLEM IS TO PERMANENTLY BUCKLE THE PASSENGER SEATBELT. *TR
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR IS ABANDONED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, THE BLOWER MOTOR MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD TO BECOME FOGGY IN COLDER WEATHER. THE CONTACT HAD TO WIPE THE WINDSHIELD DOWN WITH A TOWEL FOR VISIBILITY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BUT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,100.
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
AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A WHEEL BEARING AFTER HAVING A MECHANIC LIFT THE CAR I NOTICED THE CROSSMEMBER FOR THE TRANSMISSION HANGING, AFTER CLOSE INSPECTION OF THE CROSSMEMBER SEEM THERE WERE NO DRAIN HOLES FOR WATER TO EXIT THE MOUNT. AND MAYBE DEFECTIVE METAL USED TO PRODUCE THE PART CAUSED PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE PART LUCKILY I FOUND THE PROBLEM AS THIS PART IS SUPPOSED TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE TRANSMISSION AND KEEP THE ALIGNMENT OF THE ENGINE TO TRANSMISSION , TO DRIVE SHAFTS, TO THE REAR END , TRANSFER CASE DRIVE LINE TO THE FRONT WHEELS. A TOTAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE DRIVE SHAFTS TO BREAK POSSIBLY CATAPULTING THE CAR, NOT TO MENTION THE ACCELERATED WARE AND TEAR ON ALL PARTS THAT ARE ENGINEERED TO HIGH TOLERANCES TO LINE UP. THIS 4X4 VEHICLE HAS 79, THOUSAND HIGHWAY MILES, NO OFF ROADING . *TR
MY EX-HUSBAND BEFORE GIVING MY DAUGHTER THE USE OF HIS 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA TOOK IT INTO MARKETPLACE CHRYSLER - SUZUKI, INC IN ROCHESTER, NY ON 6/23/2010 TO HAVE THE OIL CHANGED AND FOR THEM TO TAKE CARE OF ANY RECALLS ON THE CAR THAT HAD NOT BEEN DONE YET. WELL ONE THEY DID WAS "SB SHIFTER INTERLOCK" REPLACED PER RECALL IS STATED ON THE RECEIPT. WELL ON THE NIGHT OF AUGUST 8TH 2010 AROUND 10PM SHE WAS MOVING THE SUZUKI GRAND VITARA IN THE DRIVEWAY UP CLOSER TO THE HOUSE AND THE SHIFTER MOVED OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE WITHOUT HER HAVING HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE... IT WAS COOLER OUT AND THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING FAST ALSO. WELL THE 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA WENT THROUGH THE CLOSED GARAGE DOOR. MY GARAGE DOOR HAS BEEN REPLACED AND THE DAMAGES TO THE SUZUKI HAVE BEEN FIXED ALL PAID FOR BY MY EX-HUSBANDS GEICO AUTO POLICY. THE DAY THE CAR WAS PICKED UP FROM BEING REPAIRED WE TOOK IT STRAIGHT BACK TO MARKETPLACE CHRYSLER-SUZUKI AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED, THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE VEHICLE BUT ONCE A RECALL IS DONE THEY CAN'T REDO IT AND HAVE IT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. THEY DID EVALUATE THE VEHICLE AND STATED ON THE REPAIR INVOICE "CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL COME OUT OF PARK WHEN OFF OR RUNNING" "TECH FOUND THAT THE SHIFT SWITCH WAS FAILING. REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH NEW. TEST." I WAS NOT CHARGED FOR THIS. *TR
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
WEARS TIRES OUT WITHIN INSTALLING WITHIN 8 MONTHS. VIBRATES VERY BAD AN HAS DONE THIS SINCE I BOUGHT VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2006.
WE PURCHASED A 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA LUXURY IN 2006. WE HAD THE CAR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AND NOTICED THE BACK TIRES WERE WEARING FASTER THAN NORMAL, ALSO THERE WAS THIS GRINDING SOUND WHEN YOU BRAKE, IT WAS SPORADIC. FROM 2006 TILL 2012 WE WERE GIVEN DOZENS OF REASONS WHY AND SOLUTIONS FOR A COST, NONE OF THEM FIXED THE PROBLEM. THE LAST COMPLAINT IN 2012 WE REFUSED TO LEAVE THE DEALERSHIP (ONE OF THE TWO IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA THAT WOULD STILL ALLOW YOU TO BRING IN A SUZUKI) UNTIL WE WERE GIVEN A ANSWER, WE WERE TOLD IT IS A INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE? OVER THE YEARS THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHECKED SO MUCH I CANT COUNT. IS IT THE ESP SYSTEM? AS TIME HAS PASSED IT HAS ONLY GOTTEN LOUDER. WE DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN, WE JUST WANT A ANSWER! SUZUKI KNOWS WHAT IT IS AND THEY ARE NOT TELLING ANYONE, THIS IS NOT ONLY IRRESPONSIBLE IT IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
TO WHOM THIS CONCERN I HAVE A 06 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA IM THE ORIGINAL OWNER THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, THE DEALER AND COMPANY SAYS I HAVE TO SPEND 2000.00 TO FIX IT IF U GO ON LINE THE OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES MY AUTISTIC SON SITS IN THE FRONT AND I BELIEVE THEY DEALER AND COMPANY KNEW ABOUT THIS FOR THE LONGEST TIME NOPT DOING NOTHING TO HELP US EXPECT EVERYONE TO SPEND MONEY WHICH I THINK I SHOULD BE A RECALL, CAN SOMETHING BE DONE TO HELP MY EMAIL IS[XXX] OR[XXX] ADDRESS IS [XXX] TY FOR YOUR TIME AND I HOPE TO GET A RESPONSE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
I GOT A 2006 GRAND VITARA BRAND NEW AT FIRST IT WAS LITTLE THINGS LIKE MY DOME LIGHT SWITCH BREAKING AND THE WINDOW CONTROLLER BECOMING LOSS AND AFTER GETTING THEM FIXED THEY BREAK AGAIN A WEEK LATTER THEN A SENSOR LIGHT COMES ON ABOUT THE AIR BAG AND WONT GO OFF THE WORST THING IS MY AIR CONDITION CONTROL ONLY LETS AC RUN CANT TURN IT OFF AND DON'T TRY TO PUT THE HEAT FROM YOU FEET TO FACE THE AIR MIGHT JUST STOP WORKING THEN I STARTED TO HAVE BEARING ISSUES THAT WAS A RECALL ITEM BUT MY DEALERSHIP CLOSED SO I HAD TO DRIVE 47 MILES DROP IT OFF AND HAD TO COME BACK THE NEXT DAY TO GET IT THAT WAS THE FIRST RECALL THEN MY CAR STARTED TO MAKE A WEIRD NOISE I GOT THE NOTICE OF ANOTHER RECALL AND MY PULLEY BROKE AND I CANT DRIVE MY CAR 47 MILES TO GET IT FIXED I ASKED IF I JUST FIX IT MY SELF WILL THEY REFUND ME MY MONEY BACK FOR THE PART THEY SAID NO AND THEY WOULDN'T EVEN SHIP THE ITEM TO ME BECAUSE IM NOT A SHOP BUT THEY WERE WILLING TO PAY 50 DOLLAR TOWARDS MY THREE HUNDRED DOLLAR TOW TO GET MY CAR THERE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
RECORD ACCIDENT
AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A WHEEL BEARING AFTER HAVING A MECHANIC LIFT THE CAR I NOTICED THE CROSSMEMBER FOR THE TRANSMISSION HANGING, AFTER CLOSE INSPECTION OF THE CROSSMEMBER SEEM THERE WERE NO DRAIN HOLES FOR WATER TO EXIT THE MOUNT. AND MAYBE DEFECTIVE METAL USED TO PRODUCE THE PART CAUSED PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE PART LUCKILY I FOUND THE PROBLEM AS THIS PART IS SUPPOSED TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE TRANSMISSION AND KEEP THE ALIGNMENT OF THE ENGINE TO TRANSMISSION , TO DRIVE SHAFTS, TO THE REAR END , TRANSFER CASE DRIVE LINE TO THE FRONT WHEELS. A TOTAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE DRIVE SHAFTS TO BREAK POSSIBLY CATAPULTING THE CAR, NOT TO MENTION THE ACCELERATED WARE AND TEAR ON ALL PARTS THAT ARE ENGINEERED TO HIGH TOLERANCES TO LINE UP. THIS 4X4 VEHICLE HAS 79, THOUSAND HIGHWAY MILES, NO OFF ROADING . *TR
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
2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA , REAR TIRES ARE GOING BALD WITHIN 12000-15000 MILES, CRAZY THING IS THAT IT IS ONLY HAPPENING TO THE REAR TIRES...I JUST WENT AND GOT MY THIRD SET OF TIRES THIS AFTERNOON SINCE HAVING THIS 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. I GUESS I BETTER START FILLING UP MY PIGGI BANK FOR THE NEXT SET OF TIRES IN 12000-15000 MILES, THAT IS UNLESS SUZUKI CORP. ADMITS THAT THIS CAR IS DEFECTIVE. *TR
EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR ON 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY TIRES ON MY VEHICLE FOUR TIMES IN THREE YEARS AND ALL SUZUKI WILL SAY IS IT IS AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM AND A WEAR PROBLEM AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR IT. I HAVE SPENT MORE MONEY ON TIRES IN THE LAST THREE YEARS FOR THIS VEHICLE THAN I CAN AFFORD. AND MY TIRES KEEP GOING BALD WITHIN 12K MILES OR LESS AND I HAVE PUT THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE SEVERAL BLOGS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT SUZUKI REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND NOT THE TIRES. HOW MANY TIMES DOES IT TAKE TO ROTATE TIRES AND GET ALIGNMENTS ON A NORMAL WORKING VEHICLE IT SHOULD NOT HAVE TIRES WEARING OUT TO BALD AND THREADBARE BEFORE A 3K MILE ROTATION IS DONE ON THEM. VEHICLE ALSO SKIDS ON WET ROADS AND ALIGNMENTS KEEP GOING OUT ON VEHICLE AND CANNOT BE ADJUSTED ANY MORE. ALSO IF VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN FOR A FEW DAYS BRAKES SQUEAL WHEN FIRST STARTING TO DRIVE VEHICLE. MECHANICS SAID BRAKES ARE FINE BUT CONTINUE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND HELP US FOLKS THAT CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP REPLACING TIRES EVERY TIME WE TURN AROUND. *TR
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 15 MPH WHEN BLUE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST, ALONG WITH THE SMELL OF FUEL. THE CHECK ENGINE AND EG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMNATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT A FAILURE IN THE GROUND WIRE FOR THE FUEL INJECTOR CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 77,069.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITS FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT DOWN SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AS IT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE DOWN SHIFTING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,500.
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
2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA WITH SEVERAL PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PROBLEMS ARE: STEERING SHAFT, ENGINE MAKING A KNOCKING NOISE, ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATION, GASOLINE ODOR FROM ENGINE AND SEAT WARMER NOT WORKING. *KB THE ENGINE NOISE WAS DUE TO THE CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT WHICH NEEDED TO BE RE-TORQUED. THE PURGE VALVE WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. *JB
THIS HAPPENED DAY AFTER WE BOUGHT VEHICLE. VALVE TAPPING COMING FROM MOTOR AT IDLE. RATTLING NOISE FROM ENGINE AT 50 MPH. PASSENGER HEATED SEAT WORKS 10% OF THE TIME. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP GAVE BACK IN ONE HOUR. THE HELP TICKET STATES NEED TO ORDER PART TO HEAT SEAT AND THEY NEED TO CALL TECH SUPPORT TO RESOLVE TAPPING. I TOOK SUV TWO WEEKS AGO I CALL EVERY OTHER DAY. THEY SAY THEY ARE STILL WAITING FOR TECH SUPPORT AND THEY WANT TO FIX BOTH PROBLEMS AT ONCE. ARE THEY WAITING UNTIL THE MOTOR HAS SERIOUS DAMAGE BEFORE MOVING ON TO FIX IT? *JB
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITS FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT DOWN SHIFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AS IT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE DOWN SHIFTING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,500.
2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA WITH RECALL ON TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RECALL WAS FOR TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. DEALER TRIED A COMPUTER UPGRADE FOR THE TRANSMISSION WHICH DID NOT WORK. *KB UPDATED 05/15/08. *JB
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 .