RoadVitals

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
42
Latest Mar 4, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 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

  • Airbags1221.8%
  • Electrical1018.2%
  • Engine35.5%
  • Suspension23.6%
  • Driver assistance23.6%
  • Interior & seats11.8%
  • Fuel system11.8%
  • Other / unspecified11.8%
  • Powertrain (other)11.8%
  • Seat belts11.8%
  • Brakes11.8%

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

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY SUZUKI GRAND VITARA IS A 2007. BOUGHT NEW. I DIDN'T HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE LIGHTING UNTIL AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT.THEN I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BULBS BURNING OUT, BUT ONLY ONE AT A TIME SEVERAL MONTHS APART. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS. NOW I CARRY SPARE BULBS FOR HIGH AND LOW BEAMS, THAT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE WHEN IT HAS 2 BE DINE 2 OR THREE TIMES A YEAR. THEN ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH LEVER AND KNOB THAT CHANGES THE LIGHT FUNCTION SETTING SETTINGS EVEN TO THE POINT OF BEING STOP BY HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICERS STOPPING ME BECAUSE I HAD NO TAIL LIGHTS BUT MANAGED TO PLAY WITH THE SETTINGS KNOB TO GET THEM WORKING. I'VE HAD NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND IT HAS OVER 142,00 MILES ON IT. THE LAST BULB I CHANGED WAS ON A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP TO OHIO FROM CALIFORNIA IN MAY OF 2018.

NHTSA ID 11123045 · filed Aug 28, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FAILED AND TURNED OFF, ONE SHORTLY AFTER THE OTHER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULBS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUZUKI OF GREEN BROOK (101 US-22, GREEN BROOK TOWNSHIP, NJ 08812) WHO STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THAT THE ADAPTER, SOCKETS, AND FUSES WERE ALL BURNED DUE TO A HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT FLOWING INTO THE ASSEMBLIES. THE ADAPTERS, SOCKETS, AND HEAD LAMPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC DID NOT KNOW HOW TO REPAIR THE UNDERLYING ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST OR ESCALATE THE CASE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID 10995608 · filed Jun 16, 2017
All 20 reports naming exterior lighting

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The Air Bag Light remain on . The vehicle was checked in a scanner and the codes B1312 and B1319 where found..I want to know if are recalls for this car. If yes What dealer in Puerto Rico can repair it.

NHTSA ID 11677174 · filed Jul 30, 2025

I received 3 urgent letters telling me my2008 suzuki grand vitara has an airbag recall passenger side and needed to be repaired right away. But SUZUKI only has a few dealers left and none close to me so I have to drive my children in this unsafe car. So I called the dealer and they said I have to drop my car off 3 hours away and leave it for however long it takes to be repaired. And they said they have no loaner cars. They said for me to.go rent a car and then I can get reimbursed but I cannot do that I don't have the credit card neede to rent a car so I'm forced to drive this car I'm a single mom and disabled. I cannot go one hour without my car. But the recall is not being repaired because of this and my passenger airbag light comes on and off when just l Sitting still. It scares me and is unsafe. I must have some rights i figured I would start my complaint here then the govorner or bbb I'm sick of this. I have to drive an u safe car and it's not my fault I can't travel hours to drop my car at the only dealer that will fix the recall and make my car safe again k. Angry and scared.

NHTSA ID 11606504 · filed Aug 5, 2024
All 12 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FAILED AND TURNED OFF, ONE SHORTLY AFTER THE OTHER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULBS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUZUKI OF GREEN BROOK (101 US-22, GREEN BROOK TOWNSHIP, NJ 08812) WHO STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THAT THE ADAPTER, SOCKETS, AND FUSES WERE ALL BURNED DUE TO A HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT FLOWING INTO THE ASSEMBLIES. THE ADAPTERS, SOCKETS, AND HEAD LAMPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC DID NOT KNOW HOW TO REPAIR THE UNDERLYING ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST OR ESCALATE THE CASE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID 10995608 · filed Jun 16, 2017

BOUGHT THIS IN APRIL 2014 WITH 30K MILES, HAVE REPLACED BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS 4-5 TIMES EACH, ALSO BEAMS ARE LOW VISIBILITY

NHTSA ID 10838754 · filed Feb 27, 2016
All 10 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While stopped at traffic light at idle, I can hear a knocking noise in the engine compartment. Took it to my mechanic, and believe it is coming from the lower engine. He removed the oil pan and found that the rod and crankshaft bearing has movement. The car is 2008 and only has 36,000 miles.

NHTSA ID 11721909 · filed Mar 4, 2026

THERE IS A ENGINE KNOCK WHILE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY THINK IT MIGHT BE A LOWER MOTOR ISSUE. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 21000 MILES ON IT.

NHTSA ID 10885264 · filed Jul 16, 2016

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY IN ALIGNMENT. IT IS WEARING THE BACK TIRES DOWN TO NOTHING REALLY FAST AND MAKING LOUD ROARING NOISES. WHEN DRIVING IT THROWS YOU ALL OVER THE ROAD MAKING IT VERY POSSIBLE TO HIT ON COMING TRAFFIC. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE PARKED IT AND WILL NOT BE DRIVING UNTIL SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS. *JS

NHTSA ID 10468159 · filed Jul 29, 2012

WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF BUYING MY NEW 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA, NOTICED EXCESSIVE TIRE WIRE AND ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. WHEN REPLACING TIRES, REAR TIRES ARE WORN TO THREADS AND CORDS WITHIN 2-3 MONTHS TIME OF BEING PUT ON, FRONT TIRES ARE WORN ON THE INSIDE, EXTREME INSTABILITY IN HANDLING THE VEHICLE ON WET AND DRY ROADS, FRONT END VIBRATION, DOCUMENTATION PROVIDING FACT THAT MY 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA IS NOT ABLE TO BE PROPERLY ALIGNED AND BROUGHT INTO SPEC., FRONT CAMBER ECCENTRIC BOLTS THAT SHOULD OF BEEN INSTALLED BY THE MANUFACTURE ARE MISSING, TIRES ALWAYS SMELL LIKE THEY ARE BURNING, VEHICLE HAS BEEN ALIGNED 3 TIMES BUT IS NOT ABLE TO STAY ALIGNED. THE LAST ALIGNMENT AND NEW SET OF 4 TIRES WAS DONE ON 9/7/2009 AND IS WHEN THE MISSING FRONT ECCENTRIC BOLTS AND NUT ON THE RIGHT REAR A ARM WAS DISCOVERED. THIS IS ALSO WHEN IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT MY 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA WAS NOT ABLE TO BE PROPERLY ALIGNED ARE BROUGHT INTO SPEC. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD TO HAVE MY VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. WITH AN ALIGNMENT AND EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR PROBLEM, CROSSING THE THRESHOLD INTO LOSS OF CONTROL IS A VERY HIGH RISK FOR ME. *TR

NHTSA ID 10283078 · filed Sep 7, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAVE HAD THREE INCIDENTS OF UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION AND REVVING OF THE ENGINE IN MY SUZUKI. EACH TIME I HAVE HAD TO LEAVE THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. BRAKING DOES NOT CAUSE THE CAR TO DOWNSHIFT. I THINK A THROTTLE OR ACCELERATION IS STICKING SIMILAR TO THE RECALLED TOYOTA CARS. THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH PASSENGERS IN THE CAR WHO CAN SUPPORT WHAT HAPPENED. FOLLOWING TWO INCIDENTS, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE MOTOR MOUNTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT COST $500. ON 2/13/15, THE WEEK AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE PROBLEM REPEATED. I WAS IN DOWNTOWN DENVER TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH. THANKFULLY, I WAS ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF TRAFFIC WHILE AVOIDING PEDESTRIANS AND TURN THE CAR OFF. I RETURNED THE CAR TO MEDVED SUZUKI ON 2/16/15. IT HAS BEEN THERE SINCE. NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP NOR SUZUKI MOTOR OF AMERICAN CAN REPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR RECOMMEND A REPAIR. THEY WANT TO CLOSE THEIR WORK ORDER, HAVE ME PICK UP MY CAR AND RETURN A RENTAL VEHICLE THEY PROVIDED. I ASK YOUR ASSISTANCE TO REQUIRE SUZUKI TO REPLACE OR REPAIR MY CAR WHICH STILL CARRIES A DRIVE TRAIN WARRANTY. I DO NOT WANT TO BE INJURED OR TO INJURE OTHERS DUE TO UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION ISSUES.

NHTSA ID 10715271 · filed May 8, 2015

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HAS AN ESP SYSTEM AND THE BUTTON READ, "PUSH ESP OFF". THE SALESMAN STATED THAT ONCE THE BUTTON IS PUSHED OFF, THE INDICATOR WILL GO AWAY. THE INDICATOR ACTIVATES WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH AND OVER AND CANNOT BE STOPPED. DOT NHTSA NUMBER 2006-25801RIN2127-AJ7749CFR, PARTS 571, AND 585 FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS WERE REFERENCED. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM RECOMMENDS THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN OVERRIDE MECHANISM. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT IF THE ESP SYSTEM DOES NOT SHUT OFF, IT CAN BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE BECAUSE THEY WERE IN COMPLIANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ESP BUTTON HAS NO OVERRIDE BUTTON. THE ESP BUTTON MANIPULATES THE MAJOR CONTROLS OF THE VEHICLE SUCH AS MAINTAINING TRACTION AND SKID CONTROL. UPDATED 03/11/09. *JB

NHTSA ID 10259080 · filed Feb 17, 2009

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The Air Bag Light remain on . The vehicle was checked in a scanner and the codes B1312 and B1319 where found..I want to know if are recalls for this car. If yes What dealer in Puerto Rico can repair it.

NHTSA ID 11677174 · filed Jul 30, 2025

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A STORE PARKING LOT AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR PUT IT IN REVERSE AND THEN IN DRIVE TO EXIT THE PARKING LOT. WHEN ON THE STREET THE CAR WENT ACROSS THE STREET I PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS AND IT STALLED. WHEN I MY PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS TO GO FORWARD IT DIDN'T RESPOND. I THEN PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD THREE TIMES ON ITS OWN AND THEN STOPPED REPEATING THIS AGAIN, BUT NOT A THIRD TIME BECAUSE I SHUT THE CAR OFF. THEN I RESTARTED THE CAR. I WAS ABLE TO COAST WITH HAZARDS ON TO MY HOUSE UNDER 10 MPH. O SHUT IT OFF AND CALLED THE AUTO MECHANIC. THE THROTTLE SENSOR WENT. SO MY CAR NOW STAYS AT THE STATION AWAITING A NEW SENSOR WHILE I AM WITHOUT A MEANS TO GET TO WORK. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS I CROSSED THE STREET BECAUSE CARS WERE COMING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10512655 · filed May 18, 2013

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY IN ALIGNMENT. IT IS WEARING THE BACK TIRES DOWN TO NOTHING REALLY FAST AND MAKING LOUD ROARING NOISES. WHEN DRIVING IT THROWS YOU ALL OVER THE ROAD MAKING IT VERY POSSIBLE TO HIT ON COMING TRAFFIC. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE PARKED IT AND WILL NOT BE DRIVING UNTIL SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS. *JS

NHTSA ID 10468159 · filed Jul 29, 2012

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND THOUGHT I WAS BACKING UP, BUT WHEN I PUT SHIFTER IN DRIVE, IT KEPT GOING BACKWARDS. I REALIZED BEING ON A DOWN SLOPE, THAT SHIFTER WAS NOT WORKING AND I HAD IDLED BACKWARDS. I PUT SHIFTER IN DRIVE POSITION AND CONTINUED IDLING BACKWARDS INTO A SNOW BANK. I HAD TO SHUT OFF AND RESTART SEVERAL TIMES AND IT EVENTUALLY WENT INTO DRIVE. I WAS UNABLE TO TAKE IT TO WORK DUE TO A POSSIBILITY OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAD SOMEONE LOOK AT IT AND THEY THOUGHT TRANSFER CASE WAS THE ISSUE, AS THERE WAS A NOISE FROM THAT AREA. I DID RESEARCH ON IT AND FOUND ALL OF THE SUZUKI VITARA, GRAND VITARA, FROM 2006-2009 HAD ISSUES WITH TRANSFER CASE LEAKING AND THERE FORE GOING OUT OF COMMISSION. THIS IS HAPPENING AT VARIOUS MILEAGES, BUT PRIMARILY AT 100,000 -138,000. I AM WONDERING WHY THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THIS, AS IT IS QUITE OBVIOUS ITS A FACTORY DEFAULT IN TRANSFER CASES. IT IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE, SHOULD THE TRANSFER CASE GO OUT WHILE DRIVING OR MANEUVERING VEHICLE AROUND TO PARK, WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I AM VERY SURPRISED THAT SUZUKI HAS NOT GOTTEN A LAW SUIT FILED ON THEM YET, FOR THIS DEFINITE ISSUE. I ALSO HAVE TO WONDER IF THERE WERE ANY FATALITIES DUE TO THIS ISSUE, THAT SUZUKI OWNERS AND FAMILIES, WERE UNAWARE OF AT THE TIME. THIS IS A FACTORY MADE AND DEFAULT PART. THE 2006 - 2009 TRANSFER CASE ON THESE VEHICLES SHOULD DEFINITELY HAVE A RECALL ON THEM.

NHTSA ID 10979364 · filed Apr 19, 2017

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DRIVERS' SIDE OF MY CAR WAS HIT, AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN, BY A CAR TRAVELING APPROX 50MPH. THAT CAR HAD RUN A RED LIGHT. MY SEAT BELT HAD COME UNDONE UPON IMPACT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10260810 · filed Mar 5, 2009

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ESP LIGHT CAME ON, BROUGHT TRUCK TO DEALER, THEY SAY IT HAS A BAD HYDRAULIC BRAKE UNIT AT THE COST OF $1200, SUZUKI WON'T FIX IT EVEN THOUGH THEIR IS ONLY 15101MI ON VEHICLE. MOUSE INFESTATION DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF CABIN BODY VENTS LOCATED BEHIND REAR BUMPER COVER. THERE ARE NO GRILLS IN PLACE OVER THESE VENTS TO KEEP RODENTS OUT, THEY INFESTED THE TRUCK AND HEADLINER AREA URINATING ALL OVER THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS AND COMPROMISED THEM, I CALLED SUZUKI AND BASICALLY WAS TOLD I'M THE ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD THIS HAPPENED TO AND BASICALLY DID NOTHING, $4000 IN DAMAGE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10450849 · filed Mar 9, 2012

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

Data on this page last refreshed .