RoadVitals

2001 Suzuki Xl-7

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.
13
Latest Sep 23, 2010
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 Oct 5, 2005
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.
3
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Suzuki Xl-7, most frequently naming the heating & air conditioning, engine and visibility categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 5 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

  • Heating & air conditioning320.0%
  • Engine320.0%
  • Visibility213.3%
  • Driver assistance213.3%
  • Body & structure16.7%
  • Interior & seats16.7%
  • Exterior lighting16.7%
  • Powertrain (other)16.7%

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
05V452000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

Oct 5, 2005
801 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: THE FRONT BRAKES MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE AND THE VEHICLE MAY PULL TO ONE SIDE. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The 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.
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.Manufacturer number 99-HQView on NHTSA.gov
03V512000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

Dec 5, 2003
196,876 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.Manufacturer number EMView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 13
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 23, 2010
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI XL7 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE ON THERE WAS SMOKING COMING FROM THE RIGHT FRONT BUMPER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT IT WAS ACTUALLY COMING FROM THE LIGHT BULB WHEN FLAMES STARTED TO FORM. THERE WERE DAMAGES TO THE FRONT BUMPER AND THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE AND TO CONTACT THE INSURANCE AGENCY. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 105000.

NHTSA ID
10357240
Incident
Sep 7, 2010
Mileage
105,000 mi
Heating & air conditioning
Filed Jul 6, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI XL-7. SINCE JULY OF 2009, THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT HAS BEEN BINDING AND FREEZING UP. THE CONTACT PULLED THE FUSE SO THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR WOULD NOT FREEZE UP. HE DOES NOT ACTIVATE THE AIR CONDITIONING DUE TO CONCERN THAT THE BELT MAY SNAP OFF WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSE A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ID
10275905
Incident
Jul 1, 2009
Mileage
115,000 mi
Heating & air conditioning
Filed Apr 30, 2008

A/C COMPRESSOR SEIZING/ JUST OVER 100,000 MILES AND MECHANIC SAID THIS IS DEFECT AND COMMON BUT SUZUKI IS IGNORING PROBLEM. ALSO THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF OCCURS WHILE DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10226103
Incident
Apr 19, 2008
Mileage
106,000 mi
EngineVisibility
Filed Jan 17, 2008

I HAVE A 2001 SUZUKI XL-7 THE AC COMPRESSOR STARTED MAKING A NOISE WHEN YOU TURNED IT ON. AND THEN ONE DAY WE WHERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I TURNED THE AIR ON AND MY VEHICLE DIED. WE COASTED OFF THE ROAD AND TRIED TO START IT, BUT NOTHING. SO, I TURNED THE SWITCH OFF TO THE AIR AND THE VEHICLE STARTED BACK. I HAD TO REPLACE THE COMPRESSOR WHICH WAS NOT CHEAP. AND NOW IT IS STARTING TO MAKE THE SAME NOISE I BEFORE. WHICH I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER 900.00 TO REPLACE THIS ONE. AND SUZUKI REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING. I ALSO TOLD THEM ABOUT THE VEHICLE STALLING OUT THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHEN THE COMPRESSOR WENT OUT. THEY DIDN'T CARE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10215258
Incident
Apr 15, 2007
Mileage
55 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 7, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A LOUD WHINING NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND THE FRONT AXEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

NHTSA ID
10164703
Incident
Jul 27, 2006
Mileage
21,500 mi
Heating & air conditioning
Filed Aug 1, 2006

THE A/C COMPRESSOR HAS FAILED AT APPROX. 47,000 MILES. I HAVE CHECKED WITH MANY OTHER SUZUKI OWNERS AND THE DEALERSHIP HERE LOCALLY. THEY ALL STATE THIS IS COMMON FOR SUZUKI'S. DUE TO THE HIGH REPLACEMENT COST OF THE COMPRESSOR I AM CURRENTLY WITHOUT A/C WITH A 110 DEGREE HEAT INDEX. I WILL BE PURCHASING THE NEW COMPRESSOR AND HAVING IT INSTALLED SOON. *JB

NHTSA ID
10164125
Incident
May 1, 2006
Mileage
47,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 30, 2005

I OWN A 2001 SUZUKI XL7 4X4, 51,000 MILES. SUZUKI WON'T HONOR THEIR WARRANTY FOR THIS ENGINE. THE WARRANTY IS FOR 100,000 MILES OR 7 YEARS ON THE ENGINE. WELL, I HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH MY SUZUKI XL7. THERE IS AN ENGINEERING DESIGN FLAW IN THE AUTOMATIC TENSION ADJUSTMENT FOR THE TIMING CHAIN AS NOTED IN A SUZUKI INTERNAL SERVICE BULLETIN. SUZUKI TURNS A DEAF EAR AND BLIND EYE TO THIS PROBLEM. IT WILL COST ME $3,000 TO FIX MY CAR. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED ON ME, WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, AT 1:00 A.M., IN THE MORNING, ON OCT. 5, 2005. I WAS PETRIFIED WHEN THIS HAPPEN TO ME. THE DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE WORKED ON IT BEFORE (SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES ARE ALL I HAVE HAD DONE TO IT) THAT THEY WON'T HONOR THE WARRANTY BUT WILL FIX IT FOR A FEE. I AM NOW FACED WITH A BEAUTIFUL VEHICLE THAT WILL NOT RUN AND STILL HAVE TO MAKE PAYMENTS TO THE BANK. WITH NO WAY TO GET TO WORK AND EARN INCOME, I AM NOW FACED WITH LOSING MY HOME. THIS IS SUZUKI'S TOP OF THE LINE MODEL. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THEY HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE 1999. PLEASE SEE THE LINK THAT I HAVE PROVIDED. ACTION NEEDS TO TAKEN AGAINST THEM. WWW.CARREVIEW.COM. *NM

NHTSA ID
10141237
Incident
Oct 5, 2005
Mileage
51,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 30, 2005

I OWN A 2001 SUZUKI XL7 4X4, 51,000 MILES. SUZUKI WON'T HONOR THEIR WARRANTY FOR THIS ENGINE. THE WARRANTY IS FOR 100,000 MILES OR 7 YEARS ON THE ENGINE. WELL, I HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH MY SUZUKI XL7. THERE IS AN ENGINEERING DESIGN FLAW IN THE AUTOMATIC TENSION ADJUSTMENT FOR THE TIMING CHAIN AS NOTED IN A SUZUKI INTERNAL SERVICE BULLETIN. SUZUKI TURNS A DEAF EAR AND BLIND EYE TO THIS PROBLEM. IT WILL COST ME $3,000 TO FIX MY CAR. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED ON ME, WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, AT 1:00 A.M., IN THE MORNING, ON OCT. 5, 2005. I WAS PETRIFIED WHEN THIS HAPPEN TO ME. THE DEALER IS TELLING ME THAT BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE WORKED ON IT BEFORE (SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES ARE ALL I HAVE HAD DONE TO IT) THAT THEY WON'T HONOR THE WARRANTY BUT WILL FIX IT FOR A FEE. I AM NOW FACED WITH A BEAUTIFUL VEHICLE THAT WILL NOT RUN AND STILL HAVE TO MAKE PAYMENTS TO THE BANK. WITH NO WAY TO GET TO WORK AND EARN INCOME, I AM NOW FACED WITH LOSING MY HOME. THIS IS SUZUKI'S TOP OF THE LINE MODEL. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THEY HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE 1999. PLEASE SEE THE LINK THAT I HAVE PROVIDED. ACTION NEEDS TO TAKEN AGAINST THEM. WWW.CARREVIEW.COM. *NM

NHTSA ID
10141236
Incident
Oct 5, 2005
Mileage
51,000 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.

PIC3278F

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN THE STEPS NEEDED TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE UNWANTED OR PHANTOM PHONE CALLS. TECHNICIAN WILL NEED TO DETERMINE WHAT TYPE OF CALL THE CUSTOMER IS HAVING THAT IS UNWANTED. THE VEHICLE MAY RECEIVE AN INCOMING CALL JUST LIKE ANY OTHER PHONE. TYPICALLY THE CUSTOMER WILL HEAR THE PHONE RINGING IN THE VEHICLE. THIS SCENARIO ALSO INCLUDES INCOMING BLUETOOTH CALLS. ONE TYPE OF UNWANTED CALL CAN BE MADE IF THE KEY PAD IS FAULTY THE ONSTAR SYSTEM WILL TRY TO MAKE A BLUE BUTTON CALL FOR SHORTED VOLTAGE IN THE CIRCUITS. THE ONSTAR MODULE COULD HAVE AN INTERNAL FAULT AND PRODUCE A PHONE UNAVAILABLE AUDIO MESSAGE ALSO IT MAY HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE U1500 OR B1000. REFER TO DIAGNOSTICS FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE MAKING SURE TO FOLLOW ANY APPLICABLE BULLETINS OR PRELIMINARY INFORMATION SHEETS. A GREADYH OR GONSTAR READYH AUDIO MESSAGE HEARD WHILE DRIVING. IN SOME CASES IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT THE CUSTOMER IS INADVERTENTLY PRESSING THE PUSH TO TALK BUTTON ON THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. ON RARE OCCASIONS, OTHER ISSUES IN THE STEERING COLUMN OR STEERING WHEEL CONTROL SYSTEM MAY INDUCE THIS CONCERN.

0602244R2

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

OIL LEAKING FROM LEFT FRONT OF ENGINE. *TT

1405175

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

MODIFICATION OF MAIN BEARING OIL CLEARANCE AND THE BEARING SELECTION PROCEDURE. 1999-2005 SUZUKI VITARA SQ420/SQ625L, GRAND VITARA SQ625W, AND XL-7 JA627 *SC

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 Xl-7 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2009500—
2008740033.2
20071382043.3
2006282052.4
2005182052.6
2004452049.6
2003242053.2
2002352049.4
2001Viewing132051.4

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.