RoadVitals

2002 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.
35
Latest Oct 17, 2014
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.
6
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 35 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Suzuki Xl-7, most frequently naming the driver assistance, engine and steering 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

  • Driver assistance717.1%
  • Engine717.1%
  • Steering49.8%
  • Brakes49.8%
  • Powertrain (other)37.3%
  • Tires & wheels37.3%
  • Electrical24.9%
  • Fuel system24.9%

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

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

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

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

Steering
Filed Oct 17, 2014

THIS 2002 SUZUKI XL7 LIMITED STARTED TO HAVE TOUCHY STEERING AT 55 MPH AND UP. IT IS SO SENSITIVE THAT IT CAN EVEN CHANGE LANES. WHEN THE STEERING ACTS UP THE WHOLE VEHICLE VIBRATES. I HAD NEW TIRES AND ALIGNMENT AND CHECKED FOR ANY SLACK IN ANYTHING UNDER THE VEHICLE AND IT CHECKED OUT GOOD. I HAVE CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. SOME OF THE PEOPLE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS AND STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND OTHER PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10648401
Incident
Oct 7, 2014
Mileage
115,420 mi
Body & structureEngineSteering
Filed Oct 11, 2012

AC COMPRESSOR WENT OUT TWICE IN MY 2002 SUZUKI XL-7. ONCE IN AUGUST 2009 AND AGAIN IN MAY 2012. I HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE IT WAS A PRETTY HOT SUMMER. IT ASSUME IF THE CAR LAST ANOTHER FEW YEARS, I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT AGAIN. HOW ANNOYING! ALSO, AFTER THE SUMMER MONTHS, DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WHEN I NEED TO TURN ON THE HEAT, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I GOT THIS TESTED AND IT HAD TO DO WITH THE AC COMPRESSOR. THIS MAKES SENSE BECAUSE THE XL-7 COMPRESSOR IS DUAL. IT'S RUNS AC AND HEAT. POWER STEERING HAS BEEN LEAKING FOR THE PAST YEAR. I WOULD ADD POWER STEERING FLUID EVERY TWO WEEKS OR SO. BUT NOW IT'S PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. I HAVE TO ADD FLUID EVERY OTHER DAY. FRONT AND BACK BUMPER IS DISPLAYING CORROSION. IT LOOKS LIKE THE METAL HINGES THAT HOLD UP THE BUMPERS ARE WEARING AND YOU CAN SEE IT. THIS CAR WAS NOT BUILT TO LAST. I FORESEE MANY MORE ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10479723
Incident
Aug 1, 2009
Mileage
80,000 mi
Suspension
Filed May 23, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI XL7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT ABNORMALLY WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AS THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER BEING BROKEN DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO LEAN TO THE RIGHT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

NHTSA ID
10459408
Incident
Mar 1, 2012
Mileage
137,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 12, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI XL7. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN WITH A LOUD GRINDING NOISE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY ADVISED THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10429656
Incident
Jan 6, 2009
Brakes
Filed Jan 28, 2011

CONDENSATION FROM VEHICLES AIR CONDITIONING DRIPS ONTO THE INSULATION AROUND BRAKE LINE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO PROTECT BRAKE LINE FROM EXHAUST MANIFOLD HEAT. LIVING IN TEXAS THE VEHICLE RARELY IS TURNED ON WITHOUT THE AIR CONDITIONING. THE CONTINUED SATURATION, DRYING AND VIBRATION OF NORMAL DAY TO DAY USE CAUSED A LEAK IN ONE OF THE TWO BRAKE LINES LEADING TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED AFTER OWNER REPORTED SPONGY FEELING AND LOSS OF BRAKE HOLDING STRENGTH WHILE IN STOPPED POSITION. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION IT WAS NOTICED BOTH BRAKE LINES BEHIND PROTECTIVE INSULATION HAS SEVER OXIDATION CLOSEST TO THE ENDS THAT ARE ATTACHED TO AN ADAPTER. FIX THAT I EMPLOYED WAS TO BYPASS THE EXTENSION THAT RAN FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE DOWN THE PASSENGER SIDE, ENTERED THE INSULATED EXTENSION AND THEN ENTERED THE ADAPTER THEN INTO THE REAR BRAKE LINES. I WAS ABLE TO BYPASS ALL THE UNNEEDED JOINTS WITH 2 48 BRAKE LINES AND 2 COUPLINGS BOUGHT FROM LOCAL AUTO PARTS AND REROUTED LINE FROM DRIVER SIDE DOWN ACROSS REAR SIDE OF UNDERCARRIAGE THEN DIRECTLY INTO REAR BRAKE LINE. THE A/C NO LONGER DRIPS ONTO THE BRAKE LINE.

NHTSA ID
10380351
Incident
Apr 11, 2010
Mileage
105,000 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 21, 2010

2002 SUZUKI XL7 A/C COMPRESSOR. WHILE DRIVING AT 65-70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR LOCKED UP AND SNAPPED THE BELT CAUSING THE POWER STEERING TO STOP WORKING AND THE CAR TO OVERHEAT. I PAID 1200 TO HAVE IT FIXED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. NOW THE NEW ONE IS MAKING A LOT OF NOISE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I LOOKED ON MESSAGE BOARDS AND SEE THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM ON THESE CARS FOR HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. THIS COMPANY NEEDS TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. IT'S A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX MULTIPLE TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10361496
Incident
Jun 10, 2008
Mileage
47,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 20, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI XL-7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR COMPRESSOR FAILED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WITH THE DEFROST ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE REPAIR COST SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

NHTSA ID
10300427
Incident
Jan 7, 2005
Mileage
35,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 19, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI XL-7. THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE FAILED TO START. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE WAS NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AND WAS RELATED AFTER THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 112,630.

NHTSA ID
10281002
Incident
Aug 1, 2009
Mileage
112,630 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
2002Viewing352049.4
2001132051.4

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.