2004 Suzuki Xl-7 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 2004 Suzuki Xl-7, 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
- Airbags2745.8%
- Brakes915.3%
- Driver assistance610.2%
- Electrical46.8%
- Interior & seats35.1%
- Seat belts35.1%
- Powertrain (other)23.4%
- Body & structure23.4%
- Steering11.7%
- Engine11.7%
- Exterior lighting11.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
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
ABOVE AREA WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO ENTER THE REST OF THE VIN. # ----X92V044100900? MAKE AND MODEL WAS NOT AVAILABLE ON THIS CHART? I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM SAID-BUSINESS OWNER OF B & R AUTO BODY AND REPAIR. THEY CLAIMED IT TO BE THEIR BUSINESS VEHICLE? I KNEW THERE WERE ISSUE AND I TOOK CARE OF THEM: BRAKES, WIND SHIELD SMALL STUFF-NO PROBLEM ON VEHICLE . WHEN I TOOK VEHICLE FOR STATE INSPECT IT FAILED DUE TO NO AIR BAG LIGHT SHOWING. I WAS AN ELECTRONIC TECH. FOR M1/BRADLY TANKS SO WAS COMFORTABLE TEARING DASH APART TO EXAMINE LIGHT FOR DAMAGES. WOULD HAVE FIXED IF NECESSARY? ONCE I GOT INSIDE I FINED SOMEONE HAD DELIBERATELY TAPED BLACK ELECTRIC TAPE OVER LIGHT SO IT WOULD NOT SHOW A DEFAULT BY CONSTANTLY STAYING ON. I TOOK TAPE OFF WITH TWEEZER-HAVE SPOKE TO STATE POLICE AND WANT TO FILE MORE CHARGES AGAINST PREVIOUS OWNER FOR RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT OF MY LIFE & OTHERS. THIS WAS A DELIBERATE ACT TO DEFRAUD/HURT SOMEONE? FINGER PRINTS ON TAPE WILL SAY WHO DID IT. MY SUSPICIONS IS BRIAN OWNER OF VEHICLE/BUSINESS. IF AIRBAGS ARE SO IMPORTANT TO MY VEHICLE AND ITS SAFETY-NOT WORKING CAUSES IT TO FAIL TEST-THEN TAMPERING WITH THE ELECTRONICS TO DEFRAUD SOMEONE SHOULD HOLD EQUAL OFFENSE IN STATE OF VA. OR ELSEWHERE. THIS MAN ENDANGERED MY LIFE!
GOING ON A SMALL TRIP, AND MY PASSENGER, A RATHER LARGE MAN, SAT IN PASS FRONT SEAT, AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD, AND THE CLOCK STARTED FLASHING. BROUGHT TO BRAINTREE TOYOTA, NEAREST DEALERSHIP THAT WORKED ON SUZUKIS, AND THEY WERE ABLE TO RECALIBRATE UNDER PASS SEAT, RESET, AND ALL WORKED UNTIL A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHEN THE SAME MAN SAT IN THE PASS SEAT, AND AGAIN, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CLOCK FLASHED, AND HAS BEEN EVER SINCE. I HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH THIS PROBLEM NOW FOR ABOUT 3-4 YEARS AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS TO REPLACE WOULD BE SENSORS AT A COST OF ABOUT 1500.00 TO ME, AT MASTRIA SUZUKI. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. AFTER NOTICING SOME ISSUES & LOOKING BACK OVER CARFAX, REPAIR REPORT, & RECALLS ONLINE, I CALLED SUZUKI. GAVE THE VIN# AND WAS TOLD A RECALL WAS DONE IN 2004 BY DEALER. WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE OTHER RECALLS, SHE SAID THERE WAS NO OTHER RECALLS. ALL PAPERWORK I HAVE HAS NO INDICATIONS OF THE RECALL BEING DONE. I SEE 3 RECALLS ON THIS SITE AS WELL. WHAT SHOULD I DO OR WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
ACCIDENTAL EMERGENCY BRAKE ACTIVATION. ONLY ONE WHEEL LOCKED UP THAT ON PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL INTO A GUARDRAIL. ALSO, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT RESTRAINTS ALLOWED UPPER BODY TO MOVE FREELY INTO INTERIOR COMPONENTS. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. AFTER NOTICING SOME ISSUES & LOOKING BACK OVER CARFAX, REPAIR REPORT, & RECALLS ONLINE, I CALLED SUZUKI. GAVE THE VIN# AND WAS TOLD A RECALL WAS DONE IN 2004 BY DEALER. WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE OTHER RECALLS, SHE SAID THERE WAS NO OTHER RECALLS. ALL PAPERWORK I HAVE HAS NO INDICATIONS OF THE RECALL BEING DONE. I SEE 3 RECALLS ON THIS SITE AS WELL. WHAT SHOULD I DO OR WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
RECALL 03V51200 AFFECTED PART OF THE 2004 XL7 BUT NOT THOSE PRODUCED AFTER 6/13/2003. THE LATTER VEHICLES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATER CABLE STICKING. ON MARCH 18, 2017 MY WIFE'S CABLE GOT STUCK AND HER VEHICLE ALMOST REAR ENDED A DIESEL TRUCK ON HIGHWAY 99 SOUTH IN SACRAMENTO, CA. IF SHE HADN'T PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL SHE WOULDN'T HAVE STOPPED SO I LOOKED RECALL NOTICES AND FOUND THE ABOVE STATED RECALL. JUST TO FIND OUT THAT HER VEHICLE SUFFERED FROM THE SAME AFFLICTION AS THE VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED BUT WASNT INCLUDED. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS AND I FEEL ALL THE VEHICLES FROM 2004 SHOULD BE FIXED
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
ON A 2004 SUZUKI XL7 HAVING 140,000 MILES THE CLOCK/TEMP DISPLAY IS FLASHING AND AIRBAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL REMAINS ON. *TR
2007 SUZUKI XL-7 PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYING ON AND CLOCK FLASHING. TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD THE SENSOR IS UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT AND IT WOULD COST $1,700.00 TO FIX. BUT IF I DIDN'T FIX IT WOULD BE OK THE AIR BAG WOULD WORK. *TR
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
DT: THE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN COMING ON ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO. ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED ON. TODAY WAS THE FOURTH TIME THAT CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALER TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT CAUSED THIS LIGHT TO GO OFF FOR A FEW DAYS. THE DIGITAL CLOCK ALSO BEGINS TO FLASH. OWNER WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG COULD DEPLOY WITHOUT IMPACT OR NOT DEPLOY WHEN NEEDED. DEALERSHIP WAS COOPERATING WITH NOT CHARGING FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE SEAT OR DIAGNOSTIC.*AK
FIRST OF ALL, I AM A MOTHER OF 5 AND DO NOT MISUSE MY VEHICLE. REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE . THE FIRST TIME WAS IN MAY 2004. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, HAD TO HAVE IT IN 3 TIMES FOR THE KEYLESS ENTRY, 1 TIME TO RESET AIRBAG SENSOR, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES SQUEALING. , AND HAD BRAKE FAILURE ONCE, BUT NO ACCIDENT. IN ADDITION, INTERIOR LIGHT FAILED.*AK
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
ACCIDENTAL EMERGENCY BRAKE ACTIVATION. ONLY ONE WHEEL LOCKED UP THAT ON PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL INTO A GUARDRAIL. ALSO, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEATBELT RESTRAINTS ALLOWED UPPER BODY TO MOVE FREELY INTO INTERIOR COMPONENTS. *TR
BRAKES MADE LOUD GRINDING NOISE, HAVE HAD BRAKE PADS/LINERS REPLACE 3 TIMES IN THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. PROBLEM WILL NOT RESOLVE. BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES MUSHY AND ABS HAS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES. SEAT BELTS LOCK AND STAY LOCKED AT THE SLIGHTEST BRAKING PRESSURE AND/OR VEHICLE SPEED AND DO NOT RELEASE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NO ONE SEEMS TO WANT TO ADDRESS. *JB
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
BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FROM ORIGINAL OWNER. AFTER NOTICING SOME ISSUES & LOOKING BACK OVER CARFAX, REPAIR REPORT, & RECALLS ONLINE, I CALLED SUZUKI. GAVE THE VIN# AND WAS TOLD A RECALL WAS DONE IN 2004 BY DEALER. WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE OTHER RECALLS, SHE SAID THERE WAS NO OTHER RECALLS. ALL PAPERWORK I HAVE HAS NO INDICATIONS OF THE RECALL BEING DONE. I SEE 3 RECALLS ON THIS SITE AS WELL. WHAT SHOULD I DO OR WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?
FIRST OF ALL, I AM A MOTHER OF 5 AND DO NOT MISUSE MY VEHICLE. REAR DIFFERENTIAL HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE . THE FIRST TIME WAS IN MAY 2004. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, HAD TO HAVE IT IN 3 TIMES FOR THE KEYLESS ENTRY, 1 TIME TO RESET AIRBAG SENSOR, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES SQUEALING. , AND HAD BRAKE FAILURE ONCE, BUT NO ACCIDENT. IN ADDITION, INTERIOR LIGHT FAILED.*AK
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
THAT SUZUKI FEELS THAT IT IS EASIER TO PAY PEOPLE OFF THAT HAVE LOST THERE LIFE OR THAT HAVE BEEN HURT IN A CAR ACCIDENT THAN TO PUT IN A SIMPLE PART THAT WILL PREVENT THERE CARS THEY HAVE BUILT FROM CRUSHING! I AM LETTING YOU KNOW THIS BECAUSE MY MOTHER WAS KILLED ON MAY 18, 2008 WHILE DRIVING HER SUZUKI XL 7 (2004) ON THE WAY HOME FROM SPENDING THE WEEKEND WITH HER 3 GRANDCHILDREN IN CAPE CORAL, FL. SHE WAS TRAVELING NORTH ON I-75 AND WHEN HER CAR AND ANOTHER COLLIDED. OUR LIVES WHERE CHANGED FOREVER. MY MOTHERS CAR ROLLED 2.5 TIMES AND LANDED ON THE ROOF SIDE AND HER CAR WAS CRUSHED BEYOND ANYTHING YOU COULD IMAGINE. THEY COULD NOT GET THROUGH THE METAL THAT WAS ALL TANGLED AND MASHED TOGETHER, SO THEY HAD TO USE THE JAWS OF LIFE REMOVE MY MOTHER FROM HER CAR. I AM NOT WRITING YOU THIS OUT OF PITY BUT MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE DRIVING A SUZUKI XL 7 (2004) THAT LITTLE DO YOU KNOW THAT IF YOU ARE TO ROLL THERE IS NO PROTECTION FOR YOU. PLEASE TAKE WHATEVER ACTION YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO DO TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND OTHERS YOU KNOW THAT MIGHT NOT BE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT SUZUKI IS AWARE OF, BUT FEEL IT IS COST EFFECTIVE TO JUST PAY PEOPLE TO KEEP THERE MOUTHS SHUT! PLEASE HELP ME FIX THIS AWFUL PROBLEM SO THAT SOMEONE ELSE DOES NOT FEEL THE PAIN THAT I AM FEELING WITH THE LOSS OF MY MOTHER. *TR
WHILE DRIVING ON FLAT ROAD, THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE OVER 50-60 MPH. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WITH WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS MINOR COSMETIC PROBLEMS THEN THEY STARTED TO GET WORSE AS TIME WENT ON, THERE WAS A DRAGGING WHICH CAME FROM THE REAR INTERIOR, THE SEAT BELT HOLDERS RATTLED, THE LEATHER SEATS HAD SINK HOLES WHERE THE BATTING WAS COMING FROM THE LEATHER, AND THERE WAS A LOUD ROAR COMING FROM THE ENGINE. *SCC *JB
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
WHILE DRIVING THE 2004 SUZUKI XL-7'S STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND STRIKE A GUARDRAIL. *TS *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING ON FLAT ROAD, THE VEHICLE DID NOT ACCELERATE OVER 50-60 MPH. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WITH WHAT SHE THOUGHT WAS MINOR COSMETIC PROBLEMS THEN THEY STARTED TO GET WORSE AS TIME WENT ON, THERE WAS A DRAGGING WHICH CAME FROM THE REAR INTERIOR, THE SEAT BELT HOLDERS RATTLED, THE LEATHER SEATS HAD SINK HOLES WHERE THE BATTING WAS COMING FROM THE LEATHER, AND THERE WAS A LOUD ROAR COMING FROM THE ENGINE. *SCC *JB
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
DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHEN THE AUTOMATIC LIGHTS WERE ON AND THE CONTACT WENT FROM DAYLIGHT TO NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS CAME ON, BUT THE TAIL LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON. THIS HAPPENED CONSISTENTLY. THE TAIL LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON UNLESS HE TURNED THEM ON MANUALLY FROM THE SWITCH. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD HIM THAT ALL OF THE XL 7S WERE THE SAME WAY.*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 .