RoadVitals

2005 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.
18
Latest May 7, 2015
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 Jun 9, 2010
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, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Suzuki Xl-7, most frequently naming the driver assistance, seat belts and airbags categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 6 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 assistance416.7%
  • Seat belts312.5%
  • Airbags312.5%
  • Brakes312.5%
  • Interior & seats28.3%
  • Body & structure28.3%
  • Engine14.2%
  • Exterior lighting14.2%

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

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

Jun 9, 2010
46,549 units potentially affected
The defect: SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR MODEL YEAR 2006 GRAND VITARA AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 XL-7 VEHICLES. THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FOR THE DRIVE BELT THAT OPERATES THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR (IF EQUIPPED) HAS AN OUTER PORTION THAT IS MADE OF PLASTIC. REPEATED HEAT STRESS CAN CAUSE THE PLASTIC MATERIAL TO DETERIORATE AND PIECES OF THE PULLEY CAN BREAK OFF.
The risk: BROKEN PIECES OF THE PULLEY CAN GET CAUGHT BETWEEN THE PULLEY AND THE DRIVE BELT, CAUSING THE DRIVE BELT TO COME OFF AND RESULTING IN THE DRIVER NEEDING INCREASED EFFORT TO STEER THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.Manufacturer number SBView 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

Recent owner complaints

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

AirbagsBody & structure
Filed May 7, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported1 death reported

TRAFFIC CRASH WHERE THE VEHICLE OVERTURNED SEVERAL TIMES. ALL DAMAGE TO FRONT AND DRIVERS SIDE. BOTH PEOPLE EJECTED FROM A VEHICLE. NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. VEHICLE ESTIMATED TO BE OVER 50 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10715065
Incident
Apr 28, 2015
Mileage
170,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 1, 2014

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THE CLOCK KEEP FLASHING, THEY SAYING IT IS SENSOR UNDER PASSENGER SEAT NEED TO REPLACE, THE IS SAFETY ISSUE, SUZUKI NEED TO DO RECALL ON ALL THESE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10566594
Incident
Feb 27, 2014
Mileage
106,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Sep 30, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI XL7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR MIDDLE ROW SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO BUCKLE THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE SEAT BELTS WERE REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. ...UPDATED 11-14-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELTS HAVE WORN OUT TWICE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AT APPROXIMATELY 36,000 AND THEY WERE REPLACED. NOW AT 50,000, THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. WHERE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTS INTO THE UNIT, THEY ARE BEING WORN THROUGH, AND THEY WILL NOT RETRACT OR EXTEND.

NHTSA ID
10546272
Incident
Jun 15, 2009
Mileage
36,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 19, 2012
Crash reportedFire reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI XL-7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A TURN, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE RAPID ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO FOUR OTHER VEHICLES. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, SMOKE EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED HOWEVER, A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM VIA AMBULANCE FOR TREATMENT OF MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

NHTSA ID
10475919
Incident
Sep 18, 2012
Mileage
122,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Sep 13, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI XL-7. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SECOND ROW SEAT BELTS COULD NOT BE RETRACTED OR FASTENED DUE TO THE SEAT BELT MATERIAL BECOMING SHREDDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL AUTO-BODY DEALER TO HAVE THE SEAT BELTS AND RETRACTING SYSTEM REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

NHTSA ID
10475315
Incident
Aug 1, 2007
Mileage
55,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 31, 2012

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 4/2010 IT HAD 22,000 MILES ON IT. I HAD NEW BRAKE PADS INSTALLED 7/18/2011 AT 47,000 MILES. IT BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES AGAIN IN JANUARY 2012, I FINALLY HAD TO HAVE NEW ROTORS/BRAKES INSTALLED AGAIN 6/2012. I CONTACTED SUZUKI REGARDING THE ISSUES OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM, THEY STATED THAT MY VIN# WAS NOT ON A RECALL FOR THE BRAKING SYSTEM YET, I STILL HAVE ISSUES. WHAT RE-COARSE DO I HAVE IN GETTING RE-EMBURSED FOR PRIOR INSTALLMENT OF NEW BRAKES AND GETTING IT CORRECTED AGAIN! I NOW HAVE 72,000 MILES ON THIS CAR I USE IT FOR IN-HOME HEALTH CARE, I TRANSPORT CLIENTS, I'M CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SAFETY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10468433
Incident
Jul 18, 2011
Mileage
47,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jun 17, 2011

I WENT TO THE DEALER AFTER I SAW THE RECALL AND ASKED TO HAVE THE PULLEY REPLACED SINCE THE ENORMOUSLY LOUD SCREECHING OF THE BELT MAKES IT UNBEARABLE TO DRIVE. THEY REFUSED TO HAVE IT REPLACED STATING THAT EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE IS A 2005 XL7, THE VIN MY VEHICLE HAS DOES NOT QUALIFY ME FOR THE FREE REPLACEMENT. I LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING CONSTANTLY AND AM AT RISK OF CRASHING. I HAVE REPLACED THE BELTS THAT HAVE BROKEN WHEN THEY CAME LOSE DO TO THE FAULTY PULLEY.

NHTSA ID
10408116
Incident
Jun 15, 2011
Mileage
59,500 mi
BrakesElectricalInterior & seats+2 more
Filed Jun 11, 2009
Crash reported

BRAKES LOCKING UP WHEN COMING TO A STOP &. MAKING POPPING NOISES WHEN TAKING OFF. DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WILL SOME TIMES NOT GO UP. AT VERY RARE OCCASIONS BRIGHT LIGHTT WILL NOT COME ON DURING THE NIGHT,VEHICLE PULLS TO RIGHT, DOME LIGHT COMES ON AND TURNS OFF WHILE DOOR IS OPEN...DEALERSHIP STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, BOTH TIMES WHEN TAKEN IN..............NOW2008. AFTER WARRANTY IS NO LONGER. TOOK VEHICLE TO FIRESTONE. THE MECHANIC STATED ROTORS, BRAKES, CALIPER, BEARINGS, SHOCKS HAVE ALL NEED TO BE REPLACED. DUE TO FAILURE OF PARTS AND THE AMOUNT OF MILES PLUS THE YEAR SOME OF THE PARTS SHOULD NOT BE IN THIS SHAPE. THE REPAIRS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE A LONG TIME AGO. I NEVER LET MY OIL MECHANIC LOOK AT MY VEHICLE IN FEAR OF LOSING MY WARRANTY BUT NOW THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF IF THE DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE BEEN HONEST WITH ME NOW I HAVE TO FIND AWAY TO COME UP WITH $1600.00 JUST TO KEEP ME SAFE WHILE SEEING PATIENT'S IN THERE HOMES... I HAVE RAN OFF IN A DITCH DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. TO STOP ME FROM HITTING A CAR. STOP FAST ON DIRT ROAD TO AVOID HITTING A DEER AND MY BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK UNTIL THE PEDAL HIT THE FIREWALL . THIS IS NOT RIGHT AND THE SUZUKI COMPANY SHOULD HAVE TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM AND MAKE REPAIRS.. AS FOR ME I DRIVE SLOWER THEN THE SPEED LIMIT AND STAY AWAY FROM OTHER CARS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE... I DO NOT CARE IF I RECEIVE ANY HELP IN THIS MATTER...BUT SOMEONE NEEDS TO KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM STARTING WITH THE SHOCKS ALL THE WAY TO THE BEARINGS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10273583
Incident
Sep 27, 2005
Mileage
1,500 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.

12-03-10-002

WHEELS

This informational bulletin provides a description of the proper wheel installation and proper wheel torque techniques used to install wheels onto vehicles

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

1208085

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE, A/C WIRING DIAGRAM CORRECTION GRAND VITARA SQ625W/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
2005Viewing182052.6
2004452049.6
2003242053.2
2002352049.4
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.