1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Suzuki › Grand Vitara › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The front brakes may become inoperative and the vehicle may pull to one side. this could result in a crash without prior warning.
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.
On certain passenger vehicles, under ambient temperatures below -25 degrees celsius, moisture can freeze in the fuel pressure regulator. as a result, fuel system pressure may increase at the time of engine start up, causing fuel loss at the fuel pipe/fuel hose connection.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel loss in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pressure regulator, the fuel deliver hose and replace the hose clamp with an improved clamp. the recall began on september 29, 2004. owners should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. under temperatures below -25 degrees, moisture can freeze in the fuel pressure regulator. fuel system pressure could increase at the time of engine start up, causing fuel loss at the fuel pipe/fuel hose connection.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel loss in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a redesigned intake manifold vacuum union and a new fuel pressure regulator. owner notification began june 4, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
Equipment description: steel replacement wheels, part no. 4310-665D21-27s, used for spare parts on 1999-2001 suzuki grand vitara and 2001 suzuki grand vitara XL-7 multipurpose passenger vehicles. the affected wheels were produced from july 30 through september 20, 2000. the thickness of the steel wheel inboard of the area where the wheel rim IS welded to…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can lead to cracking of the wheel, gradual loss of air in the tire, and possible loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers were notified to remove any of these affected wheels from the stock inventory and return to american suzuki motor company. suzuki will notify any end users which purchased the replacement wheels of the defect and to return their wheels to suzuki for a free replacement.
Owner complaints
108 complaints16 involved a crash2 involved a fire12 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Brake line rotted away all brakes and fluid lost
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1999 suzuki grand vitara. While driving approximately 5 mph, a fuel odor emitted inside the vehicle. When the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered fuel leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle was included…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 suzuki grand vitara. While driving approximately 5 mph, a fuel odor emitted inside the vehicle. When the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered fuel leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 01v146000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 04v427000 (fuel system, gasoline), but was not diagnosed or repaired to due the mileage of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
The vehicle at highway speeds from 45 to 55 miles per hour will lose complete power dropping from 45 or 55 to 10 or 15 mph very rapidly when this happens you have no control of acceleration or vehicle till it reaches the 10 to 15 mph range leaving you in a very dangerous position if you are not…
The vehicle at highway speeds from 45 to 55 miles per hour will lose complete power dropping from 45 or 55 to 10 or 15 mph very rapidly when this happens you have no control of acceleration or vehicle till it reaches the 10 to 15 mph range leaving you in a very dangerous position if you are not close enough to the shoulder of the road to pull off leaving you the possibility of being in a collision with faster approaching vehicles from the rear this IS a serious problem that could result in death from a rear end collision and appears to be a common problem with this vehicle. Something needs to be done about this and the dealers have no explanation for this failure. This has been an on going problem from july of 2012 to the current date of 2/4/2013. *Tr
- Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki grand vitara. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, she would hear a loud squeaking noise. Also when she made turns at low speeds, the noise gets louder. The vehicle was inspected by several independent mechanics and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
Consumer expresses discontent regarding recall from suzuki corporation *tgw the consumer stated he received a recall letter stating it was the second notice, but he never received the first notice. The consumer was told the repairs would need to be performed by trained mechanic which was 80 miles away.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Wheel cylinders
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki grand vitara. the contact stated that the brakes made a grinding noise and the brake adjustment pin in the rear driver side wheel was loose. the spring that held the wheel in place failed, which allowed it to move freely inside the brake drum. the spring flipped…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki grand vitara. the contact stated that the brakes made a grinding noise and the brake adjustment pin in the rear driver side wheel was loose. the spring that held the wheel in place failed, which allowed it to move freely inside the brake drum. the spring flipped up and caused the brake shoe, drum, and braking kit to fail. prior to the failure, aamco inspected the rear and front brakes and stated that they were 50% worn. the contact placed the wheel back on the vehicle and drove approximately six blocks when he heard the noise. the contact took the vehicle back to aamco because the grinding noise became very loud. aamco stated that the failure was not caused by the inspection. the contact called suzuki's customer service line to find out if the failure was common. suzuki stated that no one could talk to their technical department unless they were a dealer. the contact notified the suzuki dealer so that they could call the manufacturer. the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 31,734.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
When I brake my car pulls to one side and loses control. It IS like it IS on ice and one time it spun around, even thought I was going slow. My car IS regularly maintained. *tr
- Air bags
Dt*: the contact stated the airbag light IS constantly illuminated. the dealership has replaced the airbag system module twice, but the problem returned. the windshield wipers were inoperative. Updated 06/19/06. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly loses complete engine power at highway speeds and vehicle speed rapidly drops to under 10 mph. engine runs very rough and there IS no response when depressing accelerator pedal. must immediately pull over (if possible) as vehicle IS not drivable. after waiting…
Vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly loses complete engine power at highway speeds and vehicle speed rapidly drops to under 10 mph. engine runs very rough and there IS no response when depressing accelerator pedal. must immediately pull over (if possible) as vehicle IS not drivable. after waiting several minutes, engine operation returns to normal but power loss will usually reoccur anytime as quickly as within the next several minutes or as long as a day or two. engine power loss may last as little as a minute or two or for several minutes and check engine light comes on. *jb
- Unknown or other
Consumer complaint regarding there no longer being a suzuki dealer in his area and can not get recall work done. *ts *the consumer requested that suzuki could make arrangements for the installation of the safety recall. the consumer would have to drive 120 miles in order to have the vehicle repaired. *sc
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly › Pressure relief devices
Dt: the contact received nhtsa recall 04v427000l for the fuel system pressure regulator first in 2004. when calling the dealer she left a message on their answering machine, and they did not call her back. she received a second recall notice . again, she left a message with the dealer's…
Dt: the contact received nhtsa recall 04v427000l for the fuel system pressure regulator first in 2004. when calling the dealer she left a message on their answering machine, and they did not call her back. she received a second recall notice . again, she left a message with the dealer's answering machine and no one has called her back. when trying to call the manufacturer she was unable to get through their phone system. *ak
- Air bags › Side/window
Dt: drivers' side air bag did not deploy in the event of an accident while driving 35 mph. *ak
- Air bags
While driving approximately 40 mph consumer lost control of vehicle. It then skidded and flipped over, hitting the front first. upon impact, air bags did not deploy.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive) · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure › Body › Bumpers
Recall campaign for the suzuki recommended replacing the 4 oxygen sensors. *bf the 4-wheel drive gear would no longer shift, it was discovered years later that it was not assembled correctly. the consumer had emission problems. the consumer stated when he took the vehicle in for repairs for…
Recall campaign for the suzuki recommended replacing the 4 oxygen sensors. *bf the 4-wheel drive gear would no longer shift, it was discovered years later that it was not assembled correctly. the consumer had emission problems. the consumer stated when he took the vehicle in for repairs for two problems, the vehicle came back with unrelated problems such as the brakes which the dealer stated needed to be adjusted, the front bumper was hanging off and was missing the securing bolts, the vehicle did not have any head lights, it was subsequently determined by an electrical repair specialist that the head light relay was internally damaged, the consumer stated the was also an unidentifiable fuel leak. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Consumer was driving up a steep hill and when approaching the top of the hill he gradually pressed on the brakes, as well as letting the gas go, for some reason instead of the vehicle stopping, it kept going with increased speeds. consumer had to turn the vehicle off in order to stop. When attempting to restart the vehicle it jumped and accelerated without pressing the gas. There were no injuries. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
The engine suddenly started making a loud noise as if the muffler was broken. a mechanic inspected the vehicle and indicated that the exhaust pipe was broken where it comes out from the engine. *Jb mechanic indicz=ated that problem was very common for suzuki. *ak
- Vehicle speed control
Intermittently the vehicle would rapidly accelerate. the consumer had to turn off the ignition switch to stop the vehicle. The dealership kept the vehicle for 1 day, however they were unable to duplicate the problem. *jb *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
While driving 65 mph consumer heard a noise coming from the vehicle. Consumer pulled over and inspected the vehicle. then, vehicle stalled. consumer tried to restart vehicle, but was unable to do so. vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the timing chain needed to be replaced. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
While driving engine made loud rattling noise and failed.. aaa called to tow vehicle. upon inspection by independent mechanic determined timing chain failed. was mentioned that this was a common failure with this particular vehicle. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The key sticks in the ignition and fails to turn. When this occurs it makes it difficult to start the vehicle. then, when the vehicle finally starts and IS turned off the keys will not release. manufacturer IS aware of this issue, and has issued a repair kit for this problem. the kit IS $45.00 plus labor.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Windshield defogger system IS not working properly. On rainy days, or in cold weather, the windshield fogs up. Turning on the defogger makes it worse even on the highest settings. The only thing that clears it eventually IS rolling down the windows an inch on either side left or rear. This has been an ongoing problem since I purchase the vehicle, but now it IS getting worst. *nm
- Air bags
1999 suzuki grand vartara air bags failed to deploy after vehicle hitting a @36'' tree. the vehicle was traveling on a secondary road, posted speed 45mph, due to icey,and snowey conditions , driver traveled at @ 30 mph. Cresting a hill the vehicle hit a snow covered ice patch., on the down hill…
1999 suzuki grand vartara air bags failed to deploy after vehicle hitting a @36'' tree. the vehicle was traveling on a secondary road, posted speed 45mph, due to icey,and snowey conditions , driver traveled at @ 30 mph. Cresting a hill the vehicle hit a snow covered ice patch., on the down hill side the vehicle moved right the left before my daughter ( the driver) could react the vehicle veered into the tree. My daughter hit her head and face on the steering wheel and my wife hit something that could not be readaly identified and recieved a gash in the middle of her forehead , a concusion, and her leg was jammed unde the dashboard. The leg was not broken but she does need to wear a keg immobilizer for a few days. Most of the damage was to the left front of the vehicle and towards the center. With the size of the tree and the amount of left front damage one would expect to have the drivers side airbag deploy at the very least. While none of these injuries are life threatning, I have great concern , because our family has 3 1999 grand vartars I drive one , my wife drives one and her sister drives one. This may all change very soon., depending on what we do or do not find out about this situation. I see on you site there have been several reports of grand vartar owners reporting airbag problems. How many will it take before someonre thakes this problem serious.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Crossover pipe located between the front seat and the back seat cracked. Exhaust fumes entered into the vehicle. *Ak
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal · Vehicle speed control › Cables
While driving 50 mph vehicle accelerated to a high rate, causing it to roll over. dealership notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak when vehicle hit snow, airbags failed to deploy. also, when incident occurred, consumer was driving home from having recall repair made on accelerator cable. *la
- Equipment · Vehicle speed control › Cables
After purchasing my used vehicle in april of 2003 the vehicle seemed to shift hard when taken out of park, or switching from forward to reverse and so on. occasionally if felt like the gas pedal may be sticking a bit. The check engine light came on & the dealer had a mechanic look at it and…
After purchasing my used vehicle in april of 2003 the vehicle seemed to shift hard when taken out of park, or switching from forward to reverse and so on. occasionally if felt like the gas pedal may be sticking a bit. The check engine light came on & the dealer had a mechanic look at it and replaced the oxygen sensor. But it didn't seem to help the shifting problem. On december 11, 2003 around 4:00 am, I was returning from down state on a two-lane highway, it was raining and around 34 degrees. the gas pedal stuck & the vehicle went out of control. spinning around several times, striking a guard rail, and going backward into the ditch. The vehicle attempted to roll-over but caught on the bank and slammed back on it's wheels. It struck hard enough to bend 3 rims and explode the top of the radiator. I am currently recovering from multiple back & neck injuries, including two crushed vertebra and nerve damage causing loss of function and tremendous pain. I received your recall notice on the accelerator cable & casing 3 1/2 weeks after the accident. I think you should have issued the recall more expediently. thank god my children weren't with me!*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10216558Reminder 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.
- 10152052This 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.
- 10019614Exhaust noise can be heard from under the vehicle.
- 10017455Modification of main bearing oil clearance and the bearing selection procedure.
- 10015910Modification of main bearing oil clearance and the bearing selection procedure. 1999-2005 suzuki vitara sq420/sq625l, grand vitara sq625w, and XL-7 ja627
- 10007522Oil leaking from left front of engine.
- 10001717Loud chain rattling noise from right front of engine behind the timing cover.
- 10001714Revised repair procedure for air conditioner evaporator freeze-up during use.
- 10001707Oil weepage/seepage from left front of engine.
- 10001700Diagnostic trouble code, b1026 flow table. Service manual udpate correction.
- 10001699Revised repair procedure for air conditioner evaporator freeze-up during use.
- 10001698Oil level reads at low mark on oil level dip stick. 1999 - 2003 vitara/grand vitara/xl-7.
- 610525This bulletin contains the revised claims submission procedures for replacement batteries under warranty.
Every Suzuki Grand Vitara model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.