2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Suzuki › Grand Vitara › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2003 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.
Certain passenger (111 my 2002 esteem, 777 my 2002 aerio, 2,368 my 2003 aerio) and sport utility (324 my 2002 grand vitara, 274 my 2003 grand vitara, 684 my 2002 grand vitara XL-7, and 781 my 2003 grand vitara XL-7) vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, 'windshield mounting." the windshield may not…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the windshield IS not properly secured, it may separate from the vehicle during a crash which could result in the ejection of unbelted occupants, increasing the risk of severe injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles. vehicles that are found to have insufficient paint adhesion will either have the problem remedied by repainting, or will be replaced, or repurchased and destroyed. owner notification began on july 8, 2003. owners should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
Owner complaints
29 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
Sometimes it want start at all
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
This complaint IS related to an existing recall on my 2003 suzuki grand vitara. While driving two days ago, the throttle cable became stuck and the vehicle would not stop accelerating. I was ultimately able to pull the vehicle off the road and turn it off. Afterward, I discovered an open recall for…
This complaint IS related to an existing recall on my 2003 suzuki grand vitara. While driving two days ago, the throttle cable became stuck and the vehicle would not stop accelerating. I was ultimately able to pull the vehicle off the road and turn it off. Afterward, I discovered an open recall for the throttle cable housing. However, the recall was issued before I purchased the vehicle new from the suzuki dealer in 2004. I purchased the vehicle on january 9, 2004, the recall was issued in december 2003. I understand that it IS illegal for suzuki to have sold the vehicle with an open recall. I was never notified of the recall. Suzuki's negligence put me in great danger and resulted in towing and other costs that would have been avoided if the recall was properly handled before I purchased the vehicle. I have contacted suzuki motors of america to describe this problem, but there only offer it to fix the recall items free of charge. They have not acknowledged their error in selling the vehicle with an open recall, nor any responsibility for the additional costs I've incurred as a result of their negligence. *tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
My gas cover fell off my car do to the latch holding it on. *Tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki grand vitara. the contact experienced difficulty starting the vehicle. he discovered that the battery cable was grounding out against the body of the vehicle, which caused the failure. the contact stated that the vehicle IS unsafe due to the current recalls on the vehicle, although he has not experienced any of the failures noted in the recalls. the failure mileage was 70,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki grand vitara. the vehicle IS experiencing fuel loss in the ignition source. whenever the contact attempts to turn the ignition, the vehicle will not start. she took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that fuel was not entering the ignition, causing a…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki grand vitara. the vehicle IS experiencing fuel loss in the ignition source. whenever the contact attempts to turn the ignition, the vehicle will not start. she took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that fuel was not entering the ignition, causing a no-start condition. the manufacturer stated that the previous owner of the vehicle had it repaired under a recall for this same failure; therefore, they refused to repair it again. the contact feels that the vehicle was not properly repaired if the failure IS recurring. the vehicle IS currently parked at her home and has not been repaired. the recall number was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 64,000.
- Electrical system
Dt*: the contact stated while driving under any conditions or speed, the brake lights fail due to a blown fuse. afterwards when the vehicle IS stopped, it us unable to be placed into the park position until the fuse has been replaced. the vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection. it was determined the electrical system was the problem however it IS unknown what repairs will correct the problem.
- Air bags
Dt: consumer stated she was in an accident on 6-19-05. someone hit her. The car turned upside down and landed on its top. The person who hit her was going approx. 70 mph when she came across the lane of traffic and hit her. She was hit on the passenger side door. The air bags did not deploy. She…
Dt: consumer stated she was in an accident on 6-19-05. someone hit her. The car turned upside down and landed on its top. The person who hit her was going approx. 70 mph when she came across the lane of traffic and hit her. She was hit on the passenger side door. The air bags did not deploy. She feels that because the car flipped over, the air bags should have deployed. She has not notified the manufacturer or the dealer. The car was totaled. *Jb
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Because of excessive usage, the rear right seat belt shredded in half. Owner contacted the dealer, who informed the owner that the vehicle was out of warranty, and owner would have to pay for the repairs. Provide further details.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Continually upon starting vehicle, go inside and came back out it would not restart. the consumer had to file for bankrupcy and voluntary repo because he could not afford to take the vehicle from state to state to be serviced. Campaign ID number : 04v427000 *tc
- Electrical system › Ignition · Fuel system, gasoline · Vehicle speed control › Cables
The consumer received three recall notice for her 2003 grand vitara XL-7. Everytime the consumer called to make an appointment, she was told by the dealer, they were waiting on the parts. *tc *jb
- Electrical system
8/14/03 - 2003 suzuki grand vitara, [xxx], purchased at suzuki of des moines, po box 13377, des moines ia 50310, 515-270-5800. 1/13/04 - received recall letter regarding accelerator cable casing cap. 1/17/04 - had car repaired. 9/9/04 - headlights on at end of day when leaving work and battery…
8/14/03 - 2003 suzuki grand vitara, [xxx], purchased at suzuki of des moines, po box 13377, des moines ia 50310, 515-270-5800. 1/13/04 - received recall letter regarding accelerator cable casing cap. 1/17/04 - had car repaired. 9/9/04 - headlights on at end of day when leaving work and battery dead. Jump-started car and took to dealer; notice smell of something burning. 9/21/04 - car finally fixed. Invoice states: drl lights stay on pulled inside and found light do not turn off but marker lights not on also noticed bcm flashing clock hooked up tech 2 and found code p1121 looked up code in book and run test had to remove bcm from dash to inspect ect wiring run test and bcm appears to be ok but found wire not giving proper reading disconnect relay and light still on disconnect high beam relay and lights go off checked and found high/low switch burnt ordered parts removed switch to replace and found wire connector IS burnt extremely bad had to order wire loom to make repair used connector from new loom to repair separated most pins had to solder in 4 wires and secure re assembled and test working fine now." 10/4/04 - received recall letter: "moisture can freeze in the fuel pressure regulator. 10/8/04 - had car fixed. invoice states: scheduled appointment to fix timing cover which IS leaking. 10/9/04 - nhtsa office web site has recall I havent been notified about and need to make sure it doesn't involve my vehicle: windshield. *nm updated 07/27/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
Consumer received nhtsa recall 03v512000 concerning accelerator cable casing cap. it has been ten months and the dealer does not have the parts available. *Ak
- Visibility › Windshield
Consumer received nhtsa recall 03v223000 concerning fmvss 212 windshield mounting. consumer contacted the dealer six months ago for recall repairs. however, dealer did not have the parts available. *Ak
- Tires
Original goodyear tires needed replaced with less than 15,000 miles on them. called dealer to complain and they said if we got 15,000 miles out of them we were doing good! for a vehicle that costs over $20,000 I certainly expected a better quality tire! *jb
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
Rear door trim has peeled back and snapped off. dealer replaced it under warranty, three months later it IS snapped off again. both sides have been replaced and both sides have broken again. dealer IS slow in ordering and receiving replacement parts, even slower scheduling a time to repair.…
Rear door trim has peeled back and snapped off. dealer replaced it under warranty, three months later it IS snapped off again. both sides have been replaced and both sides have broken again. dealer IS slow in ordering and receiving replacement parts, even slower scheduling a time to repair. dealer felt that "taping it down with black tape was sufficient until the parts come in." it has been over six months since the passenger rear trim has been ordered. meanwhile, I am driving around in a brand new vehicle with black electrical tape holding down the trim. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
Recall search request regarding 2003 grand vitara.*mr the consumer request information about the 2003 grand vitara recall regarding the vehicle speed control cables (03v512000). *nm
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
E-mail FWD fm webmaster request all research materials re 2003 suzuki grand vitara, nhtsa campaign ID 03v512000, vehicle speed control cables, ES have no record of previous. *mr *nm
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
E-mail fm webmaster request all research materials re 2003 suzuki grand vitara, nhtsa campaign 1D 03v512000, vehicle speed control cables.*mr *nm
- Vehicle speed control › Cables · Visibility › Windshield
Received a safety recall notice from dealer. have been trying for several months to schedule an appointment to change parts to no avail. I am worried for my safety and that of my family. the vehicle has been making funny noises and the accelerator seems fast. I hope to hear from someone soon. thank you.*ak
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Consumer received nhtsa recall 03v512000 in january 2004 regarding accelerator cable casing cap that was attached to the vehicle firewall which could crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable, and insufficient long term durability of the plastic casing cap.…
Consumer received nhtsa recall 03v512000 in january 2004 regarding accelerator cable casing cap that was attached to the vehicle firewall which could crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable, and insufficient long term durability of the plastic casing cap. dealership still did not have the parts available to conduct recall repairs. dealer urged consumer to call manufacturer and tell him to hurry up with parts.*ak
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
The consumer received a recall letter regarding the accelerator cable casin cap. the dealership did not have the parts available to conduct the recall. the puerto rico, secretary of justice department agency knowing as "daco" told the consumer to call nhtsa. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
The consumer received a recall letter regarding the accelerator cable casin cap. the dealership did not have the parts available to conduct the recall. no dealership in puerto rico island had the part on recall. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Consumer received nhtsa recall 03v512000 regarding accelerator cable casing cap that was attached to the vehicle firewall which could crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable, and insufficient long term durability of the plastic casing cap. dealership still did not have the parts available to conduct recall repairs. *ak
- Tires › Sidewall · Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer heard a noise. Consumer pulled over, and noticed the passenger rear tire sidewall shredded. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
Recall 03v512000 concerning accelerator cable casing cap failure. consumer arrived at the scheduled appointment for recall repairs but dealer did not have the parts to complete the repairs.*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.
- 10018528Ecm reprogramming for poor cold start.
- 10017455Modification of main bearing oil clearance and the bearing selection procedure.
- 10016425Service manual update, a/c wiring diagram correction grand vitara sq625w/xl-7 ja627
- 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.
- 10002996Replacing positive battery cable because 100 amp fuse IS open. The 100 amp main fuse IS now available.
- 10001713Seat heater inspection table - service manual update.
- 10001707Oil weepage/seepage from left front of engine.
- 10001698Oil level reads at low mark on oil level dip stick. 1999 - 2003 vitara/grand vitara/xl-7.
Every Suzuki Grand Vitara model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.