2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Newest first.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an adult or child is occupying the seat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's numbers for this recall are 4011 and 4012.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
Remedy
Suzuki will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge. Sufficient quantities of parts are not currently available to fix all of the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified of the recall in October 2013 and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired. The recall began on May 23, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's recall campaign number is VD.
Owner complaints
42 complaints3 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
While stopped at traffic light at idle, I can hear a knocking noise in the engine compartment. Took it to my mechanic, and believe it is coming from the lower engine. He removed the oil pan and found that the rod and crankshaft bearing has movement. The car is 2008 and only has 36,000 miles.
- Air bags · Seats
The Air Bag Light remain on . The vehicle was checked in a scanner and the codes B1312 and B1319 where found..I want to know if are recalls for this car. If yes What dealer in Puerto Rico can repair it.
- Air bags
I received 3 urgent letters telling me my2008 suzuki grand vitara has an airbag recall passenger side and needed to be repaired right away. But SUZUKI only has a few dealers left and none close to me so I have to drive my children in this unsafe car. So I called the dealer and they said I have to…
I received 3 urgent letters telling me my2008 suzuki grand vitara has an airbag recall passenger side and needed to be repaired right away. But SUZUKI only has a few dealers left and none close to me so I have to drive my children in this unsafe car. So I called the dealer and they said I have to drop my car off 3 hours away and leave it for however long it takes to be repaired. And they said they have no loaner cars. They said for me to.go rent a car and then I can get reimbursed but I cannot do that I don't have the credit card neede to rent a car so I'm forced to drive this car I'm a single mom and disabled. I cannot go one hour without my car. But the recall is not being repaired because of this and my passenger airbag light comes on and off when just l Sitting still. It scares me and is unsafe. I must have some rights i figured I would start my complaint here then the govorner or bbb I'm sick of this. I have to drive an u safe car and it's not my fault I can't travel hours to drop my car at the only dealer that will fix the recall and make my car safe again k. Angry and scared.
- Air bags
My 2008 suzuki grand vitara has a bad right side seat cushion open circuit and needs the seat cushion replaced. Isn't this covered by nhtsa campaign number: 13v405000, and why haven't I been notified of the recall? How do I get this issue taken care of now that there IS no longer an american suzuki dealer?
- Exterior lighting
My suzuki grand vitara IS a 2007. Bought new. I didn't have trouble with the lighting until after the warranty had run out.then I had problems with the bulbs burning out, but only one at a time several months apart. This has been going on for several years. Now I carry spare bulbs for high and low…
My suzuki grand vitara IS a 2007. Bought new. I didn't have trouble with the lighting until after the warranty had run out.then I had problems with the bulbs burning out, but only one at a time several months apart. This has been going on for several years. Now I carry spare bulbs for high and low beams, that IS a very expensive when it has 2 be dine 2 or three times a year. Then about 2 years ago I started having problems with lever and knob that changes the light function setting settings even to the point of being stop by highway patrol officers stopping me because I had no tail lights but managed to play with the settings knob to get them working. I've had no other problems with this car and it has over 142,00 miles on it. The last bulb I changed was on a cross country trip to ohio from california in may of 2018.
- Air bags
Just received some recalls ...many of them but they don't have anywhere to send me to..i have not been able to touch bases with them they put me on hold.. One lady said she didn't know what to tell me.another send me to a motocycle place .. Another send me 3 hours away can you send some information where to get my airbags replaced
- Air bags
My air bag light keep coming on and making a sound when no one in the seat
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki grand vitara. While driving 50 mph, the headlights and daytime running lights failed and turned off, one shortly after the other. The contact replaced the bulbs several times, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to suzuki of green brook (101 US-22…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki grand vitara. While driving 50 mph, the headlights and daytime running lights failed and turned off, one shortly after the other. The contact replaced the bulbs several times, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to suzuki of green brook (101 US-22, green brook township, nj 08812) who stated that both headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who noticed that the adapter, sockets, and fuses were all burned due to a high electrical current flowing into the assemblies. The adapters, sockets, and head lamps needed to be replaced. The mechanic did not know how to repair the underlying electrical issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they could not assist or escalate the case. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
- Power train
Put vehicle in reverse and thought I was backing up, but when I put shifter in drive, it kept going backwards. I realized being on a down slope, that shifter was not working and I had idled backwards. I put shifter in drive position and continued idling backwards into a snow bank. I had to shut off…
Put vehicle in reverse and thought I was backing up, but when I put shifter in drive, it kept going backwards. I realized being on a down slope, that shifter was not working and I had idled backwards. I put shifter in drive position and continued idling backwards into a snow bank. I had to shut off and restart several times and it eventually went into drive. I was unable to take it to work due to a possibility of causing an accident. I had someone look at it and they thought transfer case was the issue, as there was a noise from that area. I did research on it and found all of the suzuki vitara, grand vitara, from 2006-2009 had issues with transfer case leaking and there fore going out of commission. This IS happening at various mileages, but primarily at 100,000 -138,000. I am wondering why there was not a recall on this, as it IS quite obvious its a factory default in transfer cases. It IS also a safety issue, should the transfer case go out while driving or maneuvering vehicle around to park, with oncoming traffic. I am very surprised that suzuki has not gotten a law suit filed on them yet, for this definite issue. I also have to wonder if there were any fatalities due to this issue, that suzuki owners and families, were unaware of at the time. This IS a factory made and default part. The 2006 - 2009 transfer case on these vehicles should definitely have a recall on them.
- Engine
There IS a engine knock while vehicle IS in neutral or park. took it to the dealer service department. they think it might be a lower motor issue. vehicle only has 21000 miles on it.
- Exterior lighting
Bought this used, but I have had to replace the lights, high beams, day runners since owning this grand vitara too many times. I know I have purchased over 15 different light bulbs as they keep blowing out? While driving, they are so dim and then they stop working.this IS a hazard and these bulbs…
Bought this used, but I have had to replace the lights, high beams, day runners since owning this grand vitara too many times. I know I have purchased over 15 different light bulbs as they keep blowing out? While driving, they are so dim and then they stop working.this IS a hazard and these bulbs shouldn't have to be replaced this many times. Also while driving they blow, or stationary as well, I have made it a habit now to check them before driving since they go out as much as they do. Something needs to be done regarding this ongoing problem & it needs to be done asap. It IS obvious that there has to be a major problem with the lighting for me to have to continue to buy bulbs on a constant basis, and as for mileage that needs to be put in on this form there have been too many times at different mileage readings so it IS hard to say what the mileage IS on the vehicle when the lights blow out.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Bought this in april 2014 with 30K miles, have replaced both low beam headlights 4-5 times each, also beams are low visibility
- Electrical system
The headlight bulb burns out every 2 months and has to be replaced. This has been an issue since the car was purchased new. I am the second owner, and bulbs burn out every 2 months. There have been no accidents in this vehicle aside from minor fender bender in the rear of the vehicle.
- Exterior lighting
The headlights are burning out prematurely every 4-6 months. this IS expensive and potentially dangerous if I do not notice immediately when they blow out, especially if both go at the same time. from what I understand, I am not the only one with this problem and this has been something that many grand vitara owners like myself have been dealing with.
- Exterior lighting
I've had this vehicle for 6 years in that 6 years I can not even tell you how many times I've had to replace the bulbs in the head ligths, at least every 4 months. this IS a on going issue with these vehicles I can not believe suzuki has not been put in a position to issue a recall. This IS a manufacturing error and suzuki knows it.
- Vehicle speed control
I have had three incidents of unexplained acceleration and revving of the engine in my suzuki. each time I have had to leave the flow of traffic and turn the vehicle off to stop the acceleration. this happened twice while driving at highway speed. braking does not cause the car to downshift. I…
I have had three incidents of unexplained acceleration and revving of the engine in my suzuki. each time I have had to leave the flow of traffic and turn the vehicle off to stop the acceleration. this happened twice while driving at highway speed. braking does not cause the car to downshift. I think a throttle or acceleration IS sticking similar to the recalled toyota cars. this has happened with passengers in the car who can support what happened. Following two incidents, the dealership replaced the motor mounts to fix the problem. It cost $500. On 2/13/15, the week after the repairs, the problem repeated. I was in downtown denver traveling at approximately 20-25 mph. Thankfully, I was able to move out of traffic while avoiding pedestrians and turn the car off. I returned the car to medved suzuki on 2/16/15. it has been there since. Neither the dealership nor suzuki motor of american can replicate the problem or recommend a repair. They want to close their work order, have me pick up my car and return a rental vehicle they provided. I ask your assistance to require suzuki to replace or repair my car which still carries a drive train warranty. I do not want to be injured or to injure others due to unexplained acceleration issues.
- Air bags
Suzuki passenger seat airbag control sensor IS defective and often does not turn off the passenger side airbags for very light passengers as it was designed to do. suzuki has a kit to rectify the issue, but will not send me the parts. they will only send the parts to a KIA dealer, and the nearest…
Suzuki passenger seat airbag control sensor IS defective and often does not turn off the passenger side airbags for very light passengers as it was designed to do. suzuki has a kit to rectify the issue, but will not send me the parts. they will only send the parts to a KIA dealer, and the nearest one to the location where my vehicle IS kept IS about 250 miles. I have asked them for the parts kit so I can perform the installation and calibration myself. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Just as thousands of others have said. My 2008 grand vitara low beam H7 style headlights blow out constantly. Very unsafe to nearly crash when both blow at the same time driving at night. Very unsafe driving and at any given time a headlight will blow out. Not to mention telling various police over…
Just as thousands of others have said. My 2008 grand vitara low beam H7 style headlights blow out constantly. Very unsafe to nearly crash when both blow at the same time driving at night. Very unsafe driving and at any given time a headlight will blow out. Not to mention telling various police over and over the problem. Not to mention tickets, warnings, and general disdain from police because they assume your lying. I now have to keep nitrite gloves and spares in my glove box and now show the police. I replace a low beam bulb on either side every 3 to 4 months. I've never heard of this as a safe and acceptable design on any motor vehicle. This would not pass as safe on anything. We the customers need this fixed. Had I known this in 2008 I would have bought something else. As of now I cannot afford to replace it. I hate having to try my best to be home before dark because a bulb IS or will go out. Recall this defect now.... Before someone dies from a crash. When my lights blew at the same time that night I was scared to death and almost wrecked. This IS not acceptable. Please help. *tr
- Exterior lighting
I have replaced approx. 150 low beam headlamps, they blow out at least once a month. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Have replaced the drivers side low beam bulb at least 7 times and have changed the passenger side approximately 6 times so far even replaced with best bulb brands. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki grand vitara. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign ID number: 13v405000 (air bags) and stated that the parts were not available. The dealer did not give a specific date when the parts would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki grand vitara. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign ID number: 13v405000 (air bags) and stated that the parts were not available. The dealer did not give a specific date when the parts would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contacts vehicle would receive the recall repairs. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 08/28/14*lj the consumer stated the manufacturer refused to allow a local shop to complete the repairs. The dealer was too far and costly to travel. updated 09/1/2014 *js
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Headlight bulbs need to be replaced on a regular basis (at least ten so far) and the plastic in the base IS melted (could cause a fire). *tr
- Exterior lighting
Low beam headlight burned out. I've had to replace driver and passenger side headlight bulbs 8 (driver), 6 (passenger). also, cannot see far enough ahead when only using low beam. this IS a hazard! Tired of replacing bulbs every 6 months. they aren't cheap.
- Exterior lighting
I have had a 2008 suzuki grand vitara for the past 5 years in that time I can not even begin to tell you the countless I've had to replace the bulbs in the headlights. Its obvious from what I've read that this IS on going issue with this type of make and model car. Its obvious the part IS defective and there should be a recall issued to replace these headlights all together. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
I have been replacing the headlight bulbs in my vehicle nearly every 6 months since I purchased it. last year I replaced the rt headlamp assembly unit at the recommendation of the service department because the housing unit was burned and would not seat properly into the adapter. replacing the…
I have been replacing the headlight bulbs in my vehicle nearly every 6 months since I purchased it. last year I replaced the rt headlamp assembly unit at the recommendation of the service department because the housing unit was burned and would not seat properly into the adapter. replacing the adapter was not an option, so I incurred labor and parts expenses. now in the shorter daylight fall season, the left bulb has blown and the adapter was beginning to burn, so I replaced it. I inspected it to confirm the state of the unit and it was indeed, on its way to electrical malfunction. There IS no way, when driving nor idle, to know that such an important component of the vehicle IS decaying. I have purchased HL7 55watt bulbs, which are the lowest watts available. I feel unsafe during inclimate weather, fall and winter season driving. this frequent need for replacement to avoid potential crashes IS of major concern to me. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Occupant Classification System Failure
Suzuki Motor of America is conducting a safety recall to remedy the occupant classification system's (OCS) sensor mats in approximately 193,936 model year 2006-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 Suzuki SX4 vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-405 for more details).The sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat can…
Suzuki Motor of America is conducting a safety recall to remedy the occupant classification system's (OCS) sensor mats in approximately 193,936 model year 2006-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 Suzuki SX4 vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-405 for more details).The sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat can develop an electrical circuit disconnection as a result of repeated flexing of the seat from use of the seat.According to Suzuki, when the failure occurs, the OCS system, by design, will not suppress the frontal passenger air bag for a seated child or small-stature adult.A deploying passenger air bag can cause serious injury to such an occupant.The recall population excludes those vehicles that previously had proper remedies under the special coverage campaign for this issue (~11,600) that began in July 2012.The recall remedy will be to install a new front passenger seat cushion assembly that includes an improved OCS sensor mat and an OCS control module with updated algorithms designed to properly identify the type/size of the seated occupant.Consequently, this recall action will address various OCS related problems, including a programming error (associated with diagnostic trouble code B1318) related to detecting a change or shifting in load on the front passenger seat in the model year 2009 Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles.This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10178750, 10185778, 10200217, 10200123, 10206368, 10217021, 10250561, 10254251, 10263756, 10283309, 10285166, 10294320, 10316125, 10323718, 10324530, 10326910, 10332645, 10347204, 10348957, 10349038, 10350237, 10353604, 10354901, 10355400, 10364190, 10367631, 10369777, 10371056, 10373558, 10375165, 10375789, 10376071, 10376621, 10378154, 10380794, 10382860, 10392447, 10392434, 10392599, 10393975, 10395430, 10395602, 10395821, 10395983, 10398172, 10400092, 10400035, 10401106, 10401424, 10404772, 10405359, 10406459, 10407500, 10409412, 10409993, 10413235, 10418162, 10419237, 10419578, 10425035, 10425212, 10426703, 10434905, 10435090, 10435091, 10437600, 10437892, 10437994, 10438100, 10438501, 10438613, 10439357, 10439979, 10440088, 10442968, 10442759, 10442883, 10443173, 10443592, 10443594, 10444434, 10445034, 10445447, 10446215, 10446580, 10447689, 10448161, 10448446, 10448499, 10448554, 10449238, 10450746, 10451260, 10452961, 10453168, 10453403, 10453376, 10454445, 10454978, 10455231, 10455529, 10456043, 10456367, 10456407, 10459063, 10460417, 10460510, 10462016, 10463337, 10464941, 10464693, 10467988, 10468641, 10479583, 10479929, 10481120, 10484053, 10484863, 10486369, 10486729, 10487379, 10491755, 10499622, 10506034, 10508282, 10511057, 10511439, 10512962, 10521656, 10521779, 10523512, 10523931, 10524266, 10526435, 10533196, 10535513, 10537314, 10537619, 10543672, 10544287.
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.
- 10047119Suzuki: fuel gauge takes a long time moving, after fill up, because of two (2) different fuel meter modes, normal mode and refuel mode, for gauge movement. Models 2006-2008 grand vitara.
- 10044320Suzuki: the front passenger seat bottom cushion assembly has the sensor mat located within and the electric disconnection (open) will occur due to repeated flexing, that may develop. Updated 04/10/2013
- 10044319Suzuki: on certain vehicles, within the front passenger seat bottom cushion, the sensing sensor mat, an electric circuit disconnection may have developed, due to repeated flexing.
- 10044041Suzuki: see document search button for owner letter. Warranty extension for 'air bag' warning light illumination. Updated 7/25/12.
- 10022791Dtc c1230 (transfer actuator circuit malfunction) detecting condition and troubleshooting.
Every Suzuki Grand Vitara model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.