2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Suzuki › Grand Vitara › 2009
These records cover every 2009 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 2009 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 2009-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The gear shift rear shaft on these vehicles may break, preventing the gears from being able to be changed.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the transmission cannot be shifted, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gear shift rear shaft, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VZ.
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.
Suzuki IS recalling certain model year 2009-2010 suzuki grand vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines; model year 2011 suzuki grand vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles produced prior to october 17, 2010; model year 2010 suzuki SX4 passenger vehicles; and 2011 suzuki SX4 passenger vehicles produced prior to october 14…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the drive belt comes off, requiring the driver to use increased steering effort, or the engine stalls, a vehicle crash could occur
Remedy
Dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall began on february 16, 2011. owners may contact suzuki at 1-887-697-8985 or visit suzuki's website at http://www.suzukiauto.com.
Owner complaints
14 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering · Unknown or other
The power steering pump drive-belt tension adjustable pulley- has been compromised ... And effects my ac. While researching I found the 2006 - 2012 models were effected as well, causing a recall..vehicle was in park- and would not start.. Turned off ac and she finally turned over.. After I let her…
The power steering pump drive-belt tension adjustable pulley- has been compromised ... And effects my ac. While researching I found the 2006 - 2012 models were effected as well, causing a recall..vehicle was in park- and would not start.. Turned off ac and she finally turned over.. After I let her sit for 2 hours please advise thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).' *pm
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc)
No word ABS and esp,
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
TL* the contact owns a 2009 suzuki grand vitara. While driving, the instrument panel gauges failed to provide accurate readings, and the engine, ABS, asp, and air bag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS failed and…
TL* the contact owns a 2009 suzuki grand vitara. While driving, the instrument panel gauges failed to provide accurate readings, and the engine, ABS, asp, and air bag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vin was not included in a recall. No further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000. The vin was not available.
- Unknown or other
The unit have been consuming coolant in excess.after a profesional inspection was detected a crack in the engine block.this IS exactly the situation cover in the suzuki extensions of the warranty by the manufacturer.your recall bulletin exactly describe my situation.please clarify the suzuki…
The unit have been consuming coolant in excess.after a profesional inspection was detected a crack in the engine block.this IS exactly the situation cover in the suzuki extensions of the warranty by the manufacturer.your recall bulletin exactly describe my situation.please clarify the suzuki representative in puerto rico that the warranty extensions IS valid for pr units.thanks [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).' *pm
- Engine
While driving, noticed air conditioning would be cool then hot for about 3-5 minutes and cool again then hot again and repeat. turned off the ac when I noticed the engine temperature indicator getting hotter. took the car to a mechanic. he performed pressure test on cooling system and found…
While driving, noticed air conditioning would be cool then hot for about 3-5 minutes and cool again then hot again and repeat. turned off the ac when I noticed the engine temperature indicator getting hotter. took the car to a mechanic. he performed pressure test on cooling system and found engine block cracked and leaking coolant, left side under exhaust manifold. vehicle overheats and will cause me to be stranded. could be similar to nhtsa ID #10054717.
- Air bags · Electronic stability control (esc) · Unknown or other
Takata recall? air bag and passenger air bag sensor lights stay on. only have 70,000 miles on car. abs/esp light stays on
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
When car was initially started, after few minutes of warm up time, heat was activated and no heat was dispersed. Began driving, despite no heat. Within 1 mile traveling less that 15 mph, the temparature gage increased to the highest level, still without heat in car. (picture 1) as speed…
When car was initially started, after few minutes of warm up time, heat was activated and no heat was dispersed. Began driving, despite no heat. Within 1 mile traveling less that 15 mph, the temparature gage increased to the highest level, still without heat in car. (picture 1) as speed increased, temperature gage rapidly fluctuated and esp warning lights illuminated on dash. (Picture 2) pulled off highway immediately following warning lights, engine found to be smoking. diagnosed with engine crack., crack sealed for temporary function, within days of seal, same symptoms as previously stated, but total system shut down following esp warning lights. Acceleration halted, power steering went out and brakes difficult to work. After sitting off, car unable to start.
- Exterior lighting
I have had to replace my headlight bulbs so many times over the last five years, I have lost count. now I am being told even though my mechanic replaced the bulb again, that I should replace both headlight assemblies at a cost of $240 each to solve this problem. I have seen so many complaints…
I have had to replace my headlight bulbs so many times over the last five years, I have lost count. now I am being told even though my mechanic replaced the bulb again, that I should replace both headlight assemblies at a cost of $240 each to solve this problem. I have seen so many complaints about headlight bulbs for many model year grand vitaras. I think suzuki should recall the 2007-2011 grand vitara headlights for the safety of their customers and overall customer goodwill.
- Exterior lighting
Both low beam headlights failed while driving at night. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
TL* the contact owns a 2009 suzuki grand vitara. The contact stated that the anti-lock braking system warning light and the esp off warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dealer and inspected. The dealer stated that the anti-lock braking system was found defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 12,400 and the current mileage was 12,900. updated 8/24/12 *cn
- Equipment · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Exterior lighting › Headlights
2009 suzuki vitara air conditioner compressor has failed upon 2 year ownership. it IS not covered under the warranty per suzuki dealership. while driving at normal speed, a popping sound occurs and the air begins to blow hot air. the events leading up to this was the highbeam/lowbeam lights burn…
2009 suzuki vitara air conditioner compressor has failed upon 2 year ownership. it IS not covered under the warranty per suzuki dealership. while driving at normal speed, a popping sound occurs and the air begins to blow hot air. the events leading up to this was the highbeam/lowbeam lights burn out within 3 months of ownership. then pulley system fails. then the compressor. this all takes within 2 years. to repair the compressor, there are no "old" parts and it IS only stocked with the suzuki dealership. you are forced to pay their price for replacing unit, even though the air conditioner and filtering unit IS covered under the 7 year/or 100000 mile warranty. the dealership told us that IS was covered then 6 hours later they said it wasn't and refused to pay for the compressor telling me that they were not going to let me "win the lottery". our suzuki has 40,000 miles currently. a two year old car should not have this many problems. *kb
- Power train › Driveline
2009 grand vatari suzuki discovered what appears to be defect in right rear axle.the right rear tire went bald after 15K miles complained to yokohama about tires. Purchased new set of different yokohama's. When vehicle reached 45K miles second set went bald. At that point I noticed a roar and…
2009 grand vatari suzuki discovered what appears to be defect in right rear axle.the right rear tire went bald after 15K miles complained to yokohama about tires. Purchased new set of different yokohama's. When vehicle reached 45K miles second set went bald. At that point I noticed a roar and vibration coming from right rear purchased a third set of tires and rotated every 3K miles. The roar got worse. Had car lifted both wheels off ground placed car in drive pressed accelerator ran odometer up to 50 miles per hour while listening and watching rear end I hear clicking and saw a vibration on right rear. All of this was visible to eye and ear. Took vehicle to suzuki dealer described problem and history to service writer. The car was taken back in shop . The mechanic said the problem was the bearing in the right rear axle it would have to be replaced. This problem had to exist when the car was purchased because the symptoms have been the same since the first 15K miles. Suzuki IS replacing the bearing under the warranty. *tr
- Electrical system
Air bag light came on would not go off took car to electrical shop found out the electrical connector under front passenger seat was defective ordered new one from suzuki that solved the problem vehicle 09 grand vitara. *Tr
- Air bags
We own a 2009 suzuki grand vitara. the passenger air bag light keeps coming on. we have taken to dealers 5 times in 4 months. we are told we need to watch how we sit in the seat, and do not recline the seat, there IS nothing they can do since no codes show up on the computer. they state the…
We own a 2009 suzuki grand vitara. the passenger air bag light keeps coming on. we have taken to dealers 5 times in 4 months. we are told we need to watch how we sit in the seat, and do not recline the seat, there IS nothing they can do since no codes show up on the computer. they state the airbag will not work with the light on but can not fix it. it IS intermittent sometimes stays on. Has stayed on at the dealers. *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.
- 10212108Service update of cylinder block warranty extension (revision of original notice). Note that actual model name is "Suzuki Kizashi", NHTSA model name reference is misspelled "Suzuki Kazashi".
- 10160918This letter was sent to owners of vehicles included in a warranty extension campaign for a possible cracked cylinder block. The letter provides owners with additional details concerning what is covered.
- 10159469This communication is a revised Service Bulletin concerning an extended warranty for a possible cracked cylinder block. The Service Bulletin was expanded to provide additional details about what is covered under the extended warranty. A revised draft notification letter to be sent to owners is attached to the Service Bulletin.
- 10154347This letter was sent to owners of 2009 Grand Vitara and certain 2010 Grand Vitara and Kizashi vehicles, informing them about a warranty period extension to 20 years (unlimited mileage). The warranty extension relates to cracks that may occur at specific locations of the cylinder block which may result in coolant loss and engine overheating.
- 10153014This Service Bulletin informs Suzuki Service Providers in the mainland U.S. about a customer-satisfaction warranty period extension to 20 years (unlimited mileage) for 2009 Grand Vitara and certain 2010 Grand Vitara and Kizashi vehicles. Cracks may occur at specific locations of the cylinder block which may result in coolant loss and engine overheating. Also included is a letter to be sent to the owners of affected vehicles, informing them of the warranty extension.
- 10153013This communication from Suzuki Motor Corporation announces a customer satisfaction warranty period extension to 20 years (unlimited mileage) for 2009 Grand Vitara and certain 2010 Grand Vitara and Kizashi vehicles. Cracks may occur at specific locations of the cylinder block which may result in coolant leaks.
- 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.
- 10054717Suzuki: engine coolant leaking from cooling jacket into camshaft housing of cylinder head and may have a crack between cylinder head bolt and casting plug, causing engine to overheat. Model 2009 grand vitara.
- 10049899Suzuki: the airbag warning light illuminates, and dtc b1318 IS stored. This typically can result from a change in load on the passenger seat.
- 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.
- 10044035Suzuki: service manual update: tensioner and idler pulley removal and installation.
- 10032904Suzuki: counter measure procedure for dtc b1318. The airbag warning light illuminates, and dtc b1318 IS stored. This typically can result from a change in load on the passenger seat, such as a passenger shifting their weight on and off the seat, or an object (bag, briefcase, pet, etc.) bouncing on the seat while the vehicle IS traveling. Updated 4/2/13.
Every Suzuki Grand Vitara model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.