1999 Suzuki Vitara
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Suzuki › Vitara › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Suzuki 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 Vitara. Newest first.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. some of these vehicles have an inoperative brake lamp-actuating switch. if the brake lamp-actuating switch does not function properly when the brake pedal IS depressed, the brake lights may be inoperative. on vehicles equipped with automatic transaxle, a failure in the brake lamp-actuating switch may also prevent…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion and another vehicle was following closely, a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch assembly.
Vehicle description: 2-door passenger vehicles. during port installation of rear stereo speakers, the vehicles wiring harness could have been pinched between the rear stereo speaker and speaker retaining plate.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An electrical short could occur due to the pinched wires.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the position/condition of the rear wiring harness and repair the wiring harness, if necessary.
Vehicle description: 2-door passenger vehicles. during port installation of rear stereo speakers, the front seat belt lower anchor bolts were removed to facilitate the rear speaker installation and may not have been torqued to specification after installation of the speakers.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat belts may not properly restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will retorque both of the front seat belt lower anchor bolts to specification.
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. the coupling that connects the steering column shaft to the intermediate steering shaft IS cracked. this could allow the steering shafts to separate.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of steering control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering shaft coupling.
Owner complaints
50 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki vitara. While driving at an unknown speed the vehicle accelerated on its own. When the contact applied the brakes they failed to engage. The vehicle continued to accelerate and crashed into a truck and caused serious damages to the vehicle. The contact sustained a…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki vitara. While driving at an unknown speed the vehicle accelerated on its own. When the contact applied the brakes they failed to engage. The vehicle continued to accelerate and crashed into a truck and caused serious damages to the vehicle. The contact sustained a torn ligament to her arm, skin tissue injuries, and a concussion. The contact stated that she received a recall notice for the accelerator pedal after the crash occurred. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. The dealer was not notified. A police report was filed. The failure and current mileages were unknown. updated 11/08/10 * bf updated 11/10/10
- Structure › Frame and members
While driving at night, brakes were applied in an emergency stop to avoid hitting a deer running across the highway. There was a loud bang noise from the front of the car.anchor for the right "a" arm IS rusted out in the frame front cross member causing the vehicle to dive to the left and into the…
While driving at night, brakes were applied in an emergency stop to avoid hitting a deer running across the highway. There was a loud bang noise from the front of the car.anchor for the right "a" arm IS rusted out in the frame front cross member causing the vehicle to dive to the left and into the oncoming lane of traffic when the brakes were applied to avoid hitting a deer crossing the road. Frame cross member and related parts will have to be replaced. Vehicle IS now unstable going down the road.
- Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki vitara. while the contact was repairing the brakes, he discovered corrosion on the front cross member (frame). the contact IS a mechanic and stated that if the frame comes apart, it can cause the front suspension to fail. the dealer stated that there were no recalls for the failure. the manufacturer would not assist. the failure and current mileages were 128,000.
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
Front suspension crossmember has rusted through on my 1999 suzuki vitara. The chevrolet tracker, which IS the same car has had a safety recall due to this issue. This poses a significant safety concern! *tr
- Steering › Column
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki vitara. the contact stated that he has extreme difficulty turning the steering column because it remains in a fixated position. he inspected the steering fluid and concluded that the levels were normal. the dealer stated that although he was experiencing the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki vitara. the contact stated that he has extreme difficulty turning the steering column because it remains in a fixated position. he inspected the steering fluid and concluded that the levels were normal. the dealer stated that although he was experiencing the same failure mentioned in nhtsa campaign ID number 98v324002 (steering:wheel and handle bar), the vin was not included in the recall. the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 138,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving 35 mp engine locked up. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. dealership repaired the problem once, but it was not resolved. *Ak....*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving at 45 mph a collision occurred, consumer's vehicle hit another vehicle in the rear. Upon impact, air bag did not deploy. Consumer sustained bad injuries. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline
The consumer experienced the same problem as stated in recall 04v427000. the consumer contacted the suzuki corporation, and was told that he was a part of the recall. then, suzuki turned around, and told the consumer that he was not a part of the recall. *ak the consumer felt that being…
The consumer experienced the same problem as stated in recall 04v427000. the consumer contacted the suzuki corporation, and was told that he was a part of the recall. then, suzuki turned around, and told the consumer that he was not a part of the recall. *ak the consumer felt that being exclude from the recall was unfair and that the only difference was that the recall was for the 6 cylinder and not the 4 cylinder. *sc *jb
- Suspension
1999 vitara has loud vibration between 55 to 65 mph. have to drive below or above mph range to stop vibration. safety issue. Numerous other complaints on file. Feel investigation IS warranted.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Brake lights kept blowing out on their own. The brake lights failed six times. Dealer was contacted. *ak
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
While driving at 75 mph with the cruise control on, the vehicle became stuck in cruise mode. when trying to disengage the cruise control, the consumer was unable to do so. the consumer struggled to apply the brakes, finally getting the vehicle to slow down enough to shut the ignition off. the…
While driving at 75 mph with the cruise control on, the vehicle became stuck in cruise mode. when trying to disengage the cruise control, the consumer was unable to do so. the consumer struggled to apply the brakes, finally getting the vehicle to slow down enough to shut the ignition off. the vehicle was restarted, and the cruise control was still active. the consumer had to physically pull the gas pedal from the floor of the vehicle. the dealer and manufacturer had not been notified. *ak *scc *jb
- Power train › Manual transmission › Floor shift assembly
The transmission did not easily go into 3RD gear. there was a horrible vibration and noise when driving down the road and a feeling of loss of control of the vehicle when traveling on the highway. *tt
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Unknown or other
From day one, the belt on the car made a chirping noise. The car had gone back to the dealer on 4 different occassions-and as of right now, the belt has been changed three different times, but the noise continues. When it rains, it gets a very loud squeaky noise. Additionally, the check engine…
From day one, the belt on the car made a chirping noise. The car had gone back to the dealer on 4 different occassions-and as of right now, the belt has been changed three different times, but the noise continues. When it rains, it gets a very loud squeaky noise. Additionally, the check engine light came on right after purchase. I took the car back to the delaer at least twice, and I was told it was the sensor, because the engine was fine. However, the check engine light continued to come on occassionally off and on. I had consistent oil changes and scheduled maintenance done, but last week, engine check light starting flashing. Come to find out, the #3 cylinder going into the engine was gone. I was told this had to be and on-going problem-it did not happen over night. Evidently, there was a problem exactly all the times the light came on. As a result, I had to pay over $2000 to get the car fixed. *Ak
- Suspension
Vehicle swerves at any speed, it's difficult to control vehicle, alignments have been done and tires were replaced, however did not remedy the problem.*jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Consumer received recall notice, consumer will attach copy to complaint form for fuel pipe hose in the beginning of july, dealer notified consumer twice on 7-25-01, and 8-20-01 because the parts were not available, dealer name sansones, auto mall rt 21, woodbridge phone# 732-815-0500.*ak consumer states as of october 4,2001 no arrangements have been made by dealer to replaced parts.*jb
- Suspension › Front · Vehicle speed control
Since purchase car has exhibited serious vibration throughout vehicle at about 40 mph and cruise control unit operates erratically after a downshift IS required-suzuki factory represenative originally said a new type ecm would correct the conditions but later said no such part existed after the…
Since purchase car has exhibited serious vibration throughout vehicle at about 40 mph and cruise control unit operates erratically after a downshift IS required-suzuki factory represenative originally said a new type ecm would correct the conditions but later said no such part existed after the dealer had ordered it and waited two months for it to be delivered and installed in my vehicle- suzuki subsequently authorized balancing the tires, replacing the cruise control module, replacing the driveshaft, and repairing the differential, and inspection of the frame and crossmembers all to no avail as the problems still exist and are getting worse. I have expressed to suzuki my concern of a causal relationship between vibration and metal fatigue and component failure and my concern as to the safety of my vehicle and suzuki responded to the dealership by telephone on 07/27/01 instructing the dealer to make no repair attempt as the vehicle IS "operating as design and intent". On that same day another suzuki vitara owner was at the same dealership experiencing similar problems and was also informed by the service manager(tom colglazier) and assistant service manager(steve cook) that suzuki would authorize no repair attempts to their vehicle either. As suzuki IS unwilling to voluntarily correct these serious safety isssues concerning their viatra product line I feel an investigation and possible recall action IS warranted.*ak
- Suspension › Front
When driving over 50 mph vehicle starts to rattle and shake. It seems as if car IS going to lose control. have been complaing since I purchased vehicle but no resolution as of yet. Do not want to drive and car loose control. would like for an investigation to see if problem would cause crash. I have not had a response from suzuki as of yet.
- Power train › Axle assembly
While driving 65 mph passenger's side rear axle broke and tire completely came off, cause unknown. No collision/ injuries occurred. *ak *slc
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Air conditioner failed to work properly. It would blow hot instead off cool air. Took vehicle to get part for air conditioner & was informed that part was defective and on back order. *ak
- Power train › Manual transmission
Transmission does not shift into gear. dealer has attempted to repair vehicle.*ak consumer states transmission has failed to work properly since purchase date, while traveling on highway transmission would not go into 5TH gear, making it impossible to merge into traffic, consumer was informed by…
Transmission does not shift into gear. dealer has attempted to repair vehicle.*ak consumer states transmission has failed to work properly since purchase date, while traveling on highway transmission would not go into 5TH gear, making it impossible to merge into traffic, consumer was informed by dealer that they would replace the transmission but it would take three weeks for the transmission to come in and one week to replace, when consumer picked up vehicle he was told that a reciept was unavailable and one year later when he obtained a reciept stating that transmission was rebuilt and not replaced, consumer states between 3-23-2000 and 3-16-2001 it becaome diffucult to down shift into 3RD gearand impossible to go into reverse.*jb
- Power train › Clutch assembly
When the clutch IS pressed the engine will die. this has happened 10+ times since 2/2000. it happens sporadically and despite 6 returns to the dealer, the problem continues. when this happens approaching a stop light or leaving the highway, the steering locks and the brakes get very hard to depress. I have gone through at least one red light out of control as a result. the dealer cannot duplicate the problem.*ak
- Structure › Body › Door
Plastic used in the door trims IS very brittle. Suzuki says it IS not a warranty issue. There IS no support under it.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
While driving vehicle caught on fire underhood. manufacturer has been notified.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Unknown or other
Engine check light illuminates, indicating a malfunction in the system. Also, while driving vehicle completely shutdown without warning. Cause unknown. dealer could not identify the cause of the problem. Please give any further details. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Power train › Automatic transmission · Unknown or other
Vehicle had been purchased more than 30 days ago & it already has stalled a couple of times. Also, gear shift shakes real badly, and engine check light comes on. dealer can't find anything wrong. *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.
- 10021699Front differential oil seal replacement.
- 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
- 10014813Correct coolant usage.
- 10006515Service manual update for resealing front timing chain cover.
- 10001700Diagnostic trouble code, b1026 flow table. Service manual udpate correction.
- 10001698Oil level reads at low mark on oil level dip stick. 1999 - 2003 vitara/grand vitara/xl-7.
- 618430A condition may exist on certain models where the front differential housing may leak fluid from the right side oil seal.
- 610525This bulletin contains the revised claims submission procedures for replacement batteries under warranty.
- 605111Certain vehicles equipped with the 2.0L engine may exhibit a crank but no-start condition in 5 degrees f or colder weather conditions.
- 604545Engine may exhibit a crank but no-start condition in cold weater conditions.
Every Suzuki Vitara model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.