2000 Suzuki Vitara
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Suzuki › Vitara › 2000
These records cover every 2000 Suzuki Vitara. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2000 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.
Owner complaints
35 complaints5 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension › Front
My suspension crossmember fail while hitting the brakes on an offramp on my 2000 suzuki vitara. My whole vehicle started shaking very badly. The passenger noticed the passenger side wheel shaking out of control and after I inspected it, I found that where the control arm IS mounted to the…
My suspension crossmember fail while hitting the brakes on an offramp on my 2000 suzuki vitara. My whole vehicle started shaking very badly. The passenger noticed the passenger side wheel shaking out of control and after I inspected it, I found that where the control arm IS mounted to the crossmember, IS completely rusted out. I found that there IS a recall for the exact same part for the 2000 chevy tracker which IS basically the same vehicle. Could not find a recall on this part for the vitara however. I think this should also be recalled. The vehicle can not be driven until this component IS replaced and someone could have also gotten hurt. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I was driving to work on 3/18/08 and as I left the gas station I heard this pop and all of a sudden the car cut off. later after having it towed to a mechanic, I was told that the timing chain belt popped. I was also notified that this was a regular occurrence with the vehicle and suzuki knew of…
I was driving to work on 3/18/08 and as I left the gas station I heard this pop and all of a sudden the car cut off. later after having it towed to a mechanic, I was told that the timing chain belt popped. I was also notified that this was a regular occurrence with the vehicle and suzuki knew of this, but had no recall to fix or change it. I had no idea of this and was told when buying that having a chain rather than a belt was much better for your car. not unless it pops and repairs of $2000 are needed. I am appalled that suzuki would know of such a problem and in no way of fixing it. I am hoping that suzuki covers the cost of this repair and realizes that this IS unacceptable. the dealership told me that most of the charge IS labor, because it will be 11-13 hours to get to the chain. I am hoping to have a representative look at this and realizes that if someone invest in your product that means that we don't expect it to never breakdown, but if it does and it something you knew was defective then you should help to repair it. thank you. *Tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 suzuki vitara. while driving 25 mph, the vehicle began to shake and lose steering ability. the mechanic stated that the subframe rotted at the point where the lower control arm attached. as a result, the front control arm detached from the cross member. the mechanic…
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 suzuki vitara. while driving 25 mph, the vehicle began to shake and lose steering ability. the mechanic stated that the subframe rotted at the point where the lower control arm attached. as a result, the front control arm detached from the cross member. the mechanic replaced the cross member and there had been no further occurrences. the failure mileage was 29,000 and current mileage was 31,300.
- Air bags › Frontal
Airbag failed to deploy despite frontal impact at roughly 550 mph. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Suzuki IS aware of latent defects concerning timing chain cover seals that leak oil and will worsen over time. it IS documented that the leaks occur with suzuki grand vitaras from 1999-2001. my grand vitara IS one of those cars with the latent defect. I took it to a authorized suzuki mechanic as…
Suzuki IS aware of latent defects concerning timing chain cover seals that leak oil and will worsen over time. it IS documented that the leaks occur with suzuki grand vitaras from 1999-2001. my grand vitara IS one of those cars with the latent defect. I took it to a authorized suzuki mechanic as required, but they never informed me that suzuki was aware of the problem. after further research on my part did suzuki corporation acknowledge they knew of the latent defect. I am asking suzuki in all fairness to cover the cost of this repair based on this documented evidence. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Motor blew at 94000 miles rings wore out and poured oil. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1. Vehicle transmission put into park position. Key withdrawn. Key transmission interlock faulty 2. park position did not hold and vehicle rolled down hill causing significant damage to vehicle and property. 3. Automobile being repaired, transmission ignition key interface being investigated. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Check engine light came on. my wife brought it in to royal suzuki tucson,, arizona repeatedly while still under warranty. Dealer kept telling her it was her fault for not closing gas cap tightly enough. this happened several times at a charge of $50 , extended warranty deductible, each time. I…
Check engine light came on. my wife brought it in to royal suzuki tucson,, arizona repeatedly while still under warranty. Dealer kept telling her it was her fault for not closing gas cap tightly enough. this happened several times at a charge of $50 , extended warranty deductible, each time. I even bought a new gas cap, no change. now that the warranty expired, they tell us it the fuel pressure sensor in the tank needs replacing. There are no after market parts for this, and I refuse to pay the dealership for the part they should have replaced under warranty. therefore, my wife , lisa schrant, IS driving the vehicle with the check engine light constantly illuminated. this may hide any new problems which may occur.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
After purchase within the first year, ignition switch locked up and motor went out on the power windows. next problem was a major oil leak. Should have known then that I would have more problems down the road. Repaired by dealership at approximately 67,000 miles. Was told that front and rear oil…
After purchase within the first year, ignition switch locked up and motor went out on the power windows. next problem was a major oil leak. Should have known then that I would have more problems down the road. Repaired by dealership at approximately 67,000 miles. Was told that front and rear oil seals were replaced. Now at 77,000 miles am being told that motor needs replacement. no warning lights came on. oil changes were maintained regularly. timing chains in motor have broke. still owe on vehicle and warranty has expired at 72,000 miles. have never had problems like this with the purchase of any other vehicle. I asked dealership why the oil seals would go out, they could not answer that question. have had other vehicles with way over 100,000 miles and have never had to replace oil seals. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
Owner of a 2000 suzuki vitara 2.0L and car IS not ever 4 years old yet but has 74,000 miles and catalytic converter already needs to be replaced! now the car IS not going to pass smog the first year it IS required to pass smog for registration purposes! what kind of bull IS that! just a way for ca. Emissions to get more money! *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
The brakes on my 2000 suzuki grand vitara have been replaced 4 times in 4 years. they were replaced in june of 2003 3 times within 2 months because they squeak and make grinding noises. I have been told by my service people that they contacted suzuki directly and were told to put on special no…
The brakes on my 2000 suzuki grand vitara have been replaced 4 times in 4 years. they were replaced in june of 2003 3 times within 2 months because they squeak and make grinding noises. I have been told by my service people that they contacted suzuki directly and were told to put on special no squeak brakes so they did---they still squeak and sometimes grind. I have had the service people check them several times and there IS nothing they can do to fix the problem. when we replaced the first set of brakes--the brakes were worn really strange. one pad was completely gone on the bottom half and really thick on the top half. I thought I kept them but am not sure. they have not failed me but I am not sure that they won't sometime if I have to put them on quickly. I have heard other grand vitara's with the same problem--have talked to a couple of owners and they are just as frustrated as I am. I also had the same ignition switch problem as another person here. I had to have my switch replaced 2 years ago and now it IS doing the same thing. I agree with that person--if I had not had it done under warranty--it would have cost 360.00 to fix. I will have to pay the 360.00 this time when it goes out. someone needs to look into suzuki's manufacturing of these cars. I also had my condenser go out on me in august of last year. that IS a part that IS not covered under warranty because they so seldom go out. my car has 95000 miles on it and already I have put lots of money into it!!! please help me out and do some investigation on these cars. Thanks. *ak
- Air bags
While driving 30-40 mph consumer lost control of vehicle and hit a tree, and vehicle rolled down into a 15 feet embankment. Upon impact, none of the airbags deployed.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Rear main seal in the V-6 engine failed and sprayed oil over the underside of the car. smelled like it could catch fire with the oil open the catalytic converter. *la
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
My problems with my vehicle started right away. I have a 200 suzuki vitara, and within the first months I noticed it wasn't shifting just right. I took it into the dealership and they told me that it was normal. right away also I noticed it was leaking oil and when I took it in the dealership…
My problems with my vehicle started right away. I have a 200 suzuki vitara, and within the first months I noticed it wasn't shifting just right. I took it into the dealership and they told me that it was normal. right away also I noticed it was leaking oil and when I took it in the dealership gave the same answer. finally after taking the vehicle in several times and they were forced to to really deal with the issues I was having they told me to bring the car in that next day. on my way to the dealership my vehicle stalled. I called a tow truck and the next day when I called the dealership to find out what was going on they told me that the engine had blown due to the problems they were neglecting. the ended up changing the engine and the transmission. I was without my vehicle for 1 month. when I intially took my vehichle in I pointed out a crack in the windsheild and told them that I had taken my vechile to several window repair shops. The repair shops told me it would be pointless to get a new windsheild because the problem was with the body of the vehicle. the crack had started from the body, but the dealership refused to deal with the problem, to date it's still cracked. now my key IS caught in the ignition switch it will go to the accessory position but it will not release my key. each night I have to disconnect my battery, to perserve it. I called the dealership and I didn't even have to tell them my year, make or model they already knew what the problem was and said it happend quite a bit. I just suprised this kind of problem hasn't been put on recall. maybe there are enough customers with the same numerous problems I have had. *ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Defects air conditioner condenser damage behind fan assembly. Failure of condenser in location consistent with other failures by other owners. Pull to right while driving even after alighnment, similar to other owner complaints. Vibration while braking and premature wear, similar problems with other owners. Items should be recalled and repaired.*ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Condenser fins behind electric fan are bent/smashed; fan blades appear not to have contacted fin area; no front end damage; fins outside fan area appear in new condition; one other vehicle at dealer checked and has similar damage; appears to be design problem
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
While traveling on highway right passenger window will vibrate hard, and there IS a loud noise. dealership IS aware of problem.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
The lower connector on the left front tire snapped in half causing the tire to fall off. auto body shop and insurance company both feel that it was installed wrong which IS why in snapped. Car IS still under warranty and suzuki will not honor warranty claming that it IS not a mechanical error. I have the other half of the piece that snapped off and you can clearly see that it IS a defected part.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
While driving at 15 to 20 mph felt a thump and pulled over, got out. consumer noticed that front driver's side wheel was almost off vehicle. took vehicle to a mechanic, mechanic stated that lower control arm that holds wheel in place snapped. Cause unknown. Please provide any further information.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
I had the vehicle looked at several time and the belts were changed 3 times. I am starting to expierience the same problems. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic
Power assist booster failed while applying brakes and caused brake pedal to go to the floor. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Dealer said the drive train was out of balance. On one occasion wheel began to vibrate badly, wheel felt like it was pulling wildly to both the left and right and the wheel itself was leaning toward the right. continued to ride over a bridge and almost at the end the driver lost control and the…
Dealer said the drive train was out of balance. On one occasion wheel began to vibrate badly, wheel felt like it was pulling wildly to both the left and right and the wheel itself was leaning toward the right. continued to ride over a bridge and almost at the end the driver lost control and the car went careening into the last segment off the guard rail on right hand side, then veered to the left and went spinning across the median, briefly spinning into the east bound lane, eventually coming to a stop in the median.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
The right front brake springs snapped while driving, causing brakes to lock while car was in motion, thank god it was not at highway speed! Two different dealers with no parts took two months undrivable for repair. Next failure was a major oil leak, dealer says can't tell where its coming from as…
The right front brake springs snapped while driving, causing brakes to lock while car was in motion, thank god it was not at highway speed! Two different dealers with no parts took two months undrivable for repair. Next failure was a major oil leak, dealer says can't tell where its coming from as oil IS everywhere , caused metal shavings in oil and reportedly needs new engine. No warning lights activated though dealer stated that there was less than a quart of oil left in engine.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
Brakes went up only after putting 11032 miles on the vehicle, brakes pads on the vehicle were not the proper pads for the vehicle.
- Air bags › Frontal
While traveling 30 mph, consumer rear ended another vehicle that had come to a stop. upon impact, none of the airbags deployed. driver was injured. *Ak *jb
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
- 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.
Every Suzuki Vitara model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.