2001 Suzuki Vitara
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Suzuki › Vitara › 2001
These records cover every 2001 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 2001 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
27 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Equipment adaptive/mobility · Power train › Automatic transmission · Power train › Driveline · Service brakes, hydraulic · Suspension › Front · Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems · Vehicle speed control
The cigarette lighter pop's out when it done to were I can't find it, it has burnt several items in my tray,and floor. also the gas pedal stick's when you push down on it to give a verbal acceleration to get around someone etc. The air in the tire's are always going down. The oil says it low…
The cigarette lighter pop's out when it done to were I can't find it, it has burnt several items in my tray,and floor. also the gas pedal stick's when you push down on it to give a verbal acceleration to get around someone etc. The air in the tire's are always going down. The oil says it low everytime I look at it once every two weeks. The belt on the ac keep losing and now it needs replaced because it now has freezed up on me. The radio at 12:00 am and pm reads 00. Then the minutes only displaced. There's a rattle under the car, don't know what that IS? When I put the 4X4 on it has a hard time going back into the regular gear. So really just needed to see if there were recalls on theses problem's? *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 suzuki vitara. while in reverse, the vehicle accelerated from zero to approximately 20 mph, which caused the vehicle to crash into the carport. there was snow on the roads at the time of failure. the dealer did not inspect the vehicle. approximately two months later…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 suzuki vitara. while in reverse, the vehicle accelerated from zero to approximately 20 mph, which caused the vehicle to crash into the carport. there was snow on the roads at the time of failure. the dealer did not inspect the vehicle. approximately two months later, the failure recurred and the vehicle crashed into the carport and the shed. the road conditions were rainy. the insurance company inspected the vehicle, but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. the dealer inspected the vehicle, but did not provide the contact with any information. a police report was filed. the current mileage was 68,000 and failure mileage was 67,000. the consumer provided multiple repair orders, insurance claims, and legal documentation pertaining to this incident, insurance claims, and rental documents. Updated 08/27/07 *tr
- Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
While driving 70 mph the front end of the suzuki grand vitara XL7 (2001) the steering wheel began to shake violently in my hands. I pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that there was a rip in the rubber boot under the SUV on the drivers side (front). I believe it was called a 1/2…
While driving 70 mph the front end of the suzuki grand vitara XL7 (2001) the steering wheel began to shake violently in my hands. I pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that there was a rip in the rubber boot under the SUV on the drivers side (front). I believe it was called a 1/2 shaft. I stuck my finger in the rip of the rubber boot and felt a bunch of pieces on metal & large ball bearings laying in there. I had to park the SUV and call someone to pick up myself and my children so that we could pick up the wife which was being released from the hospital. I rented a u-haul truck with a trailer (185.00) and drove it back from milwaukee. December 24TH. I placed the SUV on jack stands and took off the tire and the cap for the drive shaft on the outer part by the break drum, I found a retainer clip about 1" in diameter. I removed it and the inner part of the 1/2 shaft fell off from the inner part of the break drum. I found out that the only thing that was holding the drive shaft in place was the retaining clip. we don't have any dealers in the area anymore. I called every parts store in the area and no one could supply me with a new part. I called a number of junk yards to find the part and found 1. The used part cost me 75.00 I replaced it with ease but know the SUV sits in the driveway because it pulls to the left. We have to wait until we can afford to have the SUV checked out by a service station for alignment. It may cost us more if there IS more problems that are not noticed by the eye. p. S. There was not warning that the SUV was having any problems before this happened. thank you. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt: the contact stated the air bag did not deploy when the contact's vehicle went into a median and hit a tree. the front middle of the vehicle hit the tree. the vehicle was turning when this happened. therefore, she was unaware of the speed. she moved the vehicle to a nearby parking lot. it…
Dt: the contact stated the air bag did not deploy when the contact's vehicle went into a median and hit a tree. the front middle of the vehicle hit the tree. the vehicle was turning when this happened. therefore, she was unaware of the speed. she moved the vehicle to a nearby parking lot. it was then towed to a local body shop. no one inspected the vehicle to see why the air bags did not deploy. the contact broke her nose when this happened. *Ak updated 11/29/2005 - *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
Oil leak that has been a known engineering defect and not yet corrected by suzuki
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
2001 suzuki gr.vitara 25,000 miles on engine. Ticking noise from engine,loss of power. Suzuki stated timing tensioner IS the cause. Repaired under extended warranty 3 times, within 6 months. Extra costs placed on comsumer. Suzuki recommended replacement of timing chains,and would not cover the…
2001 suzuki gr.vitara 25,000 miles on engine. Ticking noise from engine,loss of power. Suzuki stated timing tensioner IS the cause. Repaired under extended warranty 3 times, within 6 months. Extra costs placed on comsumer. Suzuki recommended replacement of timing chains,and would not cover the cost. The engine from what I understand could have seized. First repair on 12-21-04, second on 03-15-05, last repair on 06-06-05. At pickup on date of last repair, belts from front of engine were shredding of the pulleys! On that day I traded-in the car, as I was tired of fighting with suzuki and my former dealership for rerpairs.
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt: ran off the road going about 25 mph onto the sidewalk. consumer hit an electrical box and street sign. the car stopped and the police and emv came. the police stated that the air bags did not deploy. consumer was taken to the hospital as a precaution. consumer did have previous back problems and didn't know if it would cause more problems. *tt
- Engine and engine cooling
Driving and suddenly engine makes a horrible noise and stopped. All the dashboard light cameon, I did not start the vehicle. Had it towed to a mechanic. once the mechanic got it started he told me that he thought I had major engine problems. decided to have vehicle towed to my nephew's mechanic…
Driving and suddenly engine makes a horrible noise and stopped. All the dashboard light cameon, I did not start the vehicle. Had it towed to a mechanic. once the mechanic got it started he told me that he thought I had major engine problems. decided to have vehicle towed to my nephew's mechanic whom I would trust, and the found that the time chain appartently jumped stopped which caused major engine damage. also, they had come to the conclusion the reason why the timing chain did this was due to a foreign piece of medal that looked like a washer which evidentially worked its way and got caught into the the chain. he said that the only way this piece of medal could have gotten there was during the time the vehicle was built. suzuki was not much help. they said that I should have brought the vehicle to the dealer which was not close by nor did I know at the time what the problem was.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Owned vehicle for 3 years had oil changes every 3 months no problem til on the march 14TH, 2005 I was driving through a neighbor going around 10 mph and all of the sudden the engine makes a horrible noise and stops. All the dashboard lights came on. did not start the vehicle up. had it towed to a…
Owned vehicle for 3 years had oil changes every 3 months no problem til on the march 14TH, 2005 I was driving through a neighbor going around 10 mph and all of the sudden the engine makes a horrible noise and stops. All the dashboard lights came on. did not start the vehicle up. had it towed to a mechanic. mechanic had trouble getting it started and once he got it started he told me that he did not know what went wrong but he advised that my engine had gone bad. I then had vehicle towed to my nephew's whom I can trust. and they found out the the timing chain apparently jumped stopped and caused major damage to my engine which the engine had to be replaced.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
At 48,000 miles the timing tensioner went out in my suzuki grand vitara. This has caused complete damage to the entire engine requiring a complete rebuild because of a part that was defective. Suzuki has denied responsibility and would not help fix this issue even though they say that their…
At 48,000 miles the timing tensioner went out in my suzuki grand vitara. This has caused complete damage to the entire engine requiring a complete rebuild because of a part that was defective. Suzuki has denied responsibility and would not help fix this issue even though they say that their vehicles have zero-maintenance and self-adjusting timing chains. The part clearly failed long before it's rating and need for replacement (60,000miles) and I have found many other people on the web with the same issue (around 500 similar complaints). Suzuki has a part or manufacturing issue and this really needs to be looked into for the sake of all consumers out there. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Whenever the vehicle runs over a bump it causes the engine to stall. Vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer replaced the fuel line. Within a few weeks the problem recurred.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Driving at night I have been stopped on numerous occasions for faulty rear taillights. it seems the light bulbs will work their way out of the sockets and light up some of the time but usually not at all. *nm
- Electrical system › Ignition
It IS very difficult to remove the key from the ignition of my 2001 suzuki vitara. I was told by the local suzuki dealer that this happens to all of them. I feel that if this IS happening to all of these vehicles, suzuki should recall the defective part and replace it with one that will not wear out.*ak
- Suspension › Front
2001 grand vitara 4 door r235-60-16 tires; vehicle dramatically swerves suddenly to the side at highway speeds; forces constant control of vehicle; experienced by at least 2 other drivers of the vehicle; tires replaced; alignment done; no change; vehicle appears to be unsafe on te highway; if tires…
2001 grand vitara 4 door r235-60-16 tires; vehicle dramatically swerves suddenly to the side at highway speeds; forces constant control of vehicle; experienced by at least 2 other drivers of the vehicle; tires replaced; alignment done; no change; vehicle appears to be unsafe on te highway; if tires encounter an imperfection in the road such as an indentation where the asphalt meets, it will hit that spot and jump to the side; several near accidents; reported to dealer who said there IS nothing out of the ordinary; however, it appearded in the last year; acts as if something IS wrong with steering mechanism; had this problem once before on a differnt vehivle & it was the steering column *ak
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights › Switch
The tail lights unexpectedly went out without warning, then came back on some hours later. the cause IS unknown. please provide any further details. *nlm
- Tires › Tread/belt
The vehicle was taken to a bridgestone dealer to get the tires rotated. dealer stated that tread on the tires were gone, and consumer should buy four new tires. bridgestone ht tires.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Interior lighting · Unknown or other
I have been dissatisfied with my suzuki grand vitara since I got it. My husband has had to change the oil numberous times even prior to the regular oil changes. There have even been times when he would change the oil, the light would continue to stay on and I would take it to a professional to have…
I have been dissatisfied with my suzuki grand vitara since I got it. My husband has had to change the oil numberous times even prior to the regular oil changes. There have even been times when he would change the oil, the light would continue to stay on and I would take it to a professional to have the oil changed then the light would continue to stay on. I have spend way too much money for this vehicle and have been very dissatified with it. I have to drive approximately 30 miles to even have a key made for it. The dome lights don't come on until you turn them on manually. The keyless entry doesn't work among other things. I purchased the extended warranty when I bought the truck. When I contact the dealer for anything, they can't help me. I have been very dissappointed with them as well as the suzuki grand vitara. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
While applying brakes front end shakes and steering will vibrate. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Equipment · Seat belts
Vehicle burns 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. 2ND row safety belts are frayed on passenger & driver side from rubbing against interior plastic of vehicle.
- Structure › Body › Door
The left rear door came open while moving and without warning! There IS no door ajar warning light on dash to alert driver that a door IS open. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail
2001 grand vitara XL-7 4WD, fuel line feed (pipe) to throttle body had crack causeing gas to leak onto engine. Fuel pipe IS located on rear of throttle body, left side (looking from front), towards firewall. Gas line has "banjo" fitting with banjo bolt holding line onto throttle body. Gas leaks…
2001 grand vitara XL-7 4WD, fuel line feed (pipe) to throttle body had crack causeing gas to leak onto engine. Fuel pipe IS located on rear of throttle body, left side (looking from front), towards firewall. Gas line has "banjo" fitting with banjo bolt holding line onto throttle body. Gas leaks onto fitting and drops onto engine. Strong smell of gas in cab of vehicle during warm-up and at idle. Once in motion smell IS not as strong if at all. Smell IS really bad during summer (warmer) days. Replacement of this fuel pipe appears to have cured the problem. Problem first noticed around july 2002. First visits to dealership produced no results with their effort to locate source of smell. Several attempts made at tighting gas bypass lines, evaporator lines, vacuum lines, etc. All up front, on the engine. I found leak by searching for strongest location of smell, at idle, engine warm, in parking lot. Once found, saw drops of gasoline coming from fuel pipe. Notified dealership and problem was fixed by replacement of fuel pipe within two days.
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
When driving over 60 mph rear end would start to rattle. The noise got louder and louder. took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that differential needed replacement. 5000 miles later, noise resurfaced. This will make the third differential that had been replaced. please provide any further information.*ak
- Interior lighting · Structure › Body › Door
Consumer states that when opening the door, the light will not come on, dealer stated problem was most likely due to a faulty fuse. *slc
- Suspension › Front
While driving at any speed vehicle will swerve, and its very difficult to control. vehicle IS too light weight to be swerving in strong winds.*ak
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Driveshaft came loose while driving 35-40mph. Vehicle stopped accelerating and acted as though it was in neutral. consumer rearended another vehicle. transmission fluid leaked completely out, consumer got beneath the vehicle, and saw that drivetrain was dislocated from the transmission. Suzuki was notified, and stated it was normal wear and tear.*ak dealer will repair. *tt
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.
Every Suzuki Vitara model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.