2003 Suzuki XL-7
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Suzuki › XL-7 › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Suzuki XL-7. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2003 Suzuki XL-7. Newest first.
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 16-inch wheels, the front brake discs may break under severe driving conditions. the breakage can occur in conditions where the vehicle IS driven on a regular basis on extremely steep paved down-slopes while continuously applying the brakes.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The front brakes may become inoperative and the vehicle may pull to one side. this could result in a crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front brake discs on these vehicles. the recall began on november 10, 2005. these vehicles are located on st. Thomas island (virgin islands). owners may contact suzuki del caribe at 787-622-0600.
On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable casing cap that IS attached to the vehicle firewall can crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable and insufficient long-term durability of the plastic casing cap. if the casing cap becomes cracked, movement of the inner accelerator cable through the cap can cause the inner…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the inner accelerator cable becomes frayed, it can stick during vehicle operation. in the case where an accelerator cable sticks, the driver could have difficulty controlling vehicle speed, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the accelerator cable, which includes the plastic casing cap. owner notification began on january 5, 2004. owners should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
Owner complaints
24 complaints3 involved a crash4 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Service brakes
The contact owns a 2003 Suzuki XL7. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The failure also occurred right after starting the vehicle. During the failure, the vehicle lost braking and…
The contact owns a 2003 Suzuki XL7. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The failure also occurred right after starting the vehicle. During the failure, the vehicle lost braking and power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle coasted to a stop and she was able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, several unknown warning lights illuminated off and on during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed for the brake failure however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
TL* the contact owns a 2003 suzuki XL-7. While driving 20 mph, the vehicle started to accelerate independently without warning. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic who diagnosed that the accelerator cable was rusted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage 165000. Updated 3/24/15*cn
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
As I was driving the car, it came to a stop on its own .. I got out to see what was wrong, and I noticed that there was fire coming out of the back and the front of the car. As I ran away from the car I could see the fire dripping from the bottom . *tr
- Engine
While driving 70 mph on the highway in heavy traffic to a scheduled doctors appointment from toledo, ohio to ann arbor, michigan, the power steering wheel became stiff and difficult to control and operate the vehicle properly and safely. When changing lanes to get off the freeway after driving 56…
While driving 70 mph on the highway in heavy traffic to a scheduled doctors appointment from toledo, ohio to ann arbor, michigan, the power steering wheel became stiff and difficult to control and operate the vehicle properly and safely. When changing lanes to get off the freeway after driving 56 miles the power steering wheel was hard to turn while exiting off the offramp. I was able to drive to a nearby service center called goodyear. Goodyear analyzed the vehicle and said the drive belt had broken off the air compressor which controls the power steering belt. Goodyear had to put a new drive belt on, which cost me $115.89. additionally, goodyear said the a/c compressor had malfunctioned and that caused the a/c compressor to freeze up which caused the serious problem of the power steering belt to break off. (Shredded) goodyear's estimate to repair the compressor malfunction was $1,500.00 dollars. The estimate cost of the a/c compressor part by itself for the suzuki XL7 03 was $600 dollars. also, when I researched the internet for other similar suzuki a/c malfunction complaints I found numerous suzuki XL7 owners who have complained about this problem, ie., the a/c compressor has a serious habit of freezing up and breaking the drive belt! I believe that this IS a very serious safety hazard for owners of suzuki XL7 03 models and your agency needs to investigate this safety defect before the suzuki XL7 causes a serious vehicle accident which could result in death! additionally,anything that would impair the operation of a major part of any vehicle IS a "safety defect" and hazardous!" suzuki manufacturers ought to be held accountable for this safety problem as they manufactured the suzuki XL7 03 and should have known the a/c compressor could malfunction which IS the cause for the drive belt to break off the power steering. *js
- Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki XL-7. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact stated that the seat belt buckle became loose and afterward, would not buckle. She called an authorized dealer where she was informed of the price of a full seat belt replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The current mileage was approximately 111,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki XL7. The contact stated the front brakes has fail. As he step on the brakes it goes all the way to the floor. When the pads get too thin the emergency light comes on. The rear axle seal has to be repair twice because they keep wearing out. The vehicle has been to the dealer more than once and they cannot find the failure for the brakes. The failure mileage was 74,000.
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
My 2003 suzuki XL-7 started making noises and suddenly the engine died while I was driving on a major road at an intersection during heavy traffic. My car would not crank back up and I had to have a police officer help me push my car through the intersection and call a tow truck. The tow truck took…
My 2003 suzuki XL-7 started making noises and suddenly the engine died while I was driving on a major road at an intersection during heavy traffic. My car would not crank back up and I had to have a police officer help me push my car through the intersection and call a tow truck. The tow truck took my car to the local suzuki dealership and service dept. The head mechanic informed me after inspecting the vehicle that my internal fuel pump burnt all my wiring harnesses up in the entire car. I was low on fuel that day and it was a miracle that the fuel tank did not blow up and or the vehicle didn't catch fire. The mechanic has recorded what he found and we have all the burnt and defective original parts. I have paid a lot and am still waiting for over two months without a car for the parts to get it fixed. A recall needs to be made and an investigation on the fuel pump that was installed in my car by the manufacturer suzuki. *Tr
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki XL-7. the rear quarter panel has two slots that are splitting the driver side and passenger side rear seat belts trough the plastic. the seat belts were rarely used. the dealer stated that the seat belts needed to be replaced. pictures are available if needed.…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki XL-7. the rear quarter panel has two slots that are splitting the driver side and passenger side rear seat belts trough the plastic. the seat belts were rarely used. the dealer stated that the seat belts needed to be replaced. pictures are available if needed. The failure mileage was 65,000. the current mileage was 70,000. *updated 12/12/07 *bf the consumer stated the second and third rows of seats pass through the openings in the interior plastic trim. The consumer stated the molding process used to make this trim panel left a flash line around the circumference of the hole. updated 12/12/07 *tr
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki XL-7. the contact took her vehicle to the dealer for her engine to be serviced. upon leaving the dealer, she noticed that the air bag light was illuminated. she returned to the dealer and they stated that they did not have anything to do with the air bag light.…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki XL-7. the contact took her vehicle to the dealer for her engine to be serviced. upon leaving the dealer, she noticed that the air bag light was illuminated. she returned to the dealer and they stated that they did not have anything to do with the air bag light. according to the owner's manual, the illuminated light signifies that the air bag indicator IS disconnected, preventing the air bag from deploying. the contact spoke with the manufacturer who stated that the part IS not under warranty and that she should notify the dealer's service department. the estimated cost to have the unit replaced IS $500. the vehicle has been at the dealer for two weeks now. the powertrain was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 38,600.
- Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal
I had the brakes checked and the mechanic made me aware of an issue with the rear breaks. The rear axle seals had leaked on the rear brake pads, drums and the rear axle. The mechanic called the suzuki dealership and was informed by their service dept. That it was a problem. I was informed that it…
I had the brakes checked and the mechanic made me aware of an issue with the rear breaks. The rear axle seals had leaked on the rear brake pads, drums and the rear axle. The mechanic called the suzuki dealership and was informed by their service dept. That it was a problem. I was informed that it could have resulted in my axle freezing up and of course my rear brakes were not up to par. There IS a bulletin out (my mechanic told me, the suzuki dealership told him) but no recall. *nm
- Electrical system
The SUV made a strange sound on sunday morning as we attempted to crank it up and go to church (september 3RD, 2006)..after church it made another strange sound we made it home and the power completely went out in our driveway...(2) on monday (labor day, september 4,2006)..i took the battery out…
The SUV made a strange sound on sunday morning as we attempted to crank it up and go to church (september 3RD, 2006)..after church it made another strange sound we made it home and the power completely went out in our driveway...(2) on monday (labor day, september 4,2006)..i took the battery out and went to two auto parts stores to have it tested...finally getting a new battery at autozone (at my personal expense)...the old battery was no good..then putting the battery back in the SUV starting it up and noticing that the gas hand registered almost empty, which was impossible because we only drove 4 miles to church and the SUV had well over half a tank of fuel..anyway I drove to the corner gas station (appx. 4 blocks) filled the tank started to drive back and all the power went out on the vehicle and the steering wheel locked up on me...at 35 miles per hour..almost causing the vehicle directly behind me to rear end me...at that point I had to fight to keep the SUV from going into the ditch by the side of the road...the consequences are: that I am scared to drive the SUV again (3) what was done or IS being done: I had the SUV towed to the jay suzuki dealership on veterans parkway in columbus georgia on yesterday and they are still checking into it? As they are unable to find the cause...and I notified american suzuki customer assistance automotive division in brea california via fax and email and they have not had the courtesy to get back with me..yet..please note this SUV has had the two recall campaigns completed that were supposed to prevent this from happening and this IS the third battery in this 2003 XL-7 in less than 33 months..something IS very wrong? *Nm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
I bought ny 2003 suzuki XL7 in march 2006 . I was putting gas in when the fuel tank door fell off. Before the warranty was up. I called the dealership he said it was not covered but could get me a new one and paint it for about $100.00. Why I just bought it less than 4 weeks ago used but I didn't expect it. I was shocked and so disappointed because I really like this vehicle. *jb
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Interior lighting · Seat belts · Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure
Letter of complaint and frustration on the poor quality of 2003 suzuki XL-7 and subsequent pathetic lack of service at the dealer. *ts ***nar*** the molding on the running boards on both sides of the vehicle came off. all the seat belts except for the front driver and passenger lock for no…
Letter of complaint and frustration on the poor quality of 2003 suzuki XL-7 and subsequent pathetic lack of service at the dealer. *ts ***nar*** the molding on the running boards on both sides of the vehicle came off. all the seat belts except for the front driver and passenger lock for no reason. once locked the seat belts can not be loosened. the seat belt has to be unbuckled the allowed to retract fully before it will function properly. when the interior lights were in auto mode the light did not come on when the doors were opened. a consumer smell a foul odor like oil or something burning. the dealer said that the smell was from the undercoating applied to protect the undercarriage and that it would go away in a few months. the smell persisted beyond a few months. the instrument panel light would go off intermittently. the brakes made noise. the dealer blamed the noise on the brakes being new. the battery terminals corroded. *nm
- Power train › Axle hubs
Subtle but noticeable vibration felt in rear axle; while under tow (behind motorhome) right rear wheel (tire, wheel, hub) separated from axle and left vehicle. vehicle drivetrain was in mfg recommended position for towing (transmission in d, transaxle set to n). Heat generated from failure…
Subtle but noticeable vibration felt in rear axle; while under tow (behind motorhome) right rear wheel (tire, wheel, hub) separated from axle and left vehicle. vehicle drivetrain was in mfg recommended position for towing (transmission in d, transaxle set to n). Heat generated from failure (possibly bad wheel bearing) led to fire. fire was extinguished by police. suzuki refused to warranty this failure under their 100,000 mile powertrain coverage. subsequent to rear-end rebuild from this incident, a similar vibration was felt again on right rear side. suzuki did at this time replace a bad wheel bearing under warranty. *Jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
While driving vehicle started to slow down on its own, it went from 40 mph to 5 mph, coming to a complete stop. Vehicle was engulfed in fire. The fire was coming from the floor of the vehicle. Consumer complained to the dealer of acceleration problem with the vehicle going in a reverse motion. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving at highway speeds a loud roaring sound was heard from the engine compartment. *Ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall campaign for the suzuki XL-7. Funny burning smell each time the air consitioner IS turned on. Also gas mileage IS a prolem. *bf
- Engine and engine cooling · Suspension
The engine light came on intermittently, when it rained it was hard to control the vehicle. the dealer could not find any defects with the vehicle. *jb
- Air bags
Consumer was traveling at 40 mph and t-boned another vehicle. upon impact air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained some injuries.*ak
- Structure
This XL-7 doesn't have 8,000 on it yet ,and the paint IS faded really bad already,and there IS acid rain spots showing up on the hood and top. I would like to know if suzuki has any kind of recall on the burgundy pearl paint,due to fading.will be contacting the dealership very soon ,but would like…
This XL-7 doesn't have 8,000 on it yet ,and the paint IS faded really bad already,and there IS acid rain spots showing up on the hood and top. I would like to know if suzuki has any kind of recall on the burgundy pearl paint,due to fading.will be contacting the dealership very soon ,but would like to know if this IS a legitimate problem and a possible report to mention to them...original dealer no longer sell suzuki,so I have been getting service work done at courtesy suzuki in irwin pa.*ak
- Structure › Body
Due to rainy weather conditions water leaked onto the floor. Dealer inspected the doors/floor/ body, and could not reproduce or correct the problem.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
While driving at 35 mph consumer depressed the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. vehicle never slowed down. Consumer eventually had to use the emergency brakes to stop the vehicle. dealer replaced the pads and the rotors, but the problem recurred.
- Vehicle speed control
On december 31, 2003, the 2003 suzuki XL-7 with 6301 miles was driven by owner's mother, maxine martin, on hwy 95 in coeur d'alene, idaho. as driver was approaching stop light, she applied the brake at which time the car engine accelerated very fast. in order to avoid a rear end collison with the…
On december 31, 2003, the 2003 suzuki XL-7 with 6301 miles was driven by owner's mother, maxine martin, on hwy 95 in coeur d'alene, idaho. as driver was approaching stop light, she applied the brake at which time the car engine accelerated very fast. in order to avoid a rear end collison with the car ahead, the driver swerved into other lane hitting a state of idaho pickup. there was damage to both vehicles and the suzuki driver was cited for improper lane change. suzuki driver had slight injury to back. car being taken to suzuki dealer on friday 1/2/2004.*ak
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
The consumer received a notice for recall# 03 v 512 000 subject: accelerator cable casing cap. an appointment was made with the dealer for 12/26/2003. on 12/22/2003, the vehicle accelerated when the driver tried to brake. the vehicle hit a parked car as a result. please provide dealer information along with any other detailed information. *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.
- 10094888This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer IS having that IS unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad IS faulty the onstar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The onstar module could have an internal fault and produce a phone unavailable audio message also it may have a diagnostic trouble code u1500 or b1000. Refer to diagnostics for the diagnostic trouble code making sure to follow any applicable bulletins or preliminary information sheets. A greadyh or gonstar readyh audio message heard while driving. In some cases it has been found that the customer IS inadvertently pressing the push to talk button on the steering wheel controls. On rare occasions, other issues in the steering column or steering wheel control system may induce this concern.
- 10016425Service manual update, a/c wiring diagram correction grand vitara sq625w/xl-7 ja627
- 10015910Modification of main bearing oil clearance and the bearing selection procedure. 1999-2005 suzuki vitara sq420/sq625l, grand vitara sq625w, and XL-7 ja627
- 10007522Oil leaking from left front of engine.
Every Suzuki XL-7 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.