2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA

4 recalls, 63 complaints - 14 TSBs

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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.

801 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW -25 DEGREES CELSIUS, MOISTURE CAN FREEZE IN THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. AS A RESULT, FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE MAY INCREASE AT THE TIME OF ENGINE START UP, CAUSING FUEL LOSS AT THE FUEL PIPE/FUEL HOSE CONNECTION.

Consequence

FUEL LOSS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, THE FUEL DELIVER HOSE AND REPLACE THE HOSE CLAMP WITH AN IMPROVED CLAMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

172,093 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

Defect Description

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 IN... Read more

Consequence

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.

196,876 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Defect Description

CERTAIN PASSENGER (111 MY 2002 ESTEEM, 777 MY 2002 AERIO, 2,368 MY 2003 AERIO) AND SPORT UTILITY (324 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA, 274 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA, 684 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA XL-7, AND 781 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA XL-7) VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDA... Read more

Consequence

IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, IT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE EJECTION OF UNBELTED OCCUPANTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT PAINT ADHESION WILL EITHER HAVE THE PROBLEM REMEDIED BY REPAINTING, OR WILL BE REPLACED, OR REPURCHASED AND DESTROYED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

5,319 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Complaint Statistics

63 total complaints 9 crashes 3 fires 6 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES	8
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL	4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	3
TIRES	3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	2
SUSPENSION:FRONT	2
SEAT BELTS	2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL	2
AIR BAGS	1

Incident date: Dec 4, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN ONTO A BRIDGE DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS FROM A STOP SIGN, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST CAUSING A CRASH INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE CONTACT COULD NOT GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND HER BODY... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 4, 2019

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 21, 2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN AT A STOP WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE WOULD BEGIN TO REV WITH THE RPM LEVELS VIGOROUSLY FLUCTUATING. SHE NOTICED THE PROBLEM ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS SINCE JUNE 2009. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 10, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. UNTIL RECENTLY, THE CONTACT HAS NEVER USED THE TIGER PAW SPARE TIRE THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, A TIRE BLEW OUT WITH A LOUD POP. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD TO SAFETY. THE FEND... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2007

2002 SUZUKI VITARA WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WILL GO INTO REVERSE WITH NO HELP FROM THE DRIVER AND OTHER TIMES IT WILL LOCK UP AND NOT GO INTO REVERSE. SHE ALSO STATES THAT IT HAS CAUSED DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE THIRD INCIDENT ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 31, 2007

MY 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA (LIMITED 4WD) WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH. IT WAS A HILLY STRETCH OF HIGHWAY NEAR PITTSVILLE, MO AND THERE WAS A LIGHT DUSTING OF SNOW JUST STARTING TO FALL. THE CRUISE CONTROL MADE THE CAR JUMP INTO A... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 1, 2004

I AM WRITING ABOUT THE SEAT BELTS IN MY 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT FREQUENTLY LOCKS UP AND DOESN'T ALLOW THE PERSON WEARING IT TO MOVE. I FIND IT VERY ANNOYING AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE AS WHOEVER IS IN THAT SEAT USUALLY ENDS UP UNBUCKLING IT AND NOT PUTTING IT BACK ON. THIS ALSO... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2004

Incident date: Nov 28, 2005

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY BROKE. THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT LOCK . HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. *AK UPDATED 12/07/05. *JB

Incident date: Oct 1, 2005

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER 2002 GRAND VITARA AIR COMPRESSOR FAILED. *TS THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC

Incident date: Oct 18, 2005

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING SOUND WHILE DRIVING AT 35-40 MPH. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING AND NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE SHE THOUGHT SHE MAY HAVE RUN OVER SOMETHING. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF THIS, AND SHE PROCEEDED. AFTERWARDS, THE BR... Read more

Incident date: Oct 18, 2005

Incident date: Jun 13, 2005

AT SPEED OF 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, I WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I HAD TO APPLY MY BRAKES QUICKLY, AND MUCH TO MY SHOCK, THE CAR WENT SIDEWAYS AND SLAMMED INTO A STEEL DIVIDER. THIS CAUSED BODY DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE TO THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE - FROM FRONT TO BACK AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. I HAV... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 26, 2005

FUEL DOOR FELL OFF AGAIN!!!!

Incident date: Mar 9, 2005

GASOLINE FUEL DOOR FELL OFF FOR NO REASON, AS FAR I CAN TELL, ALL THE HARDWARE THAT WOULD SECURE FUEL DOOR IS STILL THERE. I HAVE SEEN OTHER SUZUKI'S WITH THE SAME THING. *JB

Incident date: Jan 3, 2005

SUZUKI TAKEN TO DEALER 3 TIMES FOR IGNITION LOCKED AND 2 TIMES FOR THE 4WD PROBLEM. *BF WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR THE SECOND TIME REGARDING THE 4-WHEEL IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERNAL LOCATED IN THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY. *JB

Incident date: Jan 3, 2005

Incident date: Dec 21, 2004

THE PEDALS ARE TO CLOSE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO SIMULTANEOUSLY DEPRESS THE BRAKE/ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALERSHIP WILL BE NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *NM

Incident date: Jan 4, 2005

CONSUMER APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. AFTERWARDS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED HESITANTLY ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PRO... Read more

Incident date: Oct 17, 2003

RESPONSE TO A LETTER THE CONSUMER RECEIVED IN REGARDS TO SELLING HER 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. *PH THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL WHILE BRAKING, A SPEAKER WAS BLOWN, NONE OF THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS WORKED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. WHEN THE CONSUMER PIC... Read more

Incident date: Oct 17, 2003

Incident date: Nov 19, 2004

THERE WAS A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE ROTORS HAD COMPLETELY WARPED. *JB

Incident date: Oct 14, 2004

CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE(04V427000) FOR THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *JB

Incident date: Oct 12, 2004

CONSUMER STATED SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (CAMPAIGN #0442700), BUT WHEN SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR THE REPAIR SHE WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE BACK LOGGED. THEY ALSO TOLD HER THAT THEY DO NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WILL RECEIVE THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL. THE DEALER ALSO TOLD HER THAT THEY HAVE C... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2004

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND PUSHING IN THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER LIGHTER POPPED OUT AND LANDED INTO SOME TISSUE, WHICH CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Sep 3, 2004

THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY BEGAN TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE WHEN ENGAGED FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOUR TIMES AND REPLACED THE CABLE ACCELERATOR. *AK THE FIRST OCCASION OCCURRED AS THE CONSUMER PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE WENT FLYING INTO THE NEX... Read more

Incident date: May 9, 2004

2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. DRIVERS HEATED SEAT WIRING FIRE.*JB

Fire

Incident date: Jun 1, 2004

REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFROM RECALL REPAIRS.*MR *JB *NM

Incident date: Jun 28, 2004

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD LOST STEERING WHEEL CONTROL. ALSO, FRONT TIRES WERE NOT ALIGNED, AND THE INNER PART OF THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY.*AK

Incident date: Jun 28, 2004

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD LOST STEERING WHEEL CONTROL. ALSO, FRONT TIRES WERE NOT ALIGNED, AND THE INNER PART OF THE TIRES WORE OUT PREMATURELY.*AK

Incident date: May 11, 2004

CONSUMER RECEIVED ON JANUARY 2004 NHTSA RECALL 03V512000 REGARDING ACCELERATOR CABLE CASING CAP THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE FIREWALL COULD CRACK DUE TO EXTENDED EXPOSURE TO FORCES FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE, AND INSUFFICIENT LONG TERM DURABILITY OF THE PLASTIC CASING CAP. THE DEALERSHIP STI... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2004

ON FEB 8, 2004 CONSUMER RECEIVED A NHTSA RECALL 03V512000 REGARDING THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CASIN CAP. THE DEALERSHIP STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO CONDUCT RECALL REPAIRS. *AK

Incident date: Mar 24, 2004

CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL LETTER 03V512000 REGARDING ACCELERATOR CABLE CASING CAP THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE FIREWALL WHICH COULD CRACK DUE TO EXTENDED EXPOSURE FORCES FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE, AND INSUFFICIENT LONG TERM DURABILITY OF THE PLASTIC CASING CAP. THE DEALERSHIP STILL DID ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 9, 2003

BRAKES SQUEALED EXCESSIVELY AND COST A MINT TO HAVE REPLACED. (HAD TO HAVE TWO SETS BOUGHT TO GET THIS TO STOP AND ROTORS MACHINED WITHIN 1 YR OF PURCHASE) RIGHT SEAT BELT LOCKS EXCESSIVELY AND ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK IS TO UNDO THE CONNECTION. *NM

Incident date: Aug 9, 2003

Incident date: Jan 1, 2002

WHEN STARTING THE CAR IT SHAKES FOR TWO TO THREE MINUTES AND THEN FINALLY RUNS NORMAL. BEFORE THIS IT WON'T START. THE DEALER REPLACED THE STARTER BUT I STILL HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER SAYS THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNLESS THEY CAN DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. SO NOW I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT TH... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2004

ON FEBRUARY 10, 2004 CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CASING CAP . DEALERSHIP STILL DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO CONDUCT RECALL REPAIRS. THERE WAS NO PLACE IN PUERTO RICO THAT HAD THE PARTS AVAILABLE. *AK

Incident date: Mar 11, 2004

THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE CABLE CASING CAP. THE DEALERSHIP STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE TO CONDUCT THE RECALL REPAIR. *AK *SC *JB

Incident date: Mar 1, 2004

CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL LETTER 03V512000 REGARDING ACCELERATOR CABLE CASING CAP THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE FIREWALL COULD CRACK DUE TO EXTENDED EXPOSURE TO FORCES FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE, AND INSUFFICIENT LONG TERM DURABILITY OF THE PLASTIC CASING CAP. THE DEALERSHIP STILL DID NOT... Read more

Incident date: Feb 24, 2004

CONSUMER RECEIVED NHTSA RECALL 03V512000 IN JANUARY 2004 CONCERNING ACCELERATOR CABLE CASING CAP CRACKING 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 ACCELERA... Read more

WHEN TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE FUEL FLOODED THE ENGINE, CAUSING VEHICLE NOT TO START. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO CHANGED THE SPARK PLUGS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ACCELERATOR CABLE PROBLEM. *AK

Incident date: Dec 25, 2003

THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER TO CALL BACK IN 5 DAYS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CASING CAP RECALL 03V512000 PERFORMED, ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE, WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT A POLE. *JB

Crash

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR CABLE. THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS................................................. *JB

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: Jan 13, 2004

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON BUSY STREETVEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. CONSUMER STATED HER FOUR YEAR OLD SON WAS IN THE VEHICLE, AND COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. *AK

Incident date: Dec 3, 2003

WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH BRAKE FOUNDATION ASSEMBLY AND THE WHEEL FELL OFF. AS RESUL, VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. CONSUMER HAD PICTURES AND POLICE REPORT. *AK.

Crash

Incident date: Dec 3, 2003

WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH BRAKE FOUNDATION ASSEMBLY AND THE WHEEL FELL OFF. AS RESUL, VEHICLE ROLLED OVER. CONSUMER HAD PICTURES AND POLICE REPORT. *AK.

Crash

Incident date: Feb 4, 2003

THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO FUNCTION AND SUDDENLY GOT STUCK IN THE GEAR THAT IT WAS IN. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PART, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED.*AK CONSUMER NOTED THIS FAILURE OCCURRED IN THREE VEHICLES, ALL OF WHICH WERE THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T TAKE RESPONSIBILIT... Read more

Showing 50 of 63 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive)	17.0	19.0	18.0	Regular	$3,400
2.5L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive)	17.0	20.0	18.0	Regular	$3,400

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA

14 manufacturer communications from 12 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	5
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	3
020000 SUSPENSION	2
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	1
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM	1
350000 EQUIPMENT	1
160000 STRUCTURE	1

020000 SUSPENSION

Reminder 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.

160000 STRUCTURE

Reminder 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.

020000 SUSPENSION

This 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

350000 EQUIPMENT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

REVISED REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR REPLACEMENT. *TT