Model year record

2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls & problems

The 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 6 safety recalls and 38 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is vehicle speed control (9 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints38filed by owners

Crashes · fires8 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicOct 5, 2005

Foundation components › Disc › Rotor

Recall 05V452000801 vehicles

Problem: 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: THE FRONT BRAKES MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE AND THE VEHICLE MAY PULL TO ONE SIDE. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasolineAug 30, 2004

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 04V427000172,093 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: FUEL LOSS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed controlDec 5, 2003

Cables

Recall 03V512000196,876 vehicles

Problem: 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 ACCELERATOR CABLE TO BECOME FRAYED.
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.
Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasolineApr 27, 2001

Fuel injection system

Recall 01V14600059,888 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER TEMPERATURES BELOW -25 DEGREES, MOISTURE CAN FREEZE IN THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE COULD INCREASE AT THE TIME OF ENGINE START UP, CAUSING FUEL LOSS AT THE FUEL PIPE/FUEL HOSE CONNECTION.
Risk: FUEL LOSS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM UNION AND A NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

EquipmentMar 2, 2001

Other › Labels

Recall 01V07000014,911 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THE PRESENTATION OF SOME OF THE INFORMATION ON THE TIRE INFORMATION LABEL DEVIATES FROM THE FORMAT SET FORTH IN THE STANDARD AND THE LABEL MAY NOT BE "PERMANENTLY AFFIXED" AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Risk: THE LABEL MAY NOT BE FULLY UNDERSTOOD BY SOME CUSTOMERS.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW LABELS AS WELL AS AN UPDATE TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 26, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

WheelsDec 26, 2000

Wheels

Recall 00E08000098 vehicles

Problem: EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: STEEL REPLACEMENT WHEELS, PART NO. 4310-665D21-27S, USED FOR SPARE PARTS ON 1999-2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA AND 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA XL-7 MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED WHEELS WERE PRODUCED FROM JULY 30 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20, 2000. THE THICKNESS OF THE STEEL WHEEL INBOARD OF THE AREA WHERE THE WHEEL RIM IS WELDED TO THE WHEEL DISK IS LESS THAN THE DESIGN SPECIFICATION.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO CRACKING OF THE WHEEL, GRADUAL LOSS OF AIR IN THE TIRE, AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Fix: DEALERS WERE NOTIFIED TO REMOVE ANY OF THESE AFFECTED WHEELS FROM THE STOCK INVENTORY AND RETURN TO AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR COMPANY. SUZUKI WILL NOTIFY ANY END USERS WHICH PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT WHEELS OF THE DEFECT AND TO RETURN THEIR WHEELS TO SUZUKI FOR A FREE REPLACEMENT.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Grand Vitara

18mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Grand Vitara

18mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Grand Vitara 4WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Grand Vitara 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cables	9	3	0	45,575 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system	7	1	0	—
Air bagsFrontal	6	6	4	—
Power trainDriveline › Driveshaft; Automatic transmission	4	2	0	—
SuspensionFront	4	0	0	—
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Windshield	4	0	0	—
EquipmentAppliance › Air conditioner; Electrical	3	1	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	3	1	0	—
TiresSidewall	3	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Delivery	2	0	0	—
Steering	2	1	0	—
Service brakes	2	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Vehicle speed controlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000. UPDATED 04/05/17*LJ *CN
Dec 28, 2016 · 135,000 miles
Service brakes
MY CAR WAS CALLED BACK YEARS AGO BUT NEVER SERVICED . THEY SAID THEY'D CALL NEVER DID. NOW I'M EXPIERIENCING PROBLEMS VITH MY CAR. IT HAS BEEN AN EXCELLENT CAR AND WOULDN'T TRADE IT FOR ANYTHING. IT'S A 2001 GRAND VITARA STANDARD AND IT CRANKS BUT WON'T START. IT'S HAPPEND BEFORE. MY GAS PEDDLE GOES ALL THE WAY ON THE FLOOR. DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT. FEELS AS IF A LINE WAS BROKEN. THE CAR USE TO SHIFT TO THE SIDE WHEN HITTING THE BRAKES. CAN YOU HELP? WHAT IS IT? I HAVEN'T BEEN SBLE TO USE MY CAR FOR A WEEK.
Sep 26, 2015 · 104,189 miles
Air bagsCrash2 injuries
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UNTIL AFTER IMPACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND STERNUM WHILE THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FACIAL INJURY FROM STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Oct 3, 2013 · 85,000 miles
Air bagsCrash2 injuries
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UNTIL MOMENTS AFTER IMPACT. THE PASSENGER WAS PROPELLED INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE KNEE, FINGERS AND FACE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE STERNUM. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED TO DETERMINE THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 12/24/13*CN
Oct 3, 2013 · 85,000 miles
Vehicle speed controlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS AND PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO TURN AND THE VEHICLE ALMOST TURNED OVER WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE WHILE THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS STEERED INTO THE BUSHES TO AVOID A CRASH AND WAS THEN SHUTDOWN WITH THE KEYS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE THROTTLE BODY HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,400. UPDATED 04/02/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS ARRESTED BECAUSE OF THIS EVENT. UPDATED…
Jan 8, 2013 · 78,400 miles
Tires › Sidewall
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 21 IN OHIO. I HEARD A FUNNY NOISE COMING FROM DRIVER SIDE BACK. DOING 60 MILES AN HOUR AND MY BACK DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. NO ACCIDENT. *NM
Sep 16, 2006 · 52,750 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I PURCHASED A 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARTA WITH 8000 MILES. AT 24,500 MILES THE ENGINE BEGAN TO HAVE NOISE. TOOK TO DEALER WHO STATED IT WAS TIMING CHIN TENSIONER. THEY REPLACED 2 TENSIONERS AT THE DEALERS EXPENSE. I HAVE PUT AN ADDITIONAL 5000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE BACK. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE TENSIONERS AND FOUND 100'S OF COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME PART. SUZUKI HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS ITEM AS OF YET, HOWEVER IF THE TIMING CHAIN SHOULD BREAK, ACCIDENTS CAN OCCUR. I HAVE ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND AM NOT SURE IF THE PROBLEM WITH BE FIXED AND IS SO AT WHOSE EXPENSE. THE CLOSEST DEALERSHIP IS 65 MILES AWAY. THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN TSB ON…
Nov 3, 2005 · 24,900 miles
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
CONSUMER LETTER REGARDING CONCERNS WITH THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONERS ON THE 1999-2002 GRAND VITARI XL7. *MR OTHER PROBLEMS: BROKEN KEYLESS ENTRY WHICH OCCURRED TWICE, THE VEHICLE RADIATOR (TWICE), WATER PUMP (TWICE), AND THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED TWICE. TSB TS 07 03014R2 *SC
Jun 10, 2005

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.