The Worst Problems for Every Suzuki Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common Suzuki problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  1. Suzuki CVT Problems

    Suzuki's continuously variable transmissions (CVT) are running hot and entering temperature protection control, a fail-safe mode that slows the vehicle's speed and ability to accelerate.

    Continue

  2. Inflated MPG Numbers for 6 Years

    Suzuki says they weren't cheating on fuel economy tests, at least not intentionally. They just used the wrong test for 6 years resulting in 2.1 million vehicles with inflated MPG claims.

    Continue

  3. Overheating Daytime Running Lights

    Suzuki headlights are catching on fire because of a defect in the daytime running lamp module that allows excessive heat to build up until it sparks a flame.

    Continue

All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sorting out which topics, problems, and model years have the most overall complaints from owners on CarComplaints.com.

Worst Issues (see all)

What Breaks (see all)

Years to Avoid (see all)

The Least Reliable Suzuki Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

  1. Suzuki XL7

    Reliability
    12th of 12
    PainRank™
    9.63
    Complaints
    72
    Continue

  2. Suzuki Forenza

    Reliability
    11th of 12
    PainRank™
    7.22
    Complaints
    70
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

  3. Suzuki Verona

    Reliability
    10th of 12
    PainRank™
    4.39
    Complaints
    15
    Continue

  4. Suzuki Grand Vitara

    Reliability
    9th of 12
    PainRank™
    3.33
    Complaints
    54
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a

Key Numbers

  1. 12 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 14 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 25 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 286 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 293 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 64 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

  1. 2nd Generation XL7

    Years
    2007–2009
    Reliability
    14th of 14
    PainRank™
    7.58
    Complaints
    65
    Continue

  2. 1st Generation Forenza

    Years
    2004–2008
    Reliability
    13th of 14
    PainRank™
    5.5
    Complaints
    70
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a Forenza

  3. 3rd Generation Grand Vitara

    Years
    2006–2013
    Reliability
    12th of 14
    PainRank™
    2.47
    Complaints
    46
    Continue Front 3/4 view of a Grand Vitara

  4. 1st Generation Verona

    Years
    2004–2006
    Reliability
    11th of 14
    PainRank™
    2.09
    Complaints
    15
    Continue

Recent Suzuki News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Suzuki’s leather seat upholstery is shrinking so badly that it’s putting the squeeze on a very important airbag sensor.

    The extra pressure is causing Occupant Classification System (OCS) failures in the 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara. When the OCS can’t properly detect passengers, airbags end up doing more harm than good. [The automaker blames the shrinkage problem on high heat and humidity.] Strange, I would have guessed it was the cold.(https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2019/suzuki-recalls-kizashi-grand-vitara-shrinking-leather.shtml).…

    keep reading

  2. Suzuki is recalling the 2012-2013 SX4 to fix a power steering pump that keeps seizing but they have no idea what to do about it.

    Suzuki says pressure in the power steering pumps can increase in cold weather conditions and cause the pumps to fail. The automaker received a report from Canada in April 2016 about a power steering pump that failed when the steering wheel was turned at low speed.…

    keep reading

  3. The 2006 Grand Vitara is being recalled because it can lose power steering due to weakened plastic parts in the pump belt adjuster pulley.

    The tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the power steering pump and air conditioner compressor has an outer portion that is made of plastic. The automaker found repeated heat stress events can cause the plastic material to deteriorate and pieces of the pulley can break off.…

    keep reading

  5. Suzuki is recalling 5,800 Kizashi and SX4 vehicles because of control module problems inside the continuously variable transmission (CVT).

    Suzuki says stress cracks caused by heat can start in unsoldered areas [of the modules] and cause electrical issues. This can cause the solenoids that control hydraulic pressure of the transmission fluid to increase in pressure, causing a rise in transmission fluid temperatires.…

    keep reading

  6. Suzuki is recalling the 2009-2013 Grand Vitara because people keep breaking their gear shifters.

    The gear shift rear shaft, which connects the shift lever and the manual transmission, can break due repeated right-to-left and left-to-right movement of the shift lever.

    Wait, so the gear shifter is breaking because ... people are shifting gears? Yeah, I'm glad this is a free repair.…

    keep reading

See More News

Have a complaint about your vehicle?

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

Add a complaint