2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern exterior lighting.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The power steering pump drive-belt tension adjustable pulley- has been compromised ... And effects my ac. While researching I found the 2006 - 2012 models were effected as well, causing a recall..vehicle was in park- and would not start.. Turned off ac and she finally turned over.. After I let her sit for 2 hours please advise thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).' *pm”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 suzuki grand vitara. While driving, the instrument panel gauges failed to provide accurate readings, and the engine, ABS, asp, and air bag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. No further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2019
“The unit have been consuming coolant in excess.after a profesional inspection was detected a crack in the engine block.this is exactly the situation cover in the suzuki extensions of the warranty by the manufacturer.your recall bulletin exactly describe my situation.please clarify the suzuki representative in puerto rico that the warranty extensions is valid for pr units.thanks [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).' *pm”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2019
Show 6 more owner reports
“While driving, noticed air conditioning would be cool then hot for about 3-5 minutes and cool again then hot again and repeat. Turned off the ac when I noticed the engine temperature indicator getting hotter. Took the car to a mechanic. He performed pressure test on cooling system and found engine block cracked and leaking coolant, left side under exhaust manifold. Vehicle overheats and will cause me to be stranded. Could be similar to NHTSA id #10054717.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2017
“Takata recall? Air bag and passenger air bag sensor lights stay on. Only have 70,000 miles on car. ABS/esp light stays on”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jun 2017
“I have had to replace my headlight bulbs so many times over the last five years, I have lost count. Now I am being told even though my mechanic replaced the bulb again, that I should replace both headlight assemblies at a cost of $240 each to solve this problem. I have seen so many complaints about headlight bulbs for many model year grand vitaras. I think suzuki should recall the 2007-2011 grand vitara headlights for the safety of their customers and overall customer goodwill.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 suzuki grand vitara. The contact stated that the anti-lock braking system warning light and the esp off warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dealer and inspected. The dealer stated that the anti-lock braking system was found defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 12,400 and the current mileage was 12,900. Updated 8/24/12 *cn”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2012
“Air bag light came on would not go off took car to electrical shop found out the electrical connector under front passenger seat was defective ordered new one from suzuki that solved the problem vehicle 09 grand vitara. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2010
“We own a 2009 suzuki grand vitara. The passenger air bag light keeps coming on. We have taken to dealers 5 times in 4 months. We are told we need to watch how we sit in the seat, and do not recline the seat, there is nothing they can do since no codes show up on the computer. They state the airbag will not work with the light on but can not fix it. It is intermittent sometimes stays on. Has stayed on at the dealers. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2009
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child.
Remedy: Suzuki will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge. Sufficient quantities of parts are not currently available to fix all of the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified of the recall in October 2013 and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired. The recall began on May 23, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's recall campaign number is VD.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an adult or child is occupying the seat.
Remedy: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's numbers for this recall are 4011 and 4012.
SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES; MODEL YEAR 2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 17, 2010; MODEL YEAR 2010 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES; AND 2011 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 14, 2010. THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FOR THE DRIVE BELT THAT OPERATES THE ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND POWER STEERING PUMP, HAS AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED INTERNAL SPRING THAT CAN BREAK DUE TO REPEATED STRESS. IF THE SPRING BREAKS, THE DRIVE BELT WILL NOT BE ADJUSTED PROPERLY AND CAN SLIP, CAUSING A SQUEAKING NOISE. OR THE DRIVE BELT COULD COME OFF CAUSING THE DRIVER TO INCREASE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS CAN ALSO CAUSE THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE INDICATION TO RISE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE ENGINE OVERHEATING, OR CAN CAUSE THE CHARGING LIGHT TO COME ON, WHICH CAN LEAD TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY WITH AN IMPROVED PART. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-887-697-8985 OR VISIT SUZUKI'S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SUZUKIAUTO.COM.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The gear shift rear shaft on these vehicles may break, preventing the gears from being able to be changed.
Remedy: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gear shift rear shaft, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VZ.
How other years compare
Check your exact Grand Vitara by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The most complained-about area is exterior lighting.
Does the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.