2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
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 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Takata recall. My suzuki grand vitara 2012 has the airbag light on for about 3 months. I call for two times to the dealer that suzuki factory delegate the services, but they tell me that my vehicle VIN number is not in the list. I use that car to take my wife to her quimios and I and afraid that she is hurt with the malfunction of the airbag.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki grand vitara. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose when turned in either direction. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was contacted later and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was not available. *tt the consumer stated contact the manufacturer about 02/02/2018 & 02/03/2018 in reference to the defect. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 suzuki grand vitara. While driving approximately 40 mph, the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor was damaged and needed replacement. The extended warranty did not cover electrical failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2016
Show 4 more owner reports
“Since 2012 I have purchased this suv its giving me trouble related to low beam light. I have replaced this light for at least 5 times. Many people on different website have registered the same problem and are having same kind of problem. Please help us to get a permanent solution to this issue.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2015
“I am having problems with front low beam headlights, have had to replace them four times in the last year and half. It also affects the interior light of the vehicle and the climate control panel making the heat/cool controls unable to work properly. And the fuel door release lever doesn't open the fuel door.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2015
“Forty-nine days after purchasing the car it burst into flames from under the hood only moments after my wife had exited the car in her parking lot at a school. The car became a total loss as the fire reached the driver's compartment. Two nearby cars belonging to workmates were also damaged with melted tail lights and blistered paint. No after market equipment had been installed and no service had yet been performed on the car. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2011
“Gas cover doesn't open after pulling lever from drivers seat. I've been to dealer and service manager says to push lever on hinge of cover. Had vehicle for 4 months now and have been pushing this thin metal back every time but at times it still will not open. Been to dealer 3 times now and he keeps telling me to push this thing back. Frustrated, I said that this is a terrible design, he said in return "honda has same feature". I left. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 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 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats. 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.