2000 Suzuki Vitara: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 35 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (24% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My suspension crossmember fail while hitting the brakes on an offramp on my 2000 suzuki vitara. My whole vehicle started shaking very badly. The passenger noticed the passenger side wheel shaking out of control and after I inspected it, I found that where the control arm is mounted to the crossmember, is completely rusted out. I found that there is a recall for the exact same part for the 2000 chevy tracker which is basically the same vehicle. Could not find a recall on this part for the vitara however. I think this should also be recalled. The vehicle can not be driven until this component is replaced and someone could have also gotten hurt. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2000 suzuki vitara. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle began to shake and lose steering ability. The mechanic stated that the subframe rotted at the point where the lower control arm attached. As a result, the front control arm detached from the cross member. The mechanic replaced the cross member and there had been no further occurrences. The failure mileage was 29,000 and current mileage was 31,300.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2007
“Suzuki is aware of latent defects concerning timing chain cover seals that leak oil and will worsen over time. It is documented that the leaks occur with suzuki grand vitaras from 1999-2001. My grand vitara is one of those cars with the latent defect. I took it to a authorized suzuki mechanic as required, but they never informed me that suzuki was aware of the problem. After further research on my part did suzuki corporation acknowledge they knew of the latent defect. I am asking suzuki in all fairness to cover the cost of this repair based on this documented evidence. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“1. Vehicle transmission put into park position. Key withdrawn. Key transmission interlock faulty 2. Park position did not hold and vehicle rolled down hill causing significant damage to vehicle and property. 3. Automobile being repaired, transmission ignition key interface being investigated. *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2005
“Owner of a 2000 suzuki vitara 2.0l and car is not ever 4 years old yet but has 74,000 miles and catalytic converter already needs to be replaced! Now the car is not going to pass smog the first year it is required to pass smog for registration purposes! What kind of bull is that! Just a way for ca. Emissions to get more money! *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2004
“Rear main seal in the v-6 engine failed and sprayed oil over the underside of the car. Smelled like it could catch fire with the oil open the catalytic converter. *la”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2003
“Defects air conditioner condenser damage behind fan assembly. Failure of condenser in location consistent with other failures by other owners. Pull to right while driving even after alighnment, similar to other owner complaints. Vibration while braking and premature wear, similar problems with other owners. Items should be recalled and repaired.*ak”Owner report · Equipment · Aug 2003
“Condenser fins behind electric fan are bent/smashed; fan blades appear not to have contacted fin area; no front end damage; fins outside fan area appear in new condition; one other vehicle at dealer checked and has similar damage; appears to be design problem”Owner report · Equipment · Jun 2002
“While traveling on highway right passenger window will vibrate hard, and there is a loud noise. Dealership is aware of problem.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2002
“The lower connector on the left front tire snapped in half causing the tire to fall off. Auto body shop and insurance company both feel that it was installed wrong which is why in snapped. Car is still under warranty and suzuki will not honor warranty claming that it is not a mechanical error. I have the other half of the piece that snapped off and you can clearly see that it is a defected part.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · May 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2000 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact 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 2000 Suzuki Vitara reliable?
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2000 Suzuki Vitara. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2000 Suzuki Vitara problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 62,000 miles or less.
Does the 2000 Suzuki Vitara have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. 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.