2003 Suzuki XL-7: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern vehicle speed control; the 2001 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2005
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 suzuki xl-7. While driving 20 mph, the vehicle started to accelerate independently without warning. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic who diagnosed that the accelerator cable was rusted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage 165000. Updated 3/24/15*cn”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2014
“As I was driving the car, it came to a stop on its own .. I got out to see what was wrong, and I noticed that there was fire coming out of the back and the front of the car. As I ran away from the car I could see the fire dripping from the bottom . *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2013
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki xl-7. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact stated that the seat belt buckle became loose and afterward, would not buckle. She called an authorized dealer where she was informed of the price of a full seat belt replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The current mileage was approximately 111,000.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki xl7. The contact stated the front brakes has fail. As he step on the brakes it goes all the way to the floor. When the pads get too thin the emergency light comes on. The rear axle seal has to be repair twice because they keep wearing out. The vehicle has been to the dealer more than once and they cannot find the failure for the brakes. The failure mileage was 74,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki xl-7. The rear quarter panel has two slots that are splitting the driver side and passenger side rear seat belts trough the plastic. The seat belts were rarely used. The dealer stated that the seat belts needed to be replaced. Pictures are available if needed. The failure mileage was 65,000. The current mileage was 70,000. *updated 12/12/07 *bf the consumer stated the second and third rows of seats pass through the openings in the interior plastic trim. The consumer stated the molding process used to make this trim panel left a flash line around the circumference of the hole. Updated 12/12/07 *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 2007
“I had the brakes checked and the mechanic made me aware of an issue with the rear breaks. The rear axle seals had leaked on the rear brake pads, drums and the rear axle. The mechanic called the suzuki dealership and was informed by their service dept. That it was a problem. I was informed that it could have resulted in my axle freezing up and of course my rear brakes were not up to par. There is a bulletin out (my mechanic told me, the suzuki dealership told him) but no recall. *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2006
“I bought ny 2003 suzuki xl7 in march 2006 . I was putting gas in when the fuel tank door fell off. Before the warranty was up. I called the dealership he said it was not covered but could get me a new one and paint it for about $100.00. Why I just bought it less than 4 weeks ago used but I didn't expect it. I was shocked and so disappointed because I really like this vehicle. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2006
“While driving vehicle started to slow down on its own, it went from 40 mph to 5 mph, coming to a complete stop. Vehicle was engulfed in fire. The fire was coming from the floor of the vehicle. Consumer complained to the dealer of acceleration problem with the vehicle going in a reverse motion. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2005
“Recall campaign for the suzuki xl-7. Funny burning smell each time the air consitioner is turned on. Also gas mileage is a prolem. *bf”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2004
“Consumer was traveling at 40 mph and t-boned another vehicle. Upon impact air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained some injuries.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact XL-7 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 2003 Suzuki XL-7 reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Suzuki XL-7. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control.
Does the 2003 Suzuki XL-7 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor. 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.