2006 Suzuki XL-7: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I had the timing chain replaced at approximately 100,000 miles under warranty. It had to be replaced at approximately 200,000 miles. The timing chain failed at approximately 210,000 miles and stopped running while being driven. The timing chain should not need to be replaced so often and I have heard of similar complaints on various web sites and from other sources.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2017
“I was driving my children home and I heard a thudding in the engine like something was breaking. The air conditioner went hot instantly and I tried to change lanes to pull to a stop to look at it. When I stopped and tried to turn the corner, I found it very difficult to steer. I couldn't turn properly and was turning wide into the other lane because of this. My 4 wheel drive went into motion and now I have to click the button to be able to reverse or steer properly (so that I'm not on the 4 wheel drive setting) but the light for the 2 wheel drive blinks. My brake light and check engine light are on.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2015
“Suzuki has not provided information about their vehicles for the air bag recall. As a 71 year old, weighing only 90 pounds, I am concerned about the air bags in my car. Since suzuki pulled their auto unit out of the us a few years ago, those of us who purchased a suzuki have been left hanging high and dry.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“When getting on the interstate, car suddenly lost speed but rpm's kept going up, could not go over 40, when pulled over, put in park but engine kept revving up. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2014
“I was driving down the highway and without warning my back axle came off. I was able to safely move my vehicle over to the right shoulder. I had been traveling with my family the sparks caused the vehicle to caught on fire. I took the truck to the body shop and no one could give me a explanation as to why the axle came off. My truck is currently being repaired, this has cost me unforeseen experiences for car rentals and missing work to get my vehicle repaired. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2014
“One day when I go to start my car when I turn the key, a static noise comes from where the key goes. Vehicle started but while driving, would loose power and act like it is going to cut off. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2014
“When slowing down to turn , brakes would not work at all, had to pull the emergency brake to stop. My young son was in the car, this could have ended badly. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 suzuki xl7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph and attempting to switch to lanes, the power steering assist suddenly malfunctioned. The vehicle then drifted abnormally to the right and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact suffered a mild concussion. A police report was not available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not repaired. The contact was not informed by the mechanic what caused the defect. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,000.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2013
“The vehicles airbag dash light came on indicating that the passenger airbag is not functioning. The clock also began flashing and can not be adjusted. I was told by the airbag specialist that there is a recall for this exact problem on this exact vehicle year/make/model, but for some reason my VIN# was not included. I do not understand why my car is not covered under the recall as this is a safety issue in that my airbag will not deploy until fixed. I was told the part costs $1700 to replace out of pocket. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2012
“Front passenger airbag light comes on when the seat is empty and the seat belt is not buckled. The light constantly flashes and beeps. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - 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.
SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR MODEL YEAR 2006 GRAND VITARA AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 XL-7 VEHICLES. THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FOR THE DRIVE BELT THAT OPERATES THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR (IF EQUIPPED) HAS AN OUTER PORTION THAT IS MADE OF PLASTIC. REPEATED HEAT STRESS CAN CAUSE THE PLASTIC MATERIAL TO DETERIORATE AND PIECES OF THE PULLEY CAN BREAK OFF.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY 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 2006 Suzuki XL-7 reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Suzuki XL-7. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2006 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.