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2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints135 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage18kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 2, 2017. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 has problems

13 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Service brakes, hydraulic41
Electrical system40
Vehicle speed control32
Service brakes11
Structure10
Suspension10
Visibility10
Equipment10
Power train10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Electrical system: ignition

Recall 03V-495 · Dec 2, 2003 · 20,580 vehicles

Risk. DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS CAN CAUSE A SHORT IN THE IGNITION CIRCUIT, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE IGNITION FUSE TO BLOW AND THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Visibility: windshield

Recall 03V-223 · Jun 16, 2003 · 5,319 vehicles

Risk. IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, IT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE EJECTION OF UNBELTED OCCUPANTS, INCREASING…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Suzuki.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other Grand Vitara XL-7 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Grand Vitara XL-7 median. How we score

'01'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 safety ratings

2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Grand Vitara XL-7 owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR HOME FROM THE PARK IT WAS RAINING A LITTLE BIT SUDDENLY MY STEERING WHEEL STAR GOING THE LEFT, I HIT THE BRAKE AND THE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR FALL DOWN AND THE CAR STOP COMPLETELY, I CHECK THE WHEEL AND IT WAS ABOUT TO COME OUT. *TR
Complaint 10214784 · Jan 14, 2008 · 33,800 miles
DT: THE BRAKES ARE SQUEAKING, AND THE TECHNICIAN CANNOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED AND WERE STILL SQUEAKING. THE FRONT SHOCKS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE TECHNICIAN SAID THE REAR SHOCKS NOT WORKING WELL, AND THIS WAS NORMAL. AIR CONDITIONER (A/C) WAS NOT COOLING. THE…
Complaint 10124086 · Jun 3, 2005
FAILURE ON BRAKES, ACCELERATOR, ALARM, LIGHTS AND PROBLEMS WITH THE CARPET. *MR THE BRAKES AND ACCELERATOR WERE RECALLED. THE BRAKES MADE A LOUD NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ALARMED FAILED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER ABOUT TEN TIMES IN REFERENCE TO THE ALARM. THE DOOR…
Complaint 10073461 · May 11, 2004

Own a 2003 Grand Vitara XL-7?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.