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2009 Suzuki Grand VitaraProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-187 the manufacturer reports only 13% of affected cars repaired.

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Lowest repair rate 13%Owner complaints140 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage87kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 18, 2019. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara has problems

14 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
Electrical system30
Electronic stability control (ESC)30
Exterior lighting30
Air bags30
Service brakes, hydraulic20
Engine20
Steering10
Power train10
Equipment10

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

4 recalls

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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.

13%repaired · 2022 Q1

Sensor: occupant classification

Recall 19V-187 · Mar 7, 2019 · 31,302 vehicles · 4,179 repaired

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

32%repaired · 2018 Q2

Power train: manual transmission

Recall 17V-085 · Feb 9, 2017 · 791 vehicles · 250 repaired

Risk. If the transmission cannot be shifted, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

33%repaired · 2015 Q3

Air bags

Recall 13V-405 · Sep 6, 2013 · 189,901 vehicles · 61,740 repaired

Risk. Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 11V-055 · Jan 27, 2011 · 32,291 vehicles

Risk. IF THE DRIVE BELT COMES OFF, REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO USE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, OR THE ENGINE STALLS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR

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

2009 vs. every other Grand Vitara 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 median. How we score

'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara safety ratings

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Occupant Classification System FailurePE13021 · closed Sep 30, 2013
    Led to recall 13V-405
In owners' words

What Grand Vitara owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FAILED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE READINGS, AND THE ENGINE, ABS, ASP, AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS FAILED AND…
Complaint 11203901 · Apr 26, 2019 · 113,000 miles
WHEN CAR WAS INITIALLY STARTED, AFTER FEW MINUTES OF WARM UP TIME, HEAT WAS ACTIVATED AND NO HEAT WAS DISPERSED. BEGAN DRIVING, DESPITE NO HEAT. WITHIN 1 MILE TRAVELING LESS THAT 15 MPH, THE TEMPARATURE GAGE INCREASED TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL, STILL WITHOUT HEAT IN CAR. (PICTURE 1) AS SPEED INCREASED,…
Complaint 10950047 · Feb 7, 2017 · 87,000 miles
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WOULD NOT GO OFF TOOK CAR TO ELECTRICAL SHOP FOUND OUT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR UNDER FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE ORDERED NEW ONE FROM SUZUKI THAT SOLVED THE PROBLEM VEHICLE 09 GRAND VITARA. *TR
Complaint 10382873 · Feb 16, 2011 · 25,000 miles

Own a 2009 Grand Vitara?

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