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1999 Suzuki VitaraProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 50 owner complaints about the 1999 Suzuki Vitara, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

45
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.2× the Vitara median · #1 of 3 years by complaints
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints506 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage63kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 9, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Suzuki Vitara has problems

50 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
Suspension150
Power train100
Engine and engine cooling80
Vehicle speed control41
Structure40
Steering31
Exterior lighting30
Fuel system, gasoline30
Air bags21
5 other systems71

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

4 recalls

1999 Suzuki 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.

–no report yet

Brake lights: switch

Recall 99V-273 · Oct 15, 1999 · 8,408 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS FOLLOWING CLOSELY, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Front: anchorage

Recall 99V-155 · Jun 28, 1999 · 1,273 vehicles

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 98V-324 · Feb 9, 1999 · 38 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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

1999 vs. every other 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 Vitara median. How we score

'99'00'01'02'03'04
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Vitara owners report

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

FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER HAS RUSTED THROUGH ON MY 1999 SUZUKI VITARA. THE CHEVROLET TRACKER, WHICH IS THE SAME CAR HAS HAD A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THIS POSES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN! *TR
Complaint 10238726 · Aug 18, 2008 · 125,000 miles
1999 VITARA HAS LOUD VIBRATION BETWEEN 55 TO 65 MPH. HAVE TO DRIVE BELOW OR ABOVE MPH RANGE TO STOP VIBRATION. SAFETY ISSUE. NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS ON FILE. FEEL INVESTIGATION IS WARRANTED.*AK
Complaint 10065816 · Apr 9, 2004 · 6 miles
VEHICLE SWERVES AT ANY SPEED, IT'S DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE, ALIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN DONE AND TIRES WERE REPLACED, HOWEVER DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*JB
Complaint 8010003 · May 16, 2002

Own a 1999 Vitara?

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