2009 Suzuki VLR1800Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2009 Suzuki VLR1800, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-018 the manufacturer reports only 29% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 19, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2009 Suzuki VLR1800 has problems

1 complaint 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 system10
Exterior lighting10
Fuel/propulsion system10

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

2 recalls

2009 Suzuki VLR1800 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.

29%repaired · 2017 Q2

Electrical system

Recall 16V-018 · Jan 19, 2016 · 68,344 vehicles · 19,850 repaired

Risk. If the engine stalls while riding, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 11V-108 · Feb 23, 2011 · 73,426 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAUSES EXCESSIVE HEAT ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD AND UNCONTROLLED ELECTRIC CURRENT OUTPUT, WHICH CAN RESULT IN INSUFFICIENT CHARGING CURRENT BEING…

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 VLR1800 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 VLR1800 median. How we score

'08'09'10
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What VLR1800 owners report

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BATTERY OVERHEATED, SMOKING, VOLTAGE REGULAR FAILED CAUSING EXCESSIVE VOLTAGE TO FRY THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF MOTORCYCLE. ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE, HEADLIGHT, ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP, ELECTRIC FAN RELAY, BATTERY, SPEEDOMETER, ALL FRIED. *TR
Complaint 10522697 · Jul 1, 2013 · 10,400 miles

Own a 2009 VLR1800?

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