Suzuki Grand Vitara Owner Reviews: MPG, Problems & Reliability

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This Suzuki Grand Vitara is a great 4x4 but you must understand the mechanical side of things, and that an engine needs two dozen sensors to be a clean diesel! I recommend using quality fuels and if necessary an additive to lower the burn point of diesel. It's very nippy and low revving so needs some non stop big road driving. The injector light comes on but my opinion is its indication of normal diesel particulate filter regeneration to burn soot off. Don't rush off to garage if the car is running ok, we don't. The DPF pipes should be better protected but the ground clearance is good, I'll have a shield made for it. It's a great 4x4, not an SUV. I'd be surprised if there are any left to buy as I would buy a lower mileage one again. It's too good to change for some time. I always use all season tyres and it goes anywhere. I'm getting a caravan soon as the Vitara is a good tow car. The brake calipers are rusty and really shouldn't be, but otherwise I have experienced no problems so far.

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Terrible car. This is the first Suzuki that I have owned. I've only had it just over 1 month and I have had nothing but problems. Only 60k and a very good service history. 1st problem was the dpf. I don't want a vehicle that I have to drive for 30 minute to clear the dpf every few weeks. Next noisy back drum brakes. Next the zig zag light is on and the problem is the crankshaft sensor. Now waiting to be fixed. I'm afraid to take this car out as waiting for the next problem to occur. Its a shame as the vehicle is a great looking car with good visibility and nice to drive although being a bit sluggish . If I had known it was a renault engine I would have stayed well clear. I'll never buy a Suzuki again. Once bitten and all that. Going to sell the dog after it is repaired.

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This car is awesome on and off the road - better than most other 4x4s.

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I bought the car second-hand, and I'm the second owner. I hate it because I've had no end of problems. All brakes and brake pads replaced 2 weeks after owning (circa 53,000 miles). New gearbox mount has just been fitted as the old one was corroded. New transmission fluid put in. All this within 2 months of owning. Had problems with gearbox since owning .... struggles to change gear, especially gearing down into first, can take three attempts to get into gear. MPG is fairly low, but I knew this. Can't wait to get rid!

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We bought the Grand Vitara to tow our small caravan and for general use. I owned one many years ago but since then have had three Land Rovers. Just had the car serviced as a zig zag warning light keeps coming up on the dash, Suzuki book says fuel system problem. Garage put diagnostics on and found nothing, light stayed off for a few days then came back and this was after 300+ miles of motorway, the clutch judders, the 4WD system seems to be having a problem getting back to normal from low ratio etc. If I knew the Suzuki had a Renault engine and electronics and their emission control, would never have bought it. It will be sold as soon as possible and be replaced with a Land Rover.

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Very practical, capable off-road, handsome looking, decent economy and great visibility. Engine, despite all the bad press, so far seems very robust and the only downside is the occasional motorway trip to unclog the DPF. For less than 7k, this has been a great value for money SUV.

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My car has never let me down

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Never had a problem

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very good so far enjoyable to own slight clutch judder occasionaly only covered 3000 miles myself with only 19000 from new original bridgestone dueler tyres starting to wear out . replaced 54 x-trail.

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She's 20 this year!

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Reliable ,cheap ,no frills workhorse.

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Comfortable and enjoyable to drive. Some faults starting to show in the engine sensor system one after the other. Also had an alternator cease up, otherwise it's been great, especially in the snow and ice. I wish it was more economical. Cost of servicing is rather expensive at main dealers but seems to be worth it in the long run.

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Very happy with car but it tends to be be very thirsty

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I can't understand the amount of people who complain about these, I have owned mine for more than 5 years and only had minor problems. The radiator cracked after a stone hit it, and the starter motor needed replacing. The car has done 105,000 miles so I can't complain, I use Cooper AT3 tyres and have gone up to 235 from 225, I get well over 20,000 miles on the rears and not much less on the fronts. I do get engine management lights now and then but I ignore them and they go off again after a while. It's solid reliable and when this starts to get uneconomical to run and maintain I will change it for the same again. They don't rust, are excellent off road (a real 4x4 not a "soft roader") the interior it tough and easy to clean. The stereo is great, it plays mp3 and WMA discs, it's easy to drive and quick ( I use a diesel tuning box for more torque – it has been fitted for around 50k miles with no problems). I love this car.

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Always query dealer advice or ask a Renault engineer as to engine management light occurrences. I've had no real problems, I run on Shell Nitro and Oilem products, the Vitara gives good performance considering real 4x4 chassis. It's now on 235 tyres as there is more choice, and the extra 10mm width seems to take the weight better – I felt no side movement in our recent high winds and heavy rain. It's better to use the brakes a lot than have the discs get rusty. I had the rear discs replaced as the surface rust got to bad. It has a great interior and the stereo has decent sound, but it's a pain to go online to update satnav. I recently saw another SUV after it had been in a severe crash, the whole of its side was caved in so I'm glad this is a proper separate chassis. I will need a new battery l cost a bit before next winter; it'll cost a bit but has to be same quality as I've never had andy problems – the car has always been a first time starter. I read the manual as my dealer appears to not have, and I and always that the check oil service light has been reset when necessary. The Vitara has a sophisticated engine management light system, and the engine is good. The gearbox is better when warm, I wonder if it might improve with different oil. It's secure and there's lots of room - when they make a newer Grand vitara with a similar engine I would upgrade then.

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An excellent car which gets you from a to b and performs in its own gentle way it is not a super mpv but is efficient and useful

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Horrible horrible horrible! DPF is a disaster and the warning lights go on and off all the time. Have taken this to a Suzuki dealer who informed me it's a Renault engine and, as quick as they seem to fix, its most recent problem on come more warning lights! I have never and will never buy Suzuki again!

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had my car nearly 3 years and not yet had a problem from the car yet

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Recurring problem with over temperature sensor even after replacement. Clutch problem intermittently. Exhaust gas sensor needed to be replaced.

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It makes driving (which is boring) into a pleasure........ but could do with more power.

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Would like higher mpg

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Disappointing since problems were such that shouldn't have arisen. Particularly disappointed by the reactions and unsympathetic approach by manufacturers so-called customer service department. They certainly don't deserve any loyalty.

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Good 4x4,overlooked by the motoring press

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Expensive on road tax and petrol. Now repair bills so costing too much

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Enjoy driving it and it is practical for a small island and the occasional trip to france

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Great car, big engine. Excellent 4wd system.

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This is not one to buy unless you understand it! However, I bought the workshop manual. Great to drive looks good and seem to be going up in value as they have become sought after . Still has two light dpf process but no problems and put in new fuel filter myself as easy but always use dealer .Hope BOSCH can retro fit their new low nox system to diesels ! I would have fitted hot coil to egr or laser in dpf to burn soot . But no real problems as last model improved Z5 has sport suspension so little roll & takes two dogs & luggage easily .Spare wheel 3 mode 4x4 non stop in recent snow Renault engine should mean lower price spares !! Service plan makes affordable dealer servicing as many sensors to monitor .

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Very unreliable. Customer service is the worst I have ever came across, and there are constant recalls Very expensive as parts are imported. Worst make ever. Would NEVER buy Suzuki again. Awful people

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Very nice and roomy SUV and handling is good. Problem one is, the headlamp needs to replaced very often. I took it to the dealer more than 10 times and they keep changing the bulbs, but it never stops. There is a voltage problem on the electric line for the headlight. I had this vehicle for more than 6 yrs, and I loved it - it's a very nice and safe SUV. Only thing I was really disappointed was Suzuki is closing down their business in North America and Canada. It really made me upset. I have a 2003 Suzuki Aerio and it has 385,000 KM on it with same original engine and clutch. I was going to buy the new Suzuki Kizashi and now I've decided to buy something else just because Suzuki is closing. So for that reason only, I would never recommed Suzuki to anyone...

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Reliable, very practical, roomy, good performance and economy for this type of vehicle. A bit noisy at speed but otherwise comfortable. A six-speed box would be a huge improvement both in terms of refinement and economy. I would buy another.

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suspension problems, electrical faults, rust, (MOT failures), spares unavailable, brake problems.

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Never let me down yet,!

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sometimes thinks its in gear & makes grting noise

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Never had any problems and we have 2 Grand Vitaras and this one is our 5th Suzuki.

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Practical off road, fun to drive, very safe feeling when driving.

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As a 4x4 it is superb. As a day to day car is good enough but no carry load capacity. The goverment's swinging emissions bands put up the road tax from £160 when new to an incredible £235 for a new engined 1600cc - is same as an astom martin!! Luckily insurance fully comp protected came in at onlty £128 and £156 in past 2 years!

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It's an alright car, although made more for longer journeys rather than short trips.

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I adore and love it and will be sad when the day comes when it has to go

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Practical, easy to drive for a 6ft 4in + 5ft tall persons, not as economical as i would now wish it to be, it is a do it all car, could not manage with anything smaller, has been exceptioally reliable.

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No problems so far, ride is a bit harsh, heavy on petrol if driven hard, pleased with car overall

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When i bought it i liked it. Then it was recalled for various things to be fixed, including the wrong weight sticker. These recalls involve a 60 mile round trip. Then at 31,000 and 27 months miles the front brake discs had to be replaced, suzuki would not pay. Then there was a fault with the particulates filter, then with the exterior sensor, whilst fixing that the garage found that a front suspension strut was leaking. Overall, i thought that japanese cars were supposed to be reliable. This on is not.

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Good off road. With right tyres good on road. Good air conditioning, heaters and heated mirrors. Good engine – a first time starter as long as you look after it. But beware of bad ones, including anything with a twisted chassis. The four-wheel drive is great for getting you out of sticky situations, and makes it very good for towing caravans or any other trailer. Mine has never let me down.

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Update as I've just completed the first regeneration of DPF. It took 3 days to gently do with the injection warning light on and off during it, now the EML is off after a service. Suzuki should ensure dealers have the training to minimise costs to owners. EML lamps are informative so read the manual or go on line as this diesel engine is used in many cars. It's great to drive, no problems even during the regeneration, just keep the tank over a quarter filled or the regeneration won't take place. Make sure you take your Suzuki to a main dealer as they should have the diagnostics for the DDIS injection system .

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Bought Vitara for its quality and reliability and ability off road, Suzuki rep, and after researching the competition on internet. Drives and handles really well, especially on bends, unlike hatchbacks and saloons I won't mention. Tough hardened paint. Solid build and hard wearing interior. Only problem under warranty, after a year, a tensioner on the long belt failed. Collection and repair without argument - but I paid for an oil change due to temp needle going into red and cooking the oil for a few minutes. After 5 years and 3 months needs some pulleys, another tensioner, and a part in the steering box replacing - pricey, but quality vehicle needs quality parts. Drives without problem in 3ft of water, a must in these times of climate change and flooding. Unlikely to leave marque, and certainly never return to VW.

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The Suzuki Grand Vitara is what it is... It is a car which is capable of driving on or off road and provides you with a safer form of transport (to many other cars) in adverse weather conditions. My Grand Vitara is now 10 years old and has covered over 100k. It still looks great inside and out. It has been completely reliable and has had very little money spent on it. Most of the servicing has been carried out by myself and at the last MOT there was only a gaiter and a bulb to replace at a cost of around £50.00 +1 advisory about slight rust to the rear brake pipes. It handles really well, possibly due to the power being delivered to the rear wheels in 2 wheel drive. In 4 wheel drive the steering in so precise that the slightest wiggle on the steering wheel is felt through your body from your waist upwards. It's a good practical car for a singleton or a couple who have dogs and like to get out and about. The huge boot also makes it great for transporting groceries, cookers, golf clubs, furniture, animals, TVs or whatever... but only with the back seats folded flat which is how mine are 99% of the time. It's comfortable enough to drive long distances in. My only wish is for cruise control which would take the strain off the right leg on long motorway journeys. The build quality is reasonable. Just one or two problems. One being the passenger side electric window switch is broken, but this was broken before I bought it and as the drivers side switch operates it ok I have never seen the need to replace it. Also the tailgate door handle snapped off as it was (I feel) a little flimsy. I bought a replacement (new part) from Ebay for about £12.00 and it works fine again. The car is brilliant and when mine finally gives up in a decade or so I will probably look for a newer one as a replacement. Highly recommended.

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No problems so far

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total reliability

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Always starts and runs well.

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Rear seating cramped. Folding of seats could be improved to make more room for cargo. Overall an excellant 4x4 and off roader. Great to drive.

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No Red thumbs down

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Been a good buy just dont like driving it at speed around bends as it leans too much.

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It is a modern fuel injected vehical with industry accepted co2 Emmission .THE Design is practical for my needs and our dog is safe At rear of vehical.the large rear door gives excellent access to interior for luggage or shopping bags. In 10 years time this vehicle will be obsolete with the advances of the duel fuel cars now being designed.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Brake discs replaced at 31,000 miles, suzuki wouldn't honour warranty. Particulate filter problem fixed under warranty. Temperature sensor problem, and shock absorber leaking failed both just after warranty ended. Four recalls, three for very minor things. Servicing too frequent and too expensive. Just waiting for the next thing to fail. Surprised to find that the spare wheel is a space saver! So cannot rotate wheels to save some money. I like the styling and it has been a pleasure to drive in 20 cm snow and -14 degrees except that the heater takes a long time to warm up. Now thinking of buying a kia, mainly because of the 7 year warranty. I actually think the suzuki is good on long runs and is much more economical than short. Tows my small caravan easily.

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Very good value for money. A very good 4x4 almost as good as landrover which i previously owned

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It works

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Good value for money - excellent handling in snow/ ice etc

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Never had a single problem with the car. Starts up in cold winter temperature (lives aborre the Artur cirkle in Sweden). Excellent 4wd system during winter and one time I drove through a wood in low gear locked to get out from a locked Airport parking lot when the exit gate was failed and would not let me out. I use the car on bad muddy dirt roads and on tractor tracks to get into hunting locations and there the hard suspension is ideal. I would buy a new Grand Vitara if they had kept the low range gear and if the car was as big or bigger. Unfortunately the new Vitara is to small and too silly. I need a car that is built in a ladder frame. However I won’t sell this car , I’ll give it to my daughter in 5 years as her first car. I service the car every 7500 miles because that’s how you treat a car you want to rely on.

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Had nothing but problems, ERG valve replaced at 60k Suzuki have modified the part several times so had to have rewiring done all at our expense £1000 we were not amused. Dealer took two weeks to get new part and do the work. Fan control switch now on the third! Now the throttle control comes up with fault throttle body and sensor. Parts have been ordered over a week ago, yet again the thing is stuck in the garage waiting for them to arrive (Nearly two weeks). contacted dealer today who informs us that one part should arrive tomorrow and the other is on back order. Suzuki yet again have modified the part which is going to require more rewiring. we are looking at another £1500 in garage bills. Dealer parts service is non existent. When the car is running its not to bad, noisy as it has no noise suppression, water leaks through window seals causing speakers in doors to rust and give up. Think Twice!!!

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Engine lights come on and off, although there is no obvious issue!!

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no problems at all

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Never had any roblems

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She has never let me down.

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Ive always wanted a 4x4 to enable me to get to more places off road as my hobby is photography and my astra that i had previously did not like pot holes or snow and living in north wales we get quite a bit . i chose the suzuki after talking to freinds that have 4x4's and out of all of them they all agreed that the 4x4 system is very good and reliable, ive had my vitara now for just over 6 months and think its the best car ive owned up to now , i can definatly say that if i were to win some money on the lotto i would have no hesitation in buying a newer model grand vitara .

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I have 2 suzuki's, a 17 yr old vitara and 7 yr old grand vitara. They have been so dependable. The grand vitara was once submerged in water half way up its doors for half an hour ( as a result of not checking the depth first ).....it didn't leak or let any water in. Ive been impressed by the amount of thought put into their design in terms of practicality and durability. I'm a coachbuilder and appreciate the finer refinements in cars like bmw, mercedes, jaguar etc. However i really just want a cost effective tool which doesn't require a computer to work effectively on it.

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