2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7
Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 5 |
| 2002 | 8 |
| 2003 | 13 |
| 2004 | 17 |
| 2005 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL ARE AT THE PROPER ELEVATION TO PRESS THEM SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH ONE FOOT. BECAUSE IT IS REAR WHEEL DRIVE AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, THE CAR SPEEDS UP WHEN THAT HAPPENS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170302
4 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch.
3 of 13 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cables and accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE ACCELERATING BACKWARDS WHEN TRYING TO PARK. *MR THE VEHICLE HIT A STEEL BEAM. THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE ACCELERATOR CABLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040820
WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND COLLIDED INTO A WALL BARRIER. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040121
2 of 13 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing shock absorber.
1 of 13 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER (111 MY 2002 ESTEEM, 777 MY 2002 AERIO, 2,368 MY 2003 AERIO) AND SPORT UTILITY (324 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA, 274 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA, 684 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA XL-7, AND 781 MY 2003 GRA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT PAINT ADHESION WILL EITHER HAVE THE PROBLEM REMEDIED BY REPAINTING, OR WILL BE REPLACED, OR REPURCHASED AND DESTROYED
Campaign 03V223000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE IGNITION SYSTEM WIRING HARNESS IS ROUTED UNDER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE HARNESS CAN RUB AGAINST THE MANIFOLD DURING VEHICLE OPERATION AND ABRASION DAMAGE TO THE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR ANY WIRING HARNESS DAMAGE AND WILL ADD ADDITIONAL INSULATION AND A PROTECTOR PLATE TO PREVENT THE WIRING HARNESS FROM BECOMING DAMAGED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 16, 20
Campaign 03V495000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW -25 DEGREES CELSIUS, MOISTURE CAN FREEZE IN THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. AS A RESULT, FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE MAY INCREASE AT THE TIME OF
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, THE FUEL DELIVER HOSE AND REPLACE THE HOSE CLAMP WITH AN IMPROVED CLAMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-8
Campaign 04V427000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V223000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V495000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V427000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.