1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 108 |
| 2000 | 85 |
| 2001 | 38 |
| 2002 | 47 |
| 2003 | 29 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 161 |
| 2007 | 58 |
| 2008 | 42 |
| 2009 | 14 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2013 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
19% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel injection system and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
CRASH19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and belts and associated pulleys.
FIRE17% of complaints: service brakes — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY13% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and column shift.
Show complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS FROM 45 TO 55 MILES PER HOUR WILL LOSE COMPLETE POWER DROPPING FROM 45 OR 55 TO 10 OR 15 MPH VERY RAPIDLY WHEN THIS HAPPENS YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OF ACCELERATION OR VEHICLE TILL IT REACHES THE 10 TO 15 MPH RANGE LEAVING...
NHTSA ODI report, 20130204
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cables and accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: STEEL REPLACEMENT WHEELS, PART NO. 4310-665D21-27S, USED FOR SPARE PARTS ON 1999-2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA AND 2001 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA XL-7 MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. TH
Remedy: DEALERS WERE NOTIFIED TO REMOVE ANY OF THESE AFFECTED WHEELS FROM THE STOCK INVENTORY AND RETURN TO AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR COMPANY. SUZUKI WILL NOTIFY ANY END USERS WHICH PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT W
Campaign 00E080000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER TEMPERATURES BELOW -25 DEGREES, MOISTURE CAN FREEZE IN THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE COULD INCREASE AT THE TIME OF ENGINE STAR
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED INTAKE MANIFOLD VACUUM UNION AND A NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN
Campaign 01V146000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CASING CAP THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE FIREWALL CAN CRACK DUE TO EXTENDED EXPOSURE TO FORCES FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND INSUFFICIENT LO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE, WHICH INCLUDES THE PLASTIC CASING CAP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
Campaign 03V512000 — 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
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 16-INCH WHEELS, THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS MAY BREAK UNDER SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR IN CONDITIONS WHERE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ON A
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS ON THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2005. THESE VEHICLES ARE LOCATED ON ST. THOMAS ISLAND (VIRGIN ISLANDS). OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI DEL
Campaign 05V452000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00E080000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V146000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V512000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V427000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V452000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
5 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.