2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Only 29 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 29 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 |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 108 |
| 2000 | 85 |
| 2001 | 38 |
| 2002 | 47 |
| 2003 | 29 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 160 |
| 2007 | 58 |
| 2008 | 42 |
| 2009 | 14 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2013 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 29 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 29 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
5 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
8/14/03 - 2003 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA, [XXX], PURCHASED AT SUZUKI OF DES MOINES, PO BOX 13377, DES MOINES IA 50310, 515-270-5800. 1/13/04 - RECEIVED RECALL LETTER REGARDING ACCELERATOR CABLE CASING CAP. 1/17/04 - HAD CAR REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041012
SOMETIMES IT WANT START AT ALL
NHTSA ODI report, 20181114
3 of 29 total reports mention: electrical system.
2 of 29 total reports mention: visibility.
2 of 29 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
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 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
2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V223000 (visibility) 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 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control:cables, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.