2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 | 160 |
| 2007 | 58 |
| 2008 | 42 |
| 2009 | 14 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2013 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: exterior lighting — 18 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
MY SUZUKI GRAND VITARA IS A 2007. BOUGHT NEW. I DIDN'T HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE LIGHTING UNTIL AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT.THEN I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BULBS BURNING OUT, BUT ONLY ONE AT A TIME SEVERAL MONTHS APART.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180828
29% of complaints: air bags — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE BUT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130917
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110211
The Air Bag Light remain on . The vehicle was checked in a scanner and the codes B1312 and B1319 where found..I want to know if are recalls for this car. If yes What dealer in Puerto Rico can repair it.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250730
24% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE JUST ENTERED THE MILEAGE OF THE LAST TIME THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED. MY 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA KEEPS BLOWING THE HEADLAMP BULBS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120616
7% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: suspension — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Occupant Classification System Failure
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles.
Remedy: Suzuki will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge. Sufficient quantities of parts are not currently available to fix all of the affected vehicles.
Campaign 13V405000 — check if this car was fixed
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature.
Remedy: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020.
Campaign 19V187000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V405000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V187000 (air bags, seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
2 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.