MYRModel Year Report

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara

▲ Better than typical
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:53:14.649Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
42
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Exterior lighting

48% of complaints

Complaints per year

1999: 108 complaints 1999 2000: 85 complaints 2001: 38 complaints 2001 2002: 47 complaints 2003: 29 complaints 2003 2004: 8 complaints 2005: 1 complaint 2005 2006: 161 complaints 2007: 58 complaints 2008: 42 complaints 2008 42 2009: 14 complaints 2010: 20 complaints 2011: 11 complaints 2011 2012: 13 complaints 2013: 4 complaints 2013
1999: 108 complaints 1999 2000: 85 complaints 2000 2001: 38 complaints 2001 2002: 47 complaints 2002 2003: 29 complaints 2003 2004: 8 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaint 2005 2006: 161 complaints 2006 2007: 58 complaints 2007 2008: 42 complaints 2008 42 2009: 14 complaints 2009 2010: 20 complaints 2010 2011: 11 complaints 2011 2012: 13 complaints 2012 2013: 4 complaints 2013
1999: 108 complaints 1999 2000: 85 complaints 2000 2001: 38 complaints 2001 2002: 47 complaints 2002 2003: 29 complaints 2003 2004: 8 complaints 2004 2005: 1 complaint 2005 2006: 161 complaints 2006 2007: 58 complaints 2007 2008: 42 complaints 2008 42 2009: 14 complaints 2009 2010: 20 complaints 2010 2011: 11 complaints 2011 2012: 13 complaints 2012 2013: 4 complaints 2013

2008: 42 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
1999108
200085
200138
200247
200329
20048
20051
2006161
200758
200842
200914
201020
201111
201213
20134

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior lighting

48% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

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, 2018-08-28

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, 2012-06-16

Also filed under Electrical system

Air bags

29% · 12 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2013-09-17

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, 2011-02-11

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, 2025-07-30

Also filed under Seats

Electrical system

24% · 10 reports

Engine

7% · 3 reports

Suspension

5% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2013-06-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2013-09-30 Occupant Classification System Failure
  2. R
    2014-05-23Air bags13V405000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2020-02-21Air bags, seats19V187000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Exterior lighting: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V405000 · Air bags
  • Recall 19V187000 · Air bags, seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 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 48% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.