2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Only 14 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 14 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 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 14 total reports mention: electronic stability control (esc).
3 of 14 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WOULD NOT GO OFF TOOK CAR TO ELECTRICAL SHOP FOUND OUT THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR UNDER FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE ORDERED NEW ONE FROM SUZUKI THAT SOLVED THE PROBLEM VEHICLE 09 GRAND VITARA. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20110216
3 of 14 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
WE OWN A 2009 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. WE HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERS 5 TIMES IN 4 MONTHS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091202
2 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FAILED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE READINGS, AND THE ENGINE, ABS, ASP, AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190426
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT AND THE ESP OFF WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER AND INSPECTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120724
2 of 14 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHT BULBS SO MANY TIMES OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS, I HAVE LOST COUNT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160309
BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20150419
SAFETY TIMELINE
SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES; MODEL YEAR 2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICL
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY WITH AN IMPROVED PART. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-8
Campaign 11V055000 — check if this car was fixed
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 2009-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The gear shift rear shaft on these vehicles may break, preventing the gears from being able to be changed.
Remedy: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gear shift rear shaft, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VZ.
Campaign 17V085000 — 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
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electronic stability control (esc) issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 11V055000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V405000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V085000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V187000 (air bags, seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 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 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
The most-reported component is electronic stability control (esc), accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 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.