2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Only 13 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 13 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 13 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 13 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
ON SEPTEMBER 12 2016 APROXIMATELY AT 2:00AM MY WIFE WAS IMPACTED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WAITING FOR THE GREEN LIGHT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170423
The airbag system defect light went on and stayed on.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260220
TROUBLE CODE B1312 OCM SENSOR MAT FAULT. AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT INDICATOR LIGHT ARE ON ALL THE TIME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180102
2 of 13 total reports mention: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
The airbag system defect light went on and stayed on.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260220
TROUBLE CODE B1312 OCM SENSOR MAT FAULT. AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT INDICATOR LIGHT ARE ON ALL THE TIME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180102
1 of 13 total reports mentions: steering.
1 of 13 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
TROUBLE CODE B1312 OCM SENSOR MAT FAULT. AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT INDICATOR LIGHT ARE ON ALL THE TIME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180102
1 of 13 total reports mentions: power train.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- 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 2012 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 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 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.