1999 Suzuki Vitara
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 50 |
| 2000 | 35 |
| 2001 | 27 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
18% of complaints: suspension — 9 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: suspension — 6 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUZUKI VITARA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES THEY FAILED TO ENGAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100809
6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE COUPLING THAT CONNECTS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS CRACKED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE STEERING SHAFTS TO SEPARATE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT COUPLING.
Campaign 98V324002 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE VEHICLES WIRING HARNESS COULD HAVE BEEN PINCHED BETWEEN THE REAR STEREO SPEAKER AND SPEAKER RETA
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITION/CONDITION OF THE REAR WIRING HARNESS AND REPAIR THE WIRING HARNESS, IF NECESSARY.
Campaign 99V154000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS WERE REMOVED TO FACILITATE THE REAR SPEAKER INSTALLATION AND
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETORQUE BOTH OF THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS TO SPECIFICATION.
Campaign 99V155000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH. IF THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL I
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 99V273002 — check if this car was fixed
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Suzuki Vitara — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V324002 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V154000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V155000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V273002 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1999 Suzuki 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 1999 Suzuki Vitara?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Suzuki Vitara have?
5 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.