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
- 50
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 1999
None on file
30% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 50 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 50 |
| 2000 | 35 |
| 2001 | 27 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
30% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing front.
Power train
20% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and floor shift assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
The transmission did not easily go into 3RD gear. There was a horrible vibration and noise when driving down the road and a feeling of loss of control of the vehicle when traveling on the highway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-01
Engine and engine cooling
16% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Vehicle speed control
8% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control.
Show 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, 2010-08-09
Structure
8% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing frame and members and door.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1998-12-21Steering98V324002 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.
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1999-07-06Equipment99V154000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the position/condition of the rear wiring harness and repair the wiring harness, if necessary.
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1999-07-06Seat belts99V155000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will retorque both of the front seat belt lower anchor bolts to specification.
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1999-11-12Exterior lighting99V273002 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…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch assembly.
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Suzuki Vitara — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V324002 · Steering
- Recall 99V154000 · Equipment
- Recall 99V155000 · Seat belts
- Recall 99V273002 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
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 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Suzuki Vitara have?
- 5 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.