2004 Suzuki Grand vitara problems
The Suzuki Vitara is a series of SUVs produced by Suzuki in five generations since 1988. The second and third generation were known as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, while the fourth generation eschewing the "Grand" prefix. In Japan and a number of other markets, all generations have used the name Suzuki Escudo (Japanese: スズキ・エスクード, Hepburn: Suzuki Esukūdo).
The choice of the name "Vitara" was inspired by the Latin word vita, as in English word vitality. "Escudo", the name primarily used in the Japanese Domestic Market, refers to the "escudo", the monetary unit of Portugal before adoption of the Euro. The original series was designed to fill the slot above the Suzuki Jimny. The first generation was known as Suzuki Sidekick in the United States. The North American version was produced as a joint venture between Suzuki and General Motors known as CAMI. It was also sold as the Santana 300 and 350 in Spain and in the Japanese market, it was also sold as the Mazda Proceed Levante.
The second generation was launched in 1998 under the "Grand Vitara" badge in most markets. It was accompanied by a still larger SUV known as the Suzuki XL-7 (known as Grand Escudo in Japan). The third generation was launched in 2005.
The fourth generation, released in 2015, reverted to the original name "Vitara" in most markets, but shifted from an off-road SUV towards a more road-oriented crossover style. It shares the platform and many components with the slightly larger SX4 S-Cross.
The model introduced in 2022 for the Indian market only reuses the "Grand Vitara" nameplate. It is slightly larger than the SX4 S-Cross.
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Common 2004 Suzuki Grand vitara problems
The Suzuki Grand Vitara 2004 is known for several common problems, primarily related to electrical issues, engine performance, and transmission concerns.
- Engine problems: Some owners have reported engine issues, such as smoking and hard starting, which may be due to a rich fuel mixture or other internal engine problems. These issues may require more in-depth inspection and repair by a professional mechanic.
- Transmission problems: Transmission issues are common in the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2004, with reports of difficulty shifting gears, especially from 3rd gear to 2nd and 1st gear. This issue may be caused by worn-out synchronizers or other transmission components, which could require replacement.
- Air conditioning problems: Drivers have reported problems with the air conditioning system, specifically the condenser fan motor, which can fail and make it difficult for cool air to blow through the system.
- Timing chain problems: Issues with the timing chain have been reported, with the tensioners in the timing chain potentially failing and causing a rattling noise from the engine.
- EGR valve problems: The EGR valve in the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2004 is known for becoming clogged with carbon, which can cause a loss in engine power and rough engine idling.
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) problems: The Vitara's diesel models are prone to developing DPF problems due to the need for regular clean oil changes.
- Suspension-related recall: There was an important suspension-related recall on V6s and diesels due to concerns that the studs on the front strut mountings may shear. Suzuki dealers fitted upper and lower reinforcement plates to the suspension turret and new strut mountings.
In summary, the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2004 has several common problems, primarily related to electrical issues, engine performance, and transmission concerns. Regular maintenance, checking the service history, and addressing any issues promptly can help ensure a more reliable and trouble-free ownership experience.
What is the common problem with Suzuki Grand Vitara?
The Grand-Vitara has a known issue with its water pumps, which are prone to seizing up. Those pumps run off the timing belt, so seizure leads to a timing belt slip which is causing the engine to stall. In most cases, you will need to order both a new water pump and a new timing belt from BreakerYard.
What year are bad for Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Summary: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat.
What is the fuel consumption of a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2004?
Highlights of the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2004
The Suzuki Grand Vitara 2004 is a 4 or 5 seat SUV with a 3-star ANCAP safety rating.It has a petrol engine with a fuel economy range from 8.2L/100km to 11.6L/100km, depending on the model badge.
Is a Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?
Overall, owners don't need to worry about the Suzuki Grand Vitara, because it has no major problems. Most of its issues are easily fixed and don't involve major components like the engine or transmissions, which are the ones that are most expensive to repair.
2004 Suzuki Grand vitara car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Suzuki Grand vitara problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Wheels problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Suzuki Grand vitara vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2004 Suzuki Grand vitara complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Suzuki Grand vitara.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-23
- VIN: JS3TE62V644
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I WAS PARKED IN PARKING LOT OF USPS READY TO LEAVE. I HAD GOTTEN THERE ABOUT 20 MINS BEFORE. CAR GAVE ME NO INDICATION OF ANY MALFUNCTION ON WAY THERE. I TURNED CAR ON AND SHIFTED TO REVERSE;LET GO OF EMERGENCY BREAK WHEN CAR JOLTED IN REVERSE ACROSS TO OTHER SIDE OF PARKING . IT JUMPED THE CEMENT MOLDING ON FLOOR BANGED AGAINST IRON RAILING KNOCKING IT DOWN. AS SOON AS I FELT THE JOLT I PULLED BACK ON THE EMERGENCY BREAK AND NOTHING HAPPENED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. I SAW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE BUT I AM NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER. DO I HAVE ANY RIGHTS ON THIS MATTER?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-12
- VIN: JS3TD62V444
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WOULD RANDOMLY PERFORMING IN VERY ODD MANNERS SUCH AS STALLING WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS (LIGHTS, STEREO, ETC) TURNING OFF AND ON RANDOMLY, REDUCING SPEED IGNORING ACCELERATOR POSITION AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS. SEVERAL VISITS TO DIFFERENT MECHANICS FOUND NO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. WHILE SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT ONE POINT WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK I NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER FLOOR WAS SOAKING WET AND WE HAD NOT HAD RAIN FOR MANY DAYS. AFTER DOING MY OWN INVESTIGATING I FOUND THAT THE DRAIN PAN FOR THE A/C CONDENSER IS LOCATED INSIDE THE CAR BEHIND THE STEREO JUST TO THE LEFT OF THE GLOVE BOX. THE DRAIN PAN HAS A HOSE THAT ROUTES THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND DRAINS ONTO THE GROUND FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THIS DRAIN HOSE BECAME CLOGGED AND AS A RESULT ALL OF THE WATER FROM THE A/C CONDENSATION WAS OVERFLOWING AND DRAINING DIRECTLY ONTO THE ECU AND THEN ONTO THE PASSENGER FLOOR. THIS WATER WAS CAUSING THE ECU TO MISBEHAVE WHICH WAS CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION BUT BY TIME THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC THE WATER HAD DRIED AND THE CAR WAS BEHAVING PROPERLY. ONCE THE DRAIN HOSE WAS CLEARED THERE WERE NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. AFTER CHECKING ON SOME SUZUKI FORUMS I FOUND A COUPLE OTHERS THAT HAD THE SAME SITUATION ARISE. IT'S A FIX THAT TAKES LESS THAN A HALF HOUR AND REQUIRES NO PARTS BUT NOT ONE THAT MECHANICS KNOW ABOUT AND CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH THE COMPUTER ACTING UNPREDICTABLY AND FREQUENTLY CAUSING THE CAR TO STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROADWAY.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-09-11
- VIN: JS3TE941564
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS MISSING A LUG NUT ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND INSPECTED WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE LUG NUT SHEERED OFF OF BOLT AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT NO COST. ONE YEAR LATER THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LEFT REAR TIRE LUG NUT SHEERED OFF OF THE TIRE; HOWEVER, A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE LUG NUT HAD NOT SHEERED OFF OF THE BOLT AND BILLED THE CONTACT $60.00 TO REPAIR THE TIRE . THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,594.
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 2004 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA WITH REPLACEMENT OF MULTIPLE SAFETY CONCERNS. CONSUMER STATES THAT A SEAL ON THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES, THE SHIFT CABLES AND NUMEROUS SEALS. SHE STATED THEY FINALLY HAD TO PUT IN A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION. *KB AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, THE CONSUMER BEGAN HEARING A ROAR FROM THE TRANSMISSION AFTER REACHING 50 MPH. THE DEALER REPLACED ANOTHER SHIFT CABLE. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED,THE AC COMPRESSOR WOULD COME ON EVERY FEW SECONDS AND THE VEHICLE JUST STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS A HORRIBLE WHISTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 12-15 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-01
- VIN: JS3TD62V944
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY 2004 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ACCELERATOR GETTING STUCK DOWN. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE THIS YEAR (07). I WAS LUCKY BOTH TIMES AS IT HAPPENED BEFORE I HAD GOTTEN ONTO THE HIGHWAY. AND NO ONE WAS HURT EITHER TIME.I LOOKED UP SUZUKI RECALLS ONLINE AND FOUND A RECALL FOR MY MAKE AND MODEL. HOWEVER, WHEN I CALLED SUZUKI AND A LOCAL SUZUKI DEALER, I WAS TOLD MY VIN WAS NOT ON THEIR RECALL LISTS. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE MAY HAVE DIED SINCE 2004 FROM ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY THEIR ACCELERATOR STICKING? HOW MANY DEATHS OR PERMANENT INJURIES WILL IT TAKE TO CONVINCE SUZUKI THAT THIS PROBLEM IS FAR MORE WIDESPREAD THAN THEY THOUGHT???
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS3TD62VX44
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DT: CONSUMER NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH BRAKES AT ABOUT 6,000 MILES. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. DEALER WOULD NOT FIX THEM UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER SAID THAT BRAKES WENT FROM TEN MILLIMETERS TO FOUR MILLIMETERS. ACCUSED CONSUMER OF RIDING BRAKES. CONSUMER SAID SHE DIDN'T RIDE THE BRAKES. SHE GOT VEHICLE WITH 325 MILES ON IT, AND VEHICLE DID NOT SEEM TO ACCELERATE AT THE RATE IT SHOULD. CONSUMER BELIEVED BRAKES WERE SOMEHOW ENGAGED AND HOLD IT BACK. C VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON DEC. 6, 2004. THIS HURT THE WARRANTY. BROOME CADILAC IN MISSOURI STATED THAT THE ACCIDENT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BRAKE PROBLEM.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JS3TD62V044
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE LOST POWER COMPLETELY UNCONTROLLABLE WHILE DRIVING, FRONTAL COLLISION NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *BF THE VEHICLE HAD COME IN CONTACT WITH A TREE. THIS WAS A RECURRENT PROBLEM. *SC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-19
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS3TD62V244
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE RESIDENCE. IN JANUARY 2004 VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL FOR THE THROTTLE CABLE. *AK *NM
2004 Suzuki Grand vitara recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2004 Suzuki Grand vitara.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 16-INCH WHEELS, THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS MAY BREAK UNDER SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR IN CONDITIONS WHERE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ON A REGULAR BASIS ON EXTREMELY STEEP PAVED DOWN-SLOPES WHILE CONTINUOUSLY APPLYING THE BRAKES.
- Consequence: THE FRONT BRAKES MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE AND THE VEHICLE MAY PULL TO ONE SIDE. THIS COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS ON THESE VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2005. THESE VEHICLES ARE LOCATED ON ST. THOMAS ISLAND (VIRGIN ISLANDS). OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI DEL CARIBE AT 787-622-0600.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CASING CAP THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE FIREWALL CAN CRACK DUE TO EXTENDED EXPOSURE TO FORCES FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND INSUFFICIENT LONG-TERM DURABILITY OF THE PLASTIC CASING CAP. IF THE CASING CAP BECOMES CRACKED, MOVEMENT OF THE INNER ACCELERATOR CABLE THROUGH THE CAP CAN CAUSE THE INNER ACCELERATOR CABLE TO BECOME FRAYED.
- Consequence: IF THE INNER ACCELERATOR CABLE BECOMES FRAYED, IT CAN STICK DURING VEHICLE OPERATION. IN THE CASE WHERE AN ACCELERATOR CABLE STICKS, THE DRIVER COULD HAVE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING VEHICLE SPEED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CABLE, WHICH INCLUDES THE PLASTIC CASING CAP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
Positive 2004 Suzuki Grand vitara car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Suzuki Grand vitara problems:
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara Reviews - Carsurvey.org
May 29, 2014 ... - Seal where drive shaft connects onto transfer case failed. - Front hub assembly worn out. - Rear wheel bearing worn out. - Head gasket ...
1999-2003 Common Problems? | Suzuki Forums
Apr 11, 2015 ... 1999-2003 Common Problems? Jump to Latest ... 2004 Grand Vitara @176,000 miles :) 2004 XL7 ... and i got a problem with my suzuki grand vitara ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting Alternator Issues in 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Jul 25, 2017 ... are you still here? Ask Your Own Car Question.
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
Problems; unstable in winter driving conditions. Use of the 4X4 high is highly recommended. The one I own came from down east where a lot of salt is laid ...
Other years of Suzuki Grand vitara
Are you having problems with your 2004 Suzuki Grand vitara?
Braeden Leuschke 2025-01-01
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my new car. Although I always said I wouldn't buy a vehicle not made in America, I ended up purchasing one and I absolutely love it! It rides great, has plenty of power, and is really fun to drive. It has all the amenities I could possibly want in a car, with maybe one or two exceptions. I had never owned a 4WD before, and we had our first snowfall a few days ago, and it worked great! I only have two small complaints. As a smoker, I'm not crazy about where the ashtray is located, and while the engine produces heat quickly, the interior takes a while to warm up. Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase!
Nathan Skiles 2024-11-23
I have owned SUVs from various companies, but I must say that Suzukis are the best. In fact, I have owned six Suzukis and they have never let me down. One time, I even pulled a big Cadillac SUV out of the Hassayampa river bottom with my Suzuki, and another time, I helped a lady stuck in a giant mud roadway by putting her Ford Excursion back on the road. That's why I rate Suzuki as the number one true SUV for both off-road and on-road adventures!
Hardy Abernathy 2024-11-21
The car has great zip and fuel economy, which is a plus. However, I was disappointed with the radio controls located under the steering wheel as it brushes against my thighs when I shift channels. On the other hand, the appearance inside and outside is a plus and it appears to be solid. It maneuvers well and has the power to handle snow and inclimate weather. The only issue I had was that the seat belt connector needs to be extended.
Waldo Zulauf 2024-11-13
My Grand
Geo Morar 2024-09-29
The small RV offers more than enough storage space and is a blast to drive.