2008 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 2008 Suzuki Grand vitara problems
The Suzuki Grand Vitara 2008 is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the power steering, which becomes harder to steer due to weak plastic components in the pump belt adjuster pulley. This problem is caused by heat-induced deterioration and breakage of the plastic components. If the vehicle is still under warranty, a Suzuki dealer will typically replace the pulley for free. However, if the warranty has expired, a replacement pulley can be ordered and installed independently.
Another common problem is related to the front passenger airbag, which can become loose and visibly move. This issue is not very common, but it is essential not to ignore it. Replacement airbag units can be ordered, but due to the safety risks and the presence of harmful chemicals, most drivers prefer to have this job done by professionals.
The Grand Vitara's air conditioning system can also have issues, particularly with the condenser failing, resulting in the air conditioning not blowing out cold air on the coldest settings. This can be an expensive part to replace, but Breakeryard can help find a replacement condenser at a low price.
Oil leaks around the timing chain cover are another common problem, caused by the timing chain cover gasket failing. If a ticking noise is heard coming from the timing chain, the tensioner may be failing, and both the gasket and tensioner will need to be replaced.
Later models of the XL7 have a known issue with the passenger seat sensor, causing the seatbelt alarm to sound even if the seat belt is secured. This issue is due to a faulty passenger seat sensor, which can be replaced with new sensors available on BreakerYard's parts list.
The Grand Vitara's water pumps are prone to seizing up, causing the engine to stall due to a timing belt slip. In most cases, both a new water pump and a new timing belt will need to be ordered from BreakerYard.
Lastly, ticking during cold starts can be a problem, often caused by bleed down of the hydraulic valve lifters. This issue affects certain models, and the solution involves bleeding the hydraulic valve lifters.
These common problems should be considered when purchasing a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2008, and potential buyers should be aware of the risks and necessary repairs associated with each issue.
Is Suzuki Grand Vitara 2008 a good car?
The Grand Vitara is a good value, with a roomy interior and a long list of standard equipment -- including curtain airbags, stability control, and automatic climate control.
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 defect of Grand Vitara?
Maruti Suzuki India has announced a recall of 11,177 units of the Grand Vitara owing to a possible defect in rear seatbelt mounting brackets. This is the third recall announced by the country's largest carmaker involving the Grand Vitara in less than two months.
2008 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:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Suzuki Grand vitara vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2008 Suzuki Grand vitara
The NHTSA has received 40 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Suzuki Grand vitara. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2008 Suzuki Grand vitara vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-01
- VIN: JS3TD941784
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I received 3 urgent letters telling me my2008 suzuki grand vitara has an airbag recall passenger side and needed to be repaired right away. But SUZUKI only has a few dealers left and none close to me so I have to drive my children in this unsafe car. So I called the dealer and they said I have to drop my car off 3 hours away and leave it for however long it takes to be repaired. And they said they have no loaner cars. They said for me to.go rent a car and then I can get reimbursed but I cannot do that I don't have the credit card neede to rent a car so I'm forced to drive this car I'm a single mom and disabled. I cannot go one hour without my car. But the recall is not being repaired because of this and my passenger airbag light comes on and off when just l Sitting still. It scares me and is unsafe. I must have some rights i figured I would start my complaint here then the govorner or bbb I'm sick of this. I have to drive an u safe car and it's not my fault I can't travel hours to drop my car at the only dealer that will fix the recall and make my car safe again k. Angry and scared.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-17
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA HAS A BAD RIGHT SIDE SEAT CUSHION OPEN CIRCUIT AND NEEDS THE SEAT CUSHION REPLACED. ISN'T THIS COVERED BY NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V405000, AND WHY HAVEN'T I BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL? HOW DO I GET THIS ISSUE TAKEN CARE OF NOW THAT THERE IS NO LONGER AN AMERICAN SUZUKI DEALER?
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-05-30
- VIN: JS3TE941774
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: MY SUZUKI GRAND VITARA IS A 2007. BOUGHT NEW. I DIDN'T HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE LIGHTING UNTIL AFTER THE WARRANTY HAD RUN OUT.THEN I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BULBS BURNING OUT, BUT ONLY ONE AT A TIME SEVERAL MONTHS APART. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS. NOW I CARRY SPARE BULBS FOR HIGH AND LOW BEAMS, THAT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE WHEN IT HAS 2 BE DINE 2 OR THREE TIMES A YEAR. THEN ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH LEVER AND KNOB THAT CHANGES THE LIGHT FUNCTION SETTING SETTINGS EVEN TO THE POINT OF BEING STOP BY HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICERS STOPPING ME BECAUSE I HAD NO TAIL LIGHTS BUT MANAGED TO PLAY WITH THE SETTINGS KNOB TO GET THEM WORKING. I'VE HAD NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND IT HAS OVER 142,00 MILES ON IT. THE LAST BULB I CHANGED WAS ON A CROSS COUNTRY TRIP TO OHIO FROM CALIFORNIA IN MAY OF 2018.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-01
- VIN: JS3TE941684
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: JUST RECEIVED SOME RECALLS ...MANY OF THEM BUT THEY DON'T HAVE ANYWHERE TO SEND ME TO..I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO TOUCH BASES WITH THEM THEY PUT ME ON HOLD.. ONE LADY SAID SHE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO TELL ME.ANOTHER SEND ME TO A MOTOCYCLE PLACE .. ANOTHER SEND ME 3 HOURS AWAY CAN YOU SEND SOME INFORMATION WHERE TO GET MY AIRBAGS REPLACED
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-15
- VIN: JS3TD944884
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY AIR BAG LIGHT KEEP COMING ON AND MAKING A SOUND WHEN NO ONE IN THE SEAT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-15
- VIN: JS3TD947784
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FAILED AND TURNED OFF, ONE SHORTLY AFTER THE OTHER. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULBS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUZUKI OF GREEN BROOK (101 US-22, GREEN BROOK TOWNSHIP, NJ 08812) WHO STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO NOTICED THAT THE ADAPTER, SOCKETS, AND FUSES WERE ALL BURNED DUE TO A HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT FLOWING INTO THE ASSEMBLIES. THE ADAPTERS, SOCKETS, AND HEAD LAMPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC DID NOT KNOW HOW TO REPAIR THE UNDERLYING ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST OR ESCALATE THE CASE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-05
- VIN: JS3TD941784
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND THOUGHT I WAS BACKING UP, BUT WHEN I PUT SHIFTER IN DRIVE, IT KEPT GOING BACKWARDS. I REALIZED BEING ON A DOWN SLOPE, THAT SHIFTER WAS NOT WORKING AND I HAD IDLED BACKWARDS. I PUT SHIFTER IN DRIVE POSITION AND CONTINUED IDLING BACKWARDS INTO A SNOW BANK. I HAD TO SHUT OFF AND RESTART SEVERAL TIMES AND IT EVENTUALLY WENT INTO DRIVE. I WAS UNABLE TO TAKE IT TO WORK DUE TO A POSSIBILITY OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAD SOMEONE LOOK AT IT AND THEY THOUGHT TRANSFER CASE WAS THE ISSUE, AS THERE WAS A NOISE FROM THAT AREA. I DID RESEARCH ON IT AND FOUND ALL OF THE SUZUKI VITARA, GRAND VITARA, FROM 2006-2009 HAD ISSUES WITH TRANSFER CASE LEAKING AND THERE FORE GOING OUT OF COMMISSION. THIS IS HAPPENING AT VARIOUS MILEAGES, BUT PRIMARILY AT 100,000 -138,000. I AM WONDERING WHY THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THIS, AS IT IS QUITE OBVIOUS ITS A FACTORY DEFAULT IN TRANSFER CASES. IT IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE, SHOULD THE TRANSFER CASE GO OUT WHILE DRIVING OR MANEUVERING VEHICLE AROUND TO PARK, WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I AM VERY SURPRISED THAT SUZUKI HAS NOT GOTTEN A LAW SUIT FILED ON THEM YET, FOR THIS DEFINITE ISSUE. I ALSO HAVE TO WONDER IF THERE WERE ANY FATALITIES DUE TO THIS ISSUE, THAT SUZUKI OWNERS AND FAMILIES, WERE UNAWARE OF AT THE TIME. THIS IS A FACTORY MADE AND DEFAULT PART. THE 2006 - 2009 TRANSFER CASE ON THESE VEHICLES SHOULD DEFINITELY HAVE A RECALL ON THEM.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-01
- VIN: JS3TD941X84
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THERE IS A ENGINE KNOCK WHILE VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL OR PARK. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THEY THINK IT MIGHT BE A LOWER MOTOR ISSUE. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 21000 MILES ON IT.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-04
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BOUGHT THIS USED, BUT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS, HIGH BEAMS, DAY RUNNERS SINCE OWNING THIS GRAND VITARA TOO MANY TIMES. I KNOW I HAVE PURCHASED OVER 15 DIFFERENT LIGHT BULBS AS THEY KEEP BLOWING OUT? WHILE DRIVING, THEY ARE SO DIM AND THEN THEY STOP WORKING.THIS IS A HAZARD AND THESE BULBS SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE REPLACED THIS MANY TIMES. ALSO WHILE DRIVING THEY BLOW, OR STATIONARY AS WELL, I HAVE MADE IT A HABIT NOW TO CHECK THEM BEFORE DRIVING SINCE THEY GO OUT AS MUCH AS THEY DO. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE REGARDING THIS ONGOING PROBLEM & IT NEEDS TO BE DONE ASAP. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THERE HAS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTING FOR ME TO HAVE TO CONTINUE TO BUY BULBS ON A CONSTANT BASIS, AND AS FOR MILEAGE THAT NEEDS TO BE PUT IN ON THIS FORM THERE HAVE BEEN TOO MANY TIMES AT DIFFERENT MILEAGE READINGS SO IT IS HARD TO SAY WHAT THE MILEAGE IS ON THE VEHICLE WHEN THE LIGHTS BLOW OUT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-25
- VIN: JS3TD941984
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BOUGHT THIS IN APRIL 2014 WITH 30K MILES, HAVE REPLACED BOTH LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS 4-5 TIMES EACH, ALSO BEAMS ARE LOW VISIBILITY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-10-05
- VIN: JS3TE947284
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHT BULB BURNS OUT EVERY 2 MONTHS AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW. I AM THE SECOND OWNER, AND BULBS BURN OUT EVERY 2 MONTHS. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS IN THIS VEHICLE ASIDE FROM MINOR FENDER BENDER IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-07
- VIN: JS3TD947684
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE HEADLIGHTS ARE BURNING OUT PREMATURELY EVERY 4-6 MONTHS. THIS IS EXPENSIVE AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IF I DO NOT NOTICE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THEY BLOW OUT, ESPECIALLY IF BOTH GO AT THE SAME TIME. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THIS HAS BEEN SOMETHING THAT MANY GRAND VITARA OWNERS LIKE MYSELF HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-03
- VIN: JS3TE944384
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I'VE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 6 YEARS IN THAT 6 YEARS I CAN NOT EVEN TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE BULBS IN THE HEAD LIGTHS, AT LEAST EVERY 4 MONTHS. THIS IS A ON GOING ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES I CAN NOT BELIEVE SUZUKI HAS NOT BEEN PUT IN A POSITION TO ISSUE A RECALL. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ERROR AND SUZUKI KNOWS IT.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-28
- VIN: JS3TD944X84
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I HAVE HAD THREE INCIDENTS OF UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION AND REVVING OF THE ENGINE IN MY SUZUKI. EACH TIME I HAVE HAD TO LEAVE THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. BRAKING DOES NOT CAUSE THE CAR TO DOWNSHIFT. I THINK A THROTTLE OR ACCELERATION IS STICKING SIMILAR TO THE RECALLED TOYOTA CARS. THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH PASSENGERS IN THE CAR WHO CAN SUPPORT WHAT HAPPENED. FOLLOWING TWO INCIDENTS, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE MOTOR MOUNTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT COST $500. ON 2/13/15, THE WEEK AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE PROBLEM REPEATED. I WAS IN DOWNTOWN DENVER TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 20-25 MPH. THANKFULLY, I WAS ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF TRAFFIC WHILE AVOIDING PEDESTRIANS AND TURN THE CAR OFF. I RETURNED THE CAR TO MEDVED SUZUKI ON 2/16/15. IT HAS BEEN THERE SINCE. NEITHER THE DEALERSHIP NOR SUZUKI MOTOR OF AMERICAN CAN REPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR RECOMMEND A REPAIR. THEY WANT TO CLOSE THEIR WORK ORDER, HAVE ME PICK UP MY CAR AND RETURN A RENTAL VEHICLE THEY PROVIDED. I ASK YOUR ASSISTANCE TO REQUIRE SUZUKI TO REPLACE OR REPAIR MY CAR WHICH STILL CARRIES A DRIVE TRAIN WARRANTY. I DO NOT WANT TO BE INJURED OR TO INJURE OTHERS DUE TO UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION ISSUES.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-24
- VIN: JS3TD947384
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: SUZUKI PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG CONTROL SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND OFTEN DOES NOT TURN OFF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FOR VERY LIGHT PASSENGERS AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO. SUZUKI HAS A KIT TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE, BUT WILL NOT SEND ME THE PARTS. THEY WILL ONLY SEND THE PARTS TO A KIA DEALER, AND THE NEAREST ONE TO THE LOCATION WHERE MY VEHICLE IS KEPT IS ABOUT 250 MILES. I HAVE ASKED THEM FOR THE PARTS KIT SO I CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION AND CALIBRATION MYSELF. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-08-10
- VIN: JS3TE941684
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: JUST AS THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE SAID. MY 2008 GRAND VITARA LOW BEAM H7 STYLE HEADLIGHTS BLOW OUT CONSTANTLY. VERY UNSAFE TO NEARLY CRASH WHEN BOTH BLOW AT THE SAME TIME DRIVING AT NIGHT. VERY UNSAFE DRIVING AND AT ANY GIVEN TIME A HEADLIGHT WILL BLOW OUT. NOT TO MENTION TELLING VARIOUS POLICE OVER AND OVER THE PROBLEM. NOT TO MENTION TICKETS, WARNINGS, AND GENERAL DISDAIN FROM POLICE BECAUSE THEY ASSUME YOUR LYING. I NOW HAVE TO KEEP NITRITE GLOVES AND SPARES IN MY GLOVE BOX AND NOW SHOW THE POLICE. I REPLACE A LOW BEAM BULB ON EITHER SIDE EVERY 3 TO 4 MONTHS. I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS AS A SAFE AND ACCEPTABLE DESIGN ON ANY MOTOR VEHICLE. THIS WOULD NOT PASS AS SAFE ON ANYTHING. WE THE CUSTOMERS NEED THIS FIXED. HAD I KNOWN THIS IN 2008 I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT SOMETHING ELSE. AS OF NOW I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE IT. I HATE HAVING TO TRY MY BEST TO BE HOME BEFORE DARK BECAUSE A BULB IS OR WILL GO OUT. RECALL THIS DEFECT NOW.... BEFORE SOMEONE DIES FROM A CRASH. WHEN MY LIGHTS BLEW AT THE SAME TIME THAT NIGHT I WAS SCARED TO DEATH AND ALMOST WRECKED. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. PLEASE HELP. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-01
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I HAVE REPLACED APPROX. 150 LOW BEAM HEADLAMPS, THEY BLOW OUT AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-01
- VIN: JS3TE944484
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HAVE REPLACED THE DRIVERS SIDE LOW BEAM BULB AT LEAST 7 TIMES AND HAVE CHANGED THE PASSENGER SIDE APPROXIMATELY 6 TIMES SO FAR EVEN REPLACED WITH BEST BULB BRANDS. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-15
- VIN: JS3TD941984
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V405000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 08/28/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ALLOW A LOCAL SHOP TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS TOO FAR AND COSTLY TO TRAVEL. UPDATED 09/1/2014 *JS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-13
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHT BULBS NEED TO BE REPLACED ON A REGULAR BASIS (AT LEAST TEN SO FAR) AND THE PLASTIC IN THE BASE IS MELTED (COULD CAUSE A FIRE). *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-15
- VIN: JS3TE941X84
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT. I'VE HAD TO REPLACE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT BULBS 8 (DRIVER), 6 (PASSENGER). ALSO, CANNOT SEE FAR ENOUGH AHEAD WHEN ONLY USING LOW BEAM. THIS IS A HAZARD! TIRED OF REPLACING BULBS EVERY 6 MONTHS. THEY AREN'T CHEAP.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-02
- VIN: JS3TE944384
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I HAVE HAD A 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS IN THAT TIME I CAN NOT EVEN BEGIN TO TELL YOU THE COUNTLESS I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE BULBS IN THE HEADLIGHTS. ITS OBVIOUS FROM WHAT I'VE READ THAT THIS IS ON GOING ISSUE WITH THIS TYPE OF MAKE AND MODEL CAR. ITS OBVIOUS THE PART IS DEFECTIVE AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED TO REPLACE THESE HEADLIGHTS ALL TOGETHER. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-01
- VIN: JS3TD941484
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I HAVE BEEN REPLACING THE HEADLIGHT BULBS IN MY VEHICLE NEARLY EVERY 6 MONTHS SINCE I PURCHASED IT. LAST YEAR I REPLACED THE RT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY UNIT AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE THE HOUSING UNIT WAS BURNED AND WOULD NOT SEAT PROPERLY INTO THE ADAPTER. REPLACING THE ADAPTER WAS NOT AN OPTION, SO I INCURRED LABOR AND PARTS EXPENSES. NOW IN THE SHORTER DAYLIGHT FALL SEASON, THE LEFT BULB HAS BLOWN AND THE ADAPTER WAS BEGINNING TO BURN, SO I REPLACED IT. I INSPECTED IT TO CONFIRM THE STATE OF THE UNIT AND IT WAS INDEED, ON ITS WAY TO ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. THERE IS NO WAY, WHEN DRIVING NOR IDLE, TO KNOW THAT SUCH AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE IS DECAYING. I HAVE PURCHASED HL7 55WATT BULBS, WHICH ARE THE LOWEST WATTS AVAILABLE. I FEEL UNSAFE DURING INCLIMATE WEATHER, FALL AND WINTER SEASON DRIVING. THIS FREQUENT NEED FOR REPLACEMENT TO AVOID POTENTIAL CRASHES IS OF MAJOR CONCERN TO ME. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS3TE941284
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE BUT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND MINOR BRUISING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-08
- VIN: JS3TD941X84
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I HAD TO BEGIN REPLACING LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS, SEEMINGLY DURING RANDOM STARTS THE BULB WOULD BLOW OUT ON EITHER THE PASSENGER OR DRIVERS SIDE, WITH VERY LITTLE USE BEHIND IT. SOME LAMPS LASTED AS LITTLE AS A FEW WEEKS, OTHERS LASTED MORE THAN A YEAR, BUT THE BULBS NEEDED A SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER RATE OF REPLACEMENT THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I'VE EVER DRIVEN. I HAVE REPLACED MULTIPLE LOW BEAM LAMPS - 6 DRIVER SIDE LAMPS, AND 8 PASSENGER SIDE IN ONLY 5 YEARS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE AND LESS THAN 20K MILES DRIVER PER YEAR. NO HELP FROM SUZUKI ON THE MATTER. AND I ONLY BUY QUALITY BULBS FROM BRAND NAME MANUFACTURERS AT REPUTABLE PARTS STORES. *TR
2008 Suzuki Grand vitara recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2008 Suzuki Grand vitara.
- Manufacturer: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an adult or child is occupying the seat.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
- 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. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's numbers for this recall are 4011 and 4012.
- Manufacturer: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS
- 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. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child.
- Consequence: Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
- 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. Owners will be notified of the recall in October 2013 and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired. The recall began on May 23, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's recall campaign number is VD.
Negative 2008 Suzuki Grand vitara car reviews
Positive 2008 Suzuki Grand vitara car reviews
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My wife and I recently traded her Murano for the GV as she was looking for something smaller. We spent three months researching every small SUV on the market and were ultimately sold on the test drive and features. We are thrilled with our purchase as it is a great SUV and offers excellent value. The handling is marvelous and the ride is solid, although it could use a tad more power. While the smart key took some getting used to, we now love it. Overall, we are extremely satisfied with this little truck and I find myself wanting to drive it instead of my Lincoln.
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I purchased my GV after owning an SX4 for a year, which I absolutely loved. However, having been accustomed to driving a Grand Cherokee for many years, I convinced my husband to trade cars with me. Even he has to admit that the GV is wonderful! Although the gas mileage isn't the greatest for city driving, it's not the worst either. I've taken it on a few runs to nearby states and actually got top gas mileage. The SUV is spacious enough for us and we look good in it! I would have liked lit features on the steering wheel and a rear window that opens would have been a big plus. Overall, I'm very happy with the purchase, especially since we got a great deal by buying at the end of the year!
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This is my very first car that I bought. I fell in love with it from the beginning. I never liked small sedans because I think they are too small and I need a lot of room. I have taken my car everywhere I travel, at least twice a month to far places, and it is just so comfortable. I can drive 5 hours on a full tank, and I have a lot of room in my car to pack my luggage and my 3 dogs. It would have been great if they had an iPod plug, but it's okay. Other than that, I LOVE MY CAR!
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I've had this car for a little over a year now and I absolutely love it! It's so comfortable and spacious, and I can see more while driving which is great for me as I'm quite small at 5'. I can even haul some stuff in it or with it, which is really handy. It gets pretty decent gas mileage for what it is and handles really well. This vehicle is full of surprises and I hope it lasts me a long time because I just love it!
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This is the first SUV I have ever bought and I absolutely love it! I got rid of my van and bought this one, and I love how easy it is to park. It handles great on both dry and wet roads, and it's very spacious, which is perfect for my family of four. The back door opening like a regular door is a great feature, as I can easily get my groceries out even with the garage door shut. Overall, it's a fantastic family car and I love the way it looks!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Suzuki Grand vitara problems:
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Problem with your 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara? Our list of 7 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
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Oct 12, 2015 ... I would say they are pretty reliable, once properly maintained - the big issue, and this is only a problem if oil changes have been missed is ...
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Are you having problems with your 2008 Suzuki Grand vitara?
Emilio Stiedemann 2024-10-02
I really liked the vehicle at first, but after driving it for a month in various conditions and on different road surfaces, I realized that I overlooked a few things during the purchase phase. Unfortunately, the seats are quite uncomfortable and not designed for people taller than 5'5