2002 Suzuki 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 2002 Suzuki Vitara problems
The Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002 has been reported to have several common problems by owners of this car. These problems include engine issues, transmission problems, gearbox issues, clutch problems, speed sensor issues, distributor problems, and other miscellaneous problems.
One of the most common problems reported with the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002 is engine issues. These issues include the engine stalling, hard starting, running rough, and smoking. The engine stalling problem is particularly prevalent when the air conditioning is turned on, causing the idle speed to drop and the engine to stall.
Transmission problems are another common issue reported by owners of the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002. These problems include difficulty shifting gears, especially from 3rd gear to 2nd and 1st gear, and the transmission needing to rev to 3500 RPM before it changes up when going from a standing start.
Gearbox problems are also prevalent in the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002. These problems include difficulty shifting gears, especially from 3rd gear to 2nd and 1st gear, and the transmission needing to rev to 3500 RPM before it changes up when going from a standing start.
Clutch problems are also reported by owners of the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002. These problems include difficulty shifting gears, especially from 3rd gear to 2nd and 1st gear, and the clutch slipping or not engaging properly.
Speed sensor problems are another common issue reported by owners of the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002. These problems include difficulty shifting gears, especially from 3rd gear to 2nd and 1st gear, and the transmission needing to rev to 3500 RPM before it changes up when going from a standing start.
Distributor problems are also reported by owners of the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002. These problems include the engine stalling, hard starting, running rough, and smoking. The engine stalling problem is particularly prevalent when the air conditioning is turned on, causing the idle speed to drop and the engine to stall.
Other miscellaneous problems reported by owners of the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002 include difficulty starting the car, especially in cold weather, and the car not going into any gear. These problems can be caused by a variety of issues, including a faulty starter motor, a problem with the transmission, or a problem with the clutch hydraulic system.
In conclusion, the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002 has several common problems reported by owners of this car. These problems include engine issues, transmission problems, gearbox issues, clutch problems, speed sensor issues, distributor problems, and other miscellaneous problems. These problems can be caused by a variety of issues, including faulty sensors, faulty components, and problems with the ignition or transmission control systems. It is important for owners of the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002 to be aware of these common problems and to address them promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of their vehicle.
What is the common problem with Suzuki Vitara?
Some common problems with the Vitara include: DPF problems. Clutch problems. Air conditioning problems.
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 common problem of Suzuki?
Common problems with Suzuki include timing chain, headlight, and brake issues. Here's what to know. What are the most common Suzuki problems?
What is the fuel consumption of a Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002?
Highlights of the Suzuki Grand Vitara 2002
It has a petrol engine with a fuel economy of 8.2L/100km.
2002 Suzuki Vitara car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Suzuki Vitara problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Suzuki Vitara vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Suzuki Vitara complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Suzuki Vitara.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-15
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI VITARA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE SUSPENSION AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY COULD NOT BE PERFORMED UNLESS ANOTHER COMPONENT WAS REPLACED. THE REPAIR COST WAS ESTIMATED AT $900. THE RECALL DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE ADDITIONAL REPAIR THAT WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY NOT BEING DRIVEN. THE VIN WAS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE SYSTEM. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-24
- VIN: 2S3TC52C226
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: AFTER SEVERAL MISDIAGNOSES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY CAR GOING INTO GEARS THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED TWO MONTHS AFTER THE CAR WENT OUT OF WARRANTY. I WAS CHARGED TO FIX THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS COMPLETELY UNFAIR. THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT THE CAR IN THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID I WASN''T PUSHING HARD ENOUGH ON THE BRAKE. THE SECOND TIME HE SAID IT WAS DO TO THE COLD WEATHER. THE THIRD TIME HE SAID THAT UNTIL THE CAR COULD NEVER GET BACK INTO GEAR HE WAS UNABLE TO FIX IT UNDER WARRANTY. THE FOURTH TIME HE FIXED A PART AND IT STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE FIFTH TIME I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SUZUKI DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY PROCEEDED TO TELL ME THAT THE OTHER DEALERSHIP DID NOT INSTALL THE PART CORRECTLY. THEN THE SIXTH TIME THEY SAID IT IS A DIFFERENT PART AND FIXED IT AND CHARGED ME BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS PROBLEM TOOK ONE YEAR AND ONE MONTH TO FIX. THE DISTRICT MANAGER SAID BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY THAT HE WOULD NOT APPROVE THE COST OF FIXING IT. EVEN THOUGHT THE PROBLEM STARTED AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS OF ME OWNING THE CAR AND WAS CLEARLY BACK WHEN IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE CAR TO THIS DATE STILL DOESN''T HAVE 30,000 MILES ON IT.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JS1VS53AXX2
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER NOTICED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE MOTORCYCLE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND MOTORCYCLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-02
- VIN: JS1VS54A022
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CONSUMER TURNED THE KEY TO THE "ON" POSITION AND THE BIKE'S IGNITION ENGAGED AND CAUSED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHICH RESULTED IN A CRASH. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT TURNING THE KEY TO THE "ON" POSITION IS ONLY SUPPOSE TO GIVE THE VEHICLE POWER. THE CONSUMER NORMALLY HAS TO HOLD THE CLUTCH LEVER IN AND PRESS START BUTTON FOR THE MOTORCYCLE TO ENGAGE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 SUZUKI VOLUSIA VL800 BK2 MOTORCYCLE. *NLM *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-13
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING OIL IS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-29
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MODEL DR200 SEK2; THE DRIVE CHAIN ON THE MOTORCYCLE CAME WHILE TRAVELING 3-4 MPH. THE CAUSE IS STILL UNKNOWN WITH THE OWNER INSPECTING THE CHAIN TO MAKE SURE THE CHAIN OPERATED WITH MANUFACTURES' SPECIFICATION(S). PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-15
- VIN: JS1VT53A922
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FROM NEW THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES (WHEN THE DEFECTIVE PART WAS REPLACED), THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL ABRUPTLY WHEN THE THROTTLE WAS APPLIED FROM A STAND STILL. THIS HAPPENED SIX TIMES AND EACH WAS AT AN INTERSECTION WHERE TRAFFIC BEHIND ME COULD HAVE COLLIDED WITH THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY AS IT IS A MOTORCYCLE. THE SELLING DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED AND THEY INITIALLY HAD NO SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING THE POSSIBLE CAUSE. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET INFORMATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER SUZUKI WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THEY LOGGED THE COMPLAINT WITH THE DECLARATION THAT THEY HAD NO REPORTS OF SUCH FAILURES AND SUGGESTED I CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP WHICH I HAD. THE DEALER FINALLY GOT UNOFFICIAL WORD THAT THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR MAY BE AT FAULT. IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE PROBLEM SOLVED. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH OTHERS WITH THE SAME MODEL MOTORCYCLE WHO EXPERIENCED SIMILAR STALLING AND THEY WERE UNSUCCESSFUL WHEN THEY CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AS WELL. IT IS MY CONCERN THAT MOTORCYCLES ARE BEING SOLD THAT COULD STALL UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. EVEN THOUGH MY BIKE IS FIXED, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE MANUFACTURER TAKE RESPONSIBILITY INSTEAD OF REMAINING IGNORANT. A RECENT CALL TO THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER BY A FRIEND REVEALED THEY STILL DENY ANY KNOWLEDGE OF SUCH A PROBLEM EXISTS, DESPITE SEVERAL OWNERS PREVIOUSLY REPORTING DIRECTLY TO THEM! DT
Negative 2002 Suzuki Vitara car reviews
Positive 2002 Suzuki Vitara car reviews
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Very reliable and fun to drive. Also a great looker, always getting compliments. Plus, it has great gas mileage!
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This is a great way to get this car for thousands cheaper. Just get the 4 cyl. I got it loaded for 16000 and it's very reliable. Most of all, it's big in a small way. I hope you enjoy it. We do. We have bought a few Suzuki products over the years and the value and reliability is what you come to expect from any Japanese car company without the heavy price tag!
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Great little SUV! In this day of outrageous gas prices, it's a relief to have a vehicle that gets such good gas mileage. By traveling 5-10 mph under the speed limit, my scanguage tells me I average 31-32 mpg. It's a good little vehicle for anyone, man or woman, and it's fun to drive and easy to maintain.
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Good little truck for the money. It runs well and is good on gas. Plus, it draws compliments everywhere I go!
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I traded my 2000 dak for this model because I was looking for better utility and, most importantly, better reliability. I've only driven 100 miles so far, but it looks like I made the right choice. The 4 banger works best with the five-speed. I test drove an automatic and it was sluggish, but with a five-speed, it performs much better.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Suzuki Vitara problems:
2002 Grand Vitara Common issues | Suzuki Forums
Oct 30, 2019 ... The cause of premature timing chain failure is poor maintenance, missed oil changes, use of the wrong oil & use of the wrong oil filter - with ...
Suzuki Vitara 2002: Common Problems & Troubleshooting ...
Jun 27, 2015 ... And also unplug the wiring loom connections in the engine bay one at time and inspect for corroded or recessed pins. Check the resistance of the ...
Suzuki Vitara - I guess this is a "Learn Me" thread| Grassroots ...
The 4 cylinders are pretty bullet proof AFAIK but I know they had some issues with the V6s in later years. Suzuki does know 4WD. They've been ...
1999-2003 Common Problems? | Suzuki Forums
Apr 11, 2015 ... I've got almost 300K on mine without ANY significant engine / drive-train related problems, FWIW. '99 Grand Vitara JLX, 2.5L V-6, 4WD, 5 spd std ...
2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
Problem with your 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara? Our list of 5 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Other years of Suzuki Vitara
Are you having problems with your 2002 Suzuki Vitara?
Orin Hansen 2025-01-08
I bought this car used in 2009 with 118K miles on it. I had a problem with a very squeaky belt, which I replaced, but it still squealed. Honestly, I don't remember what resolved this issue. The radiator cracked at 140K for the first time, and then cracked twice after (warrantied). It turns out the water pump was building too much pressure, so I replaced it. The O2 sensors were replaced at 160K. I have spent maybe $1000 over 5 years on maintenance (excluding oil changes, brakes, filters, tires, etc., and all labor was done by my loving father). Overall, this car has been very reliable and required little maintenance for an older car with exponential miles. It gets 22-26 mpg, with no difference between highway/city but winter/summer.
Judah Ullrich 2024-09-11
My Suzuki was great for the first few years, but unfortunately, once my extended warranty ran out, I started experiencing some issues between 80k~91k. First, the auto-entry device stopped working, then the A/C, and some electrical problems started flaring up where my headlights and interior lights pulse at night. After that, an automated window went out, then the interior dome light shorted, and the final two kickers--it was not starting up, then finally it started dying on the road randomly and shaking and needing a time-out before I can restart it. The worst part is, either we have terrible mechanics in Texas or this is a hard car to work on, because no one can figure it out! It's really frustrating when a car that has served you well starts to have issues. I'm hoping to find a solution soon.
Michale Stroman 2024-09-05
I use this car for work in the city. It's comfortable, quiet, and well assembled. Although it's not particularly peppy (automatic), it has good visibility and great maneuverability. The climate controls work fine. However, the back seat leg room is a bit tight if you have two adults in the front seats. My biggest concern is that I can't seem to exceed 20 mpg city/23 mpg highway, no matter how gently I drive.
Arvel Cremin 2024-01-23
I bought this vehicle in 2012 with 88,000 miles on it. It was in great condition and even the repair shop thought it was a new SUV when I needed new brakes. However, I've had some issues with it since then. I've only driven it 5,000 miles and have had to replace the battery four times, brakes twice, and windshield wipers twice (they're still noisy). I've also had to replace the oil pan, alternator, and door handles. Unfortunately, the underside is rusting and a recent mechanic asked if I parked in a field because of the rust, even though I park in my driveway. The rocker panels are also rusting. Now the vehicle won't start again and the catalytic converter is loose, causing all kinds of noise. Additionally, the A/C no longer works. I'm hoping to get these issues resolved soon.
Felton Abshire 2024-01-11
In general, I really like my Suzuki. I chose it over other small SUV models because it was reasonably priced and had more features. While I am disappointed by its weak engine, it still meets my needs. Unfortunately, whenever I use the cruise control on even the slightest incline, the engine struggles to maintain a constant speed. This was not an issue with my 2000 Kia Sportage.