2005 Suzuki Xl-7 problems
The Suzuki XL-7 (styled as XL7 for the second generation) is a mid-size SUV sold by Suzuki from 1998 to 2009, over two generations. Slotted above the Grand Vitara in Suzuki's lineup, the XL-7 offered three-row seating. XL-7 stands for "Xtra Large 7-seater".
First generation (XL-7; 1998)
The first-generation XL-7 was a Suzuki design, had a body-on-frame construction, and was essentially a stretched Grand Vitara. The North American version had a Suzuki-designed 2.5- or 2.7-liter V6 engine, on a rear-wheel drive-based platform with optional four-wheel drive. Beginning in 2003, European versions were also available with a 2.0-liter Peugeot turbodiesel engine producing 109 PS (80 kW).
A unique trait in the US market in this segment was that the XL-7 was available with a five-speed manual transmission, in both five- and seven-seat variants.
When introduced, the XL-7 was the least expensive SUV available with three-row seating in North America. It was awarded the Consumers Digest "Best Buy" award. However, sales slowed as the vehicle aged relative to the competition.
In Thailand, the Grand Vitara XL-7 was Imported by Siam International Corporation Co. Ltd. on 2002.
In Indonesia, the Grand Escudo XL-7 was launched on July 19, 2003, at the 12th Gaikindo Auto Expo.
Social links
Common 2005 Suzuki Xl-7 problems
Common Problems with the Suzuki XL-7 2005 Based on Owner Complaints:
- Fog Lights Staying On: Another problem noted is the fog lights remaining on, which can drain the battery and potentially cause visibility issues. Understanding when these lights are on is essential for efficient use of vehicle lighting systems.
- Lane-Keeping Assist System Activation: Some owners have experienced confusion with the lane-keeping assist system light, which indicates the system is active and working to keep the vehicle within its lane. This feature is designed to enhance driving safety and stability on the road.
- Brake System Warning Light: The anti-lock brake system warning light can illuminate due to various issues like faulty speed sensors, low brake fluid, or brake system malfunctions. Prompt attention to this warning is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of the braking system and overall vehicle safety.
These common problems with the Suzuki XL-7 2005 highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt attention to warning lights, and understanding the vehicle's features for a safe and reliable driving experience.
What is the common problem with Suzuki XL-7?
Timing chain problem
If you can hear a rattling noise coming from the engine, then the most likely cause is a problem with the timing chain. The main cause of this problem is poor servicing, which results in the tensioners sticking. Does the video below sound anything like your issue?
Is a Suzuki XL-7 reliable?
They're not the best car in the class but, so long as they're properly looked after, the Suzuki XL7 shouldn't be any more unreliable than another mid-size SUV.
What is the fuel consumption of a 2005 Suzuki XL-7?
Find and Compare Cars
| 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL7 | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Automatic 5-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 18 combined city/highway MPG 16 city 21 highway 5.6 gals/100 miles |
Why did they stop making Suzuki XL-7?
In May 2009, Suzuki halted production of the XL7 indefinitely due to low demand. Through May 10, 2009, CAMI Automotive had only produced four XL7s for Suzuki after producing more than 12,000 units the previous year.
2005 Suzuki Xl-7 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Suzuki Xl-7.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2005 Suzuki Xl-7 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2005 Suzuki Xl-7.
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
- Summary: SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR MODEL YEAR 2006 GRAND VITARA AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 XL-7 VEHICLES. THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FOR THE DRIVE BELT THAT OPERATES THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR (IF EQUIPPED) HAS AN OUTER PORTION THAT IS MADE OF PLASTIC. REPEATED HEAT STRESS CAN CAUSE THE PLASTIC MATERIAL TO DETERIORATE AND PIECES OF THE PULLEY CAN BREAK OFF.
- Consequence: BROKEN PIECES OF THE PULLEY CAN GET CAUGHT BETWEEN THE PULLEY AND THE DRIVE BELT, CAUSING THE DRIVE BELT TO COME OFF AND RESULTING IN THE DRIVER NEEDING INCREASED EFFORT TO STEER THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
- 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.
Negative 2005 Suzuki Xl-7 car reviews
Positive 2005 Suzuki Xl-7 car reviews
-
The 2003 LX_7 Limited 4x4 is a well-constructed vehicle that has been executed with thoughtfulness and care in detail. It feels solid and handles well, providing a smooth and steady push rather than neck-snapping, wheel-spinning antics. The interior is well-appointed and laid out, with everything you need right where you need it, and it all works! The automatic transmission is the smoothest I've ever experienced in a moderately priced vehicle. The 2 to 4 wheel drive shift on the fly works impeccably. This truck-based mid-size SUV has the best road handling in its class, making it a great road handler as well as city parker. It offers tremendous cargo and people volume, although more of one means you trade-off on the other.
-
We traded our truck, which was roomy, powerful, and comfy, for our XL-7. The Suzuki had all the things we were looking for and then some. We went shopping on the basis of warranty and service foremost. We tried the Kia, but the Suzuki won out with more room. We also got the 3rd row seat. The Suzuki is just overloaded with options that came with it standard, where others, these cost a consumer extra. I agree that the seating in the XL-7 is cramped, but we knew this from the get-go and we love that we can fold the seats down for cargo space. Our XL-7 isn't very old but we love it.
-
Your 2005 Suzuki XL-7 sounds like a fun ride! It handles city traffic well and has convenient door handles for easy entry. Although, it seems like the driver's seat may not be the most comfortable for long drives. Additionally, wind noise can be a bit of a distraction when driving over 65 MPH, which can make it difficult to enjoy the radio. The interior could also use some improvement, as it seems to have a lot of cheap plastic. However, the vehicle looks great and the engine runs fast, especially in cold weather. It's good to know that the engine noise is normal for all models. Overall, it sounds like a great car with some minor drawbacks.
-
Suzuki is no longer in production, but it remains a reliable and sturdy car for long trips, especially for hospice nurses. In over 10 years of use, there was only one maintenance issue with the brake line. The CD player had to be replaced twice, but both times were covered under warranty. Overall, it is an excellent, reliable, and easily maintained vehicle with plenty of room and cargo space. It is a car that I love!
-
My XL-7 is a fantastic family vehicle. It's compact enough to park anywhere, yet spacious enough to comfortably seat seven people with ample storage space. I would highly recommend this affordable SUV to anyone who is budget-conscious.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Suzuki Xl-7 problems:
Suzuki XL-7 Questions - I am thinking to buy a SUZUKI XL7 ...
Aug 17, 2015 ... This vehicle has some bad issues concerning the engine timing chain tensioner going bad..causing the chains to stretch and do damage to ...
Suzuki XL-7 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Top Suzuki XL-7 Problems · Timing Chain Tensioner May Fail. 283 people have reported this. 134 · Revised Seal to Correct Leak at Right Front Axle. 16 people have ...
2005 Suzuki XL-7 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2005 Suzuki XL-7? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
My Suzuki XL7 Problems to date! | Suzuki Forums
Oct 26, 2011 ... My Suzuki XL7 Problems to date! · Entire dash board. Passenger Air bag was lifting. $1200 :eek: · One front strut. It was leaking. $400 · Rear ...
How Reliable is the Suzuki XL7? | Suzuki Problems
XL7 owners have made 72 complaints over 9 model years. It ranks dead last in reliability out of 12 eligible Suzuki models. Our reliability rank is based on our ...
Other years of Suzuki Xl-7
Are you having problems with your 2005 Suzuki Xl-7?
Darius Brakus 2025-09-07
This SUV is a great choice if you're looking for a good deal. It offers plenty of interior flexibility, with rear seats that can be moved and folded down to create extra cargo space. It's also one of the few small-medium size SUVs that has enough cargo room behind the second row seat to fit two large dogs. While a minivan might be a better option, I needed 4WD and the only minivan with AWD is the Toyota Sienna, which was out of my budget. Overall, this SUV is a great choice for anyone looking for a spacious and versatile vehicle.
Luigi Bernier 2024-08-02
The ride quality is poor. Have you considered trading it in for a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited?
Cody Halvorson 2024-07-24
My wife loves her SUV, but she's been having some issues with the interior. She bought it while I was away in Iraq, and I wish we could have spent a bit more to get a nicer one. Unfortunately, we've already had some problems with the interior, and it took us three months of calling Suzuki to get the tech to approve the work on the car. Finally, the tech looked at the SUV and approved the interior work, so we were able to get it fixed. However, we did find another problem with the interior yesterday.
Grant Berge 2024-06-05
I purchased this car used with only 17,000 miles on it, and unfortunately, it has not lived up to my expectations. There have been a few minor issues, such as the cable to pop the hood breaking twice, and a malfunctioning door ajar sensor that causes the interior lights to flash and ding when hitting bumps. Additionally, the gas mileage is not great for a compact SUV with a V6 engine and low horsepower. The tire inflation sensor has also malfunctioned. Despite these issues, I am hopeful that with proper maintenance, this car will serve me well in the future.
Albert Ondricka 2024-05-17
The vehicle is comfortable for driving, but it could use better gas mileage. While driving, it can be a bit too noisy. Additionally, the tire sensors tend to malfunction, especially on cold days. Unfortunately, the passenger door light is not working despite several attempts to repair it. The security screen in the rear is also constantly breaking. Finally, the braking system could use some improvement.