2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 recalls and problems

The 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 has 3 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Suzuki dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
13
Crashes / fires
4 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 recalls

Recall 04V-427: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 30, 2004 · 172,093 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, under ambient temperatures below -25 degrees celsius, moisture can freeze in the fuel pressure regulator. As a result, fuel system pressure may increase at the time of engine start up, causing fuel loss at the fuel pipe/fuel hose connection.

Risk: Fuel loss in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pressure regulator, the fuel deliver hose and replace the hose clamp with an improved clamp. The recall began on september 29, 2004. Owners should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

Recall 03V-495: Electrical System

Reported Dec 2, 2003 · 20,580 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the ignition system wiring harness is routed under the intake manifold. The harness can rub against the manifold during vehicle operation and abrasion damage to the harness can occur.

Risk: Damage to the wiring harness can cause a short in the ignition circuit, which can cause the ignition fuse to blow and the engine to stop running. This can result in a loss of control of the vehicle and could cause a crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair any wiring harness damage and will add additional insulation and a protector plate to prevent the wiring harness from becoming damaged. Owner notification began on december 16, 2003. Owners should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

Recall 03V-223: Visibility

Reported Jun 16, 2003 · 5,319 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: Certain passenger (111 my 2002 esteem, 777 my 2002 aerio, 2,368 my 2003 aerio) and sport utility (324 my 2002 grand vitara, 274 my 2003 grand vitara, 684 my 2002 grand vitara xl-7, and 781 my 2003 grand vitara xl-7) vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, 'windshield mounting." the windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body due to insufficient adhesion between the paint applied during the second-stage painting process and the paint applied during final-stage painting.

Risk: If the windshield is not properly secured, it may separate from the vehicle during a crash which could result in the ejection of unbelted occupants, increasing the risk of severe injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles. Vehicles that are found to have insufficient paint adhesion will either have the problem remedied by repainting, or will be replaced, or repurchased and destroyed. Owner notification began on july 8, 2003. Owners should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Electrical System4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Suspension2
Power Train1
Visibility1
Unknown or Other1
Equipment1
Structure1
Service Brakes1

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1
  • Equipment › Electrical › Anti-Theft Devices — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cables — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 15,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 15,000 miles · reported Mar 2, 2017
The brake and gas pedal are at the proper elevation to press them simultaneously with one foot. Because it is rear wheel drive and anti-lock brakes, the car speeds up when that happens. This is a typical engineering flaw that happens with many vehicles ("he thought he was stepping on the brake when he ran into the crowd of people..."). The front anti-lock brakes release when the rear wheels want to keep turning. With regular brakes, one can still overcome the force of the engine and stop a car. I ran into a house trailer because of the car accelerated when I stepped on the brake! The problem…
Electrical System · at 20,000 miles · reported Sep 3, 2010
I had bought a used suzuki auto from enterprise rental cars. In mid-june 2005 I was returning to phila. On I-95 after taking my daughter to camp in massachusetts. Just outside darien, conn. All the power on the car just shut down completely. An 18-wheeler was barreling down on me in the center lane but fortunately for me the lane to my right was empty and the shoulder was wide enough for me to pull over. After spending the night in darien and having a repair shop tow the car, the mechanic said there had been a blown fuse. He replaced the fuse and gave me a spare and instructions on how to…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 33,800 miles · reported Jan 14, 2008
I was driving my car home from the park it was raining a little bit suddenly my steering wheel star going the left, I hit the brake and the left side of my car fall down and the car stop completely, I check the wheel and it was about to come out.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · reported Jun 3, 2005
Dt: the brakes are squeaking, and the technician cannot find the cause of the problem. The brake pads were replaced and were still squeaking. The front shocks were replaced, but the technician said the rear shocks not working well, and this was normal. Air conditioner (A/c) was not cooling. The vehicle does not feel safe anymore.
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Aug 12, 2004
Problem with vehicle accelerating backwards when trying to park. The vehicle hit a steel beam. The problem was due to the accelerator cable. (Suzuki xl 7) the c onsumer stated the vehicle had just been serviced for a recall regarding the accelrator cable.

Other Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 years

Compare all Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 years · All Suzuki models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7: 04V-427 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-495 (electrical system), 03V-223 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (5 reports), followed by electrical system (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 15,000 miles.

Are Suzuki recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Suzuki dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.