2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls and problems

The 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 4 safety recalls and 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Suzuki dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
47
Crashes / fires
7 / 3
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls

Recall 05V-452: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 5, 2005 · 801 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: The front brakes may become inoperative and the vehicle may pull to one side. This could result in a crash without prior warning.

Fix: 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.

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-512: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Dec 5, 2003 · 196,876 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

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.

2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Vehicle Speed Control16
Service Brakes, Hydraulic10
Seat Belts6
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Suspension4
Equipment3
Structure3
Tires3
Power Train3
Electrical System2
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cables — 8
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 4
  • Suspension › Front — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 28,000 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 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints

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

Air Bags · at 82,000 miles · reported Jan 2, 2020
The contact owned a 2002 suzuki grand vitara. The contact stated while making a right turn onto a bridge during inclement weather conditions from a stop sign, control of the vehicle was lost causing a crash into a cement wall. The contact could not gain control of the steering wheel and her body lunged forward onto the steering wheel as the seat belt did not retract. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. A police report was filed (Number 19005490). The contact was taken by an ambulance to the emergency room for her multiple injuries. The contact…
Vehicle Speed Control · at 54,000 miles · reported Feb 22, 2010
The contact owns a 2002 suzuki grand vitara. The contact stated that when at a stop with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle's engine would begin to rev with the RPM levels vigorously fluctuating. She noticed the problem on three different occasions since june 2009. She took the vehicle to the dealership and the dealer stated that they could not find a cause for the failures. She called the manufacturer and was instructed to take the vehicle to the dealership. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The current mileage was approximately 59,330. The failure mileage…
Tires · at 200,000 miles · reported Nov 10, 2008
The contact owns a 2002 suzuki grand vitara. Until recently, the contact has never used the tiger paw spare tire that came with the vehicle. While driving 60 MPH on a busy highway, a tire blew out with a loud pop. The driver was able to maneuver the vehicle off of the road to safety. The fender was damaged due to the tire and how it detached from the vehicle. The tire size was unknown. The failure and current mileages exceeded 200,000. Updated 01/14/09.
Power Train · reported Nov 29, 2007
2002 suzuki vitara with transmission failure. Consumer states that the vehicle will go into reverse with no help from the driver and other times it will lock up and not go into reverse. She also states that it has caused damage to personal property. The consumer stated when the third incident occurred, the vehicle locked up and would not go into reverse.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 52,500 miles · reported Aug 22, 2007
My 2002 suzuki grand vitara (Limited 4WD) was involved in a single car accident when the cruise control was engaged on the highway at 55 MPH. It was a hilly stretch of highway near pittsville, mo and there was a light dusting of snow just starting to fall. The cruise control made the car jump into a lower gear when ascending a hill to keep it at 55 MPH. The RPM's jumped from about 2,000 to 5,000 when the car shifted into 3rd gear - which caused the tires to lose traction and I wrecked into 2 highway sign posts and skidded sideways about 50 yards into the center median. It was a miracle that I…

Other Suzuki Grand Vitara years

Compare all Suzuki Grand Vitara years · All Suzuki models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara: 05V-452 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-427 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-512 (vehicle speed control), 03V-223 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

Owners report vehicle speed control problems most often (16 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 28,000 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.