2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls and problems
The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 4 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Suzuki dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls
Recall 19V-187: Air Bags, Seats
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 17V-085: Power Train
Problem: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The gear shift rear shaft on these vehicles may break, preventing the gears from being able to be changed.
Risk: If the transmission cannot be shifted, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gear shift rear shaft, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VZ.
Recall 13V-405: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
Fix: 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.
Recall 11V-055: Electrical System
Problem: Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 suzuki grand vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines; model year 2011 suzuki grand vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles produced prior to october 17, 2010; model year 2010 suzuki sx4 passenger vehicles; and 2011 suzuki sx4 passenger vehicles produced prior to october 14, 2010. The tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump, has an improperly manufactured internal spring that can break due to repeated stress. If the spring breaks, the drive belt will not be adjusted properly and can slip, causing a squeaking noise. Or the drive belt could come off causing the driver to increase to steer the vehicle. This can also cause the coolant temperature indication to rise, which can lead to the engine overheating, or can cause the charging light to come on, which can lead to battery discharge and engine stall.
Risk: If the drive belt comes off, requiring the driver to use increased steering effort, or the engine stalls, a vehicle crash could occur
Fix: Dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on february 16, 2011. Owners may contact suzuki at 1-887-697-8985 or visit suzuki's website at http://www.suzukiauto.com.
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 3 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
| Equipment | 2 | |
| Engine | 2 | |
| Power Train | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
- Power Train › Driveline — 1
- Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 44,000 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 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Suzuki Grand Vitara years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara: 19V-187 (air bags, seats), 17V-085 (power train), 13V-405 (air bags), 11V-055 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Owners report air bags problems most often (3 reports), followed by electrical system (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 44,000 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.