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2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 47 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara, most often about the speed control (34% of complaints, typically around 23,000 miles). It is 4th of 14 Grand Vitara model years by number of complaints and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems
Speed control
16 complaints · 34%Half of these problems showed up before 23,000 miles. Parts named most often: cables, accelerator pedal, cruise control.
The dealership informed the consumer to call back in 5 days to make an appointment to have the accelerator cable casing cap recall 03v512000 performed, although the vehicle experienced a failure, which caused the consumer to hit a pole.
Consumer received NHTSA recall 03v512000 in january 2004 concerning accelerator cable casing cap cracking 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…
Brakes
10 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 41,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, pedals and linkages.
Dt: the consumer stated there was a loud popping sound while driving at 35-40 MPH. This happened without warning and no previous problems. The consumer inspected the vehicle because she thought she may have run over something. There was no evidence of this, and she proceeded. Afterwards, the brakes were hard to apply.…
At speed of 55 MPH on a highway, I was cut off by another vehicle. I had to apply my brakes quickly, and much to my shock, the car went sideways and slammed into a steel divider. This caused body damage to my vehicle to the entire passenger side - from front to back and everything in between. I have not had any…
Seat belts
5 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: front, rear/other.
The passenger side restraint seat belt retractor will not release properly. When the consumer clicks in the belt, the retractor will hold tight and will not release. Dealer is aware of the problem. Mr scc
Brakes squealed excessively and cost a mint to have replaced. (had to have two sets bought to get this to stop and rotors machined within 1 yr of purchase) right seat belt locks excessively and only way to unlock is to undo the connection.
Fuel system
5 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: delivery, storage.
When starting the car it shakes for two to three minutes and then finally runs normal. Before this it won't start. The dealer replaced the starter but I still have this problem. The dealer says they can't do anything about it unless they can duplicate the problem. So now I have to worry about the car breaking down.
Gasoline fuel door fell off for no reason, as far I can tell, all the hardware that would secure fuel door is still there. I have seen other Suzuki's with the same thing.
Suspension
4 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: front.
Dt: the consumer stated there was a loud popping sound while driving at 35-40 MPH. This happened without warning and no previous problems. The consumer inspected the vehicle because she thought she may have run over something. There was no evidence of this, and she proceeded. Afterwards, the brakes were hard to apply.…
Wheels and tires
4 complaints · 9%Consumer states at 12,000 miles vehicle was taken in for an alignment. 5000 miles later, all 4 tires had cupped on the inside. At 15000 miles tires were replaced again. Consumer felt frame was defective and wearing the tires.
While driving at 70 MPH brake foundation assembly and the wheel fell off. As resul, vehicle rolled over. Consumer had pictures and police report. .
Equipment
3 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: electrical, appliance.
Body and structure
3 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
Consumer states at 12,000 miles vehicle was taken in for an alignment. 5000 miles later, all 4 tires had cupped on the inside. At 15000 miles tires were replaced again. Consumer felt frame was defective and wearing the tires.
While driving 65 MPH and pushing in the cigarette lighter lighter popped out and landed into some tissue, which caught on fire. Consumer was able to pull the vehicle over and extinguish the fire. Dealer was notified.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls
Brakes: rotor
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.
Full defect 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.
Fuel system: fuel system, gasoline
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Speed control: cables
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: windshield
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: speed control (16 complaints, typically around 23,000 miles); brakes (10 complaints, typically around 41,000 miles); seat belts (5 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 5, 2005 (brakes). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Suzuki Grand Vitara?
- It is 4th of 14 Grand Vitara model years by number of complaints, with 47 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.