2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD recalls and complaints
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD; the most frequently affected component is service brakes, hydraulic — rotor. Owners filed 29 complaints, most often about vehicle speed control. Among the 11 model years of this model in the database, 2003 ranks #4 for number of recalls.
Service brakes, hydraulic — RotorCampaign 05V452000 · 05 Oct 2005
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasolineCampaign 04V427000 · 30 Aug 2004
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.
Remedy: 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.
Vehicle speed control — CablesCampaign 03V512000 · 05 Dec 2003
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.
Remedy: 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.
Visibility — WindshieldCampaign 03V223000 · 16 Jun 2003
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.
Remedy: 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.
What owners complain about
Share of the 29 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Vehicle speed control12 · 41%
Electrical system8 · 28%
Fuel system3 · 10%
Gasoline3 · 10%
Structure2 · 7%
Visibility2 · 7%
Tires2 · 7%
Engine and engine cooling1 · 3%
When complaints were filed
20032
200419
20052
20061
20082
20101
20111
20181
From owner complaints
Continually upon starting vehicle, go inside and came back out it would not restart. The consumer had to file for bankrupcy and voluntary repo because he could not afford to take the vehicle from state to state to be serviced. Campaign id number : 04v427000 *tc
When warming out, car sometimes surges and cuts out causing car to not be steered or to stop. It also sometimes will not start. *la
The consumer received three recall notice for her 2003 grand vitara xl-7. Everytime the consumer called to make an appointment, she was told by the dealer, they were waiting on the parts. *tc *jb
While driving, the driver was able to air coming inside of the vehicle when the all windows were closed. Also, the headlights will came on and went off by themselves. This is a hazard to the driver's visibility at night. This was a continuous problem. *jb
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.