VehicleVerdict

2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 35 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Grand Vitara XL-7 year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 5 Grand Vitara XL-7 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across tires & wheels (7), engine (6), and speed control (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

35

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Grand Vitara XL-7 years?

Grand Vitara XL-7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted35 complaints2001: 15 complaints2002: 35 complaints2003: 20 complaints2004: 21 complaints2005: 2 complaints
Grand Vitara XL-7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Vitara XL-7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels720%
Engine617%
Speed Control514%
Suspension411%
Electrical System411%
Transmission26%
Fuel System26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Other13%
Seat Belts13%
Steering13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V427000Fuel SystemAugust 30, 2004 · 172,093 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

03V223000Visibility & WipersJune 16, 2003 · 5,319 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I HAVE A 2002 XL7 WITH 11,000 MILES TIRES ALREADY HAVE NO TREAD, I ALSO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MAKING AN AWFUL NOISE. SOMETIMES WHEN I GIVE IT GAS IT DOESN'T RESPOND AND WILL JUST PLAIN GIVE OUT ON ME... I SUGGEST NO ONE BUY ONE PLEASE IT GIVES SUV'S A BAD NAME. IF ANYONE HAS INFO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 1, 2003

“KEEP HAVING A OIL LEAK FROM THE VALUE COVER GASKET. I HAVE HAD IT FIX BEFORE AND NOW IT IS LEAKING AGAIN ON MY MOTOR AND IS SMOKING WHILE DRIVING IT. THE PLACE SAYS THEY ONLY GIVE ME A 1 YR WARRANTY . IT HAS COST ME OVER $500 BEFORE TO FIX AND NOW THE SAME . NEED TO KNOW IF THERE WERE A RECALL.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 28, 2013

“DT: THE CONTACT STATED VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN TWO CRASHES AS A RESULT OF THE SURGING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OVER FIFTY TIMES. THERE HAS BEEN NO DETERMINATION AS TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 1, 2003 · crash

“STARTED MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED A BURNING SMELL. BACKED OUT OF MY GARAGE AND THE BACK DOOR ARM REST WAS SMOKING. SHUT THE CAR OFF AND PUT OUT FIRE. CALLED THE SUZUKI SHOP AND THEY HAD ME DRIVE IT IN. MY ELECTRICAL WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THEY REPLACED FUSE, SWITCH, HANDLE AND WIRE COMP. ON THE REAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 25, 2006 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD FROM WORK AND I WAS ONLY GOING 40MPH AND MY CAR ALL OF SUDDEN STARTED SHAKING AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND FINALLY GOT CONTROL OF IT AND SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED AND NOTICED THE CROSS MEMBER WAS BROKE. IT WASN'T LIKE THAT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. NOW I HAVE A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 5, 2015

2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 — common questions

Is the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 35 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 5 Grand Vitara XL-7 years. It is one of the Grand Vitara XL-7 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Grand Vitara XL-7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints), speed control (5 complaints).

Does the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Vitara XL-7 years to avoid are 2002. The cleanest record among Grand Vitara XL-7 years belongs to 2005.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.