VehicleVerdict

2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Grand Vitara years?

Grand Vitara NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted230 complaints1999: 142 complaints2000: 106 complaints2001: 56 complaints2002: 63 complaints2003: 37 complaints2004: 11 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 230 complaints2007: 86 complaints2008: 55 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 33 complaints2011: 11 complaints2012: 17 complaints2013: 6 complaints
Grand Vitara NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Vitara years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System150%
Latches & Locks150%

Does the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V452000BrakesOctober 5, 2005 · 801 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY WIFE HAD JUST STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AFTER PUTTING THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND WALKED INSIDE TO GRAB SOMETHING FROM HER PARENT'S HOUSE. WHEN SHE RETURNED THE DOORS HAD AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED HER OUT, SHE HAD TO CALL A FRIEND TO BRING AN EXTRA KEY. LUCKILY SHE DIDN'T HAVE OUR DAUGHTER WITH HER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · February 12, 2005

“MY WIFE HAD JUST STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AFTER PUTTING THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND WALKED INSIDE TO GRAB SOMETHING FROM HER PARENT'S HOUSE. WHEN SHE RETURNED THE DOORS HAD AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED HER OUT, SHE HAD TO CALL A FRIEND TO BRING AN EXTRA KEY. LUCKILY SHE DIDN'T HAVE OUR DAUGHTER WITH HER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 12, 2005

2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara — common questions

Is the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Suzuki Grand Vitara years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Vitara years to avoid are 2006, 1999, 2000, 2007, 2002, 2001. The cleanest record among Grand Vitara 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.