VehicleVerdict

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara sits mid-pack among Grand Vitara years: 55 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 37, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

Lighting leads the complaint categories with 20 reports (36% of the total).

55

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Grand Vitara years?

Grand Vitara NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Vitara years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting2036%
Airbags1222%
Electrical System1120%
Engine35%
Suspension24%
Speed Control12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Transmission12%
Brakes12%
Fuel System12%
Seat Belts12%
Seats12%

Does the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara have recalls?

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

19V187000AirbagsMarch 7, 2019 · 31,302 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

13V405000AirbagsSeptember 6, 2013 · 189,901 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE HEADLIGHTS ARE BURNING OUT PREMATURELY EVERY 4-6 MONTHS. THIS IS EXPENSIVE AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IF I DO NOT NOTICE IMMEDIATELY WHEN THEY BLOW OUT, ESPECIALLY IF BOTH GO AT THE SAME TIME. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THIS HAS BEEN SOMETHING THAT MANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 7, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN HE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 10, 2011 · crash

“THE HEADLIGHT BULB BURNS OUT EVERY 2 MONTHS AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW. I AM THE SECOND OWNER, AND BULBS BURN OUT EVERY 2 MONTHS. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS IN THIS VEHICLE ASIDE FROM MINOR FENDER BENDER IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 5, 2015

“While stopped at traffic light at idle, I can hear a knocking noise in the engine compartment. Took it to my mechanic, and believe it is coming from the lower engine. He removed the oil pan and found that the rod and crankshaft bearing has movement. The car is 2008 and only has 36,000 miles.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 2, 2026

“THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY IN ALIGNMENT. IT IS WEARING THE BACK TIRES DOWN TO NOTHING REALLY FAST AND MAKING LOUD ROARING NOISES. WHEN DRIVING IT THROWS YOU ALL OVER THE ROAD MAKING IT VERY POSSIBLE TO HIT ON COMING TRAFFIC. THIS VEHICLE DOES NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE PARKED IT AND WILL NOT BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 24, 2011

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara — common questions

Is the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?

It is close to typical for the Grand Vitara: 55 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2008 Grand Vitara problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (20 complaints), airbags (12 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).

Does the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.