VehicleVerdict

1999 Suzuki Vitara problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 63 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Vitara year — the 1999 model ranks #1 of 6 Vitara years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (15), transmission (10), and engine (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

63

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Vitara years?

Vitara NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted63 complaints1999: 63 complaints2000: 42 complaints2001: 40 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 1 complaints
Vitara NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vitara years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Suzuki Vitara problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1524%
Transmission1016%
Engine813%
Other46%
Speed Control46%
Body & Structure46%
Lighting35%
Steering35%
Fuel System35%
Electrical System23%
Brakes23%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)23%
Airbags23%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 1999 Suzuki Vitara have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

99V273002LightingOctober 15, 1999 · 8,408 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH. IF THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE, A FAILURE IN THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH MAY ALSO PREVENT SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS FOLLOWING CLOSELY, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

99V154000Electrical SystemJune 28, 1999 · 1,273 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE VEHICLES WIRING HARNESS COULD HAVE BEEN PINCHED BETWEEN THE REAR STEREO SPEAKER AND SPEAKER RETAINING PLATE.

Consequence

AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR DUE TO THE PINCHED WIRES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITION/CONDITION OF THE REAR WIRING HARNESS AND REPAIR THE WIRING HARNESS, IF NECESSARY.

99V155000Seat BeltsJune 28, 1999 · 1,273 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS WERE REMOVED TO FACILITATE THE REAR SPEAKER INSTALLATION AND MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION AFTER INSTALLATION OF THE SPEAKERS.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RETORQUE BOTH OF THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS TO SPECIFICATION.

98V324002SteeringFebruary 9, 1999 · 38 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE COUPLING THAT CONNECTS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS CRACKED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE STEERING SHAFTS TO SEPARATE.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT COUPLING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN DRIVING OVER 50 MPH VEHICLE STARTS TO RATTLE AND SHAKE. IT SEEMS AS IF CAR IS GOING TO LOSE CONTROL. HAVE BEEN COMPLAING SINCE I PURCHASED VEHICLE BUT NO RESOLUTION AS OF YET. DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE AND CAR LOOSE CONTROL. WOULD LIKE FOR AN INVESTIGATION TO SEE IF PROBLEM WOULD CAUSE CRASH. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 1, 2001

“WHEN THE CLUTCH IS PRESSED THE ENGINE WILL DIE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 10+ TIMES SINCE 2/2000. IT HAPPENS SPORADICALLY AND DESPITE 6 RETURNS TO THE DEALER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. WHEN THIS HAPPENS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT OR LEAVING THE HIGHWAY, THE STEERING LOCKS AND THE BRAKES GET VERY HARD TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 11, 2001

“ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION IN THE SYSTEM. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN WITHOUT WARNING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION IN THE SYSTEM. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN WITHOUT WARNING. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUZUKI VITARA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES THEY FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO A TRUCK AND CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 20, 2010 · crash

1999 Suzuki Vitara — common questions

Is the 1999 Suzuki Vitara reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 63 complaints put the 1999 model at #1 of 6 Vitara years. It is one of the Vitara years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Vitara problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (15 complaints), transmission (10 complaints), engine (8 complaints).

Does the 1999 Suzuki Vitara have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Suzuki Vitara. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Suzuki Vitara years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Vitara years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001. The cleanest record among Vitara years belongs to 2004.

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.