VehicleVerdict

2001 Suzuki Vitara problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 40 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Vitara year — the 2001 model ranks #3 of 6 Vitara years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (25% of the total).

40

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Vitara years?

Vitara NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted63 complaints1999: 63 complaints2000: 42 complaints2001: 40 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 1 complaints
Vitara NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vitara years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Suzuki Vitara problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1025%
Transmission513%
Lighting410%
Suspension410%
Other38%
Brakes25%
Airbags25%
Tires & Wheels25%
Fuel System25%
Speed Control25%
Body & Structure25%
Seat Belts13%
Electrical System13%

Does the 2001 Suzuki Vitara have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“RENTAL FROM DOLLAR RENTAL, RETURNED IT TO BOSTON LOGAN AIRPORT. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM BOTTOM OF VEHICLE, VEHICLE HAD BLOWN AN OIL LINE, OIL DRIPPED ON HOT EXHAUST AND IGNITED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 7, 2001 · fire

“DRIVESHAFT CAME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING 35-40MPH. VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND ACTED AS THOUGH IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. CONSUMER REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKED COMPLETELY OUT, CONSUMER GOT BENEATH THE VEHICLE, AND SAW THAT DRIVETRAIN WAS DISLOCATED FROM THE TRANSMISSION. SUZUKI WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 26, 2002

“DRIVING AT NIGHT I HAVE BEEN STOPPED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS FOR FAULTY REAR TAILLIGHTS. IT SEEMS THE LIGHT BULBS WILL WORK THEIR WAY OUT OF THE SOCKETS AND LIGHT UP SOME OF THE TIME BUT USUALLY NOT AT ALL. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · February 20, 2004

“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WILL SWERVE, AND ITS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. VEHICLE IS TOO LIGHT WEIGHT TO BE SWERVING IN STRONG WINDS.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension

“VEHICLE BURNS 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. 2ND ROW SAFETY BELTS ARE FRAYED ON PASSENGER & DRIVER SIDE FROM RUBBING AGAINST INTERIOR PLASTIC OF VEHICLE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 9, 2001

2001 Suzuki Vitara — common questions

Is the 2001 Suzuki Vitara reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 40 complaints put the 2001 model at #3 of 6 Vitara years. It is one of the Vitara years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 Vitara problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), suspension (4 complaints).

Does the 2001 Suzuki Vitara have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 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.