VehicleVerdict

2004 Suzuki Vitara problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2004 Suzuki 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Vitara years?

Vitara NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted63 complaints1999: 63 complaints2000: 42 complaints2001: 40 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 1 complaints
Vitara NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Vitara years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Suzuki Vitara problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1100%

Does the 2004 Suzuki Vitara have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DT: THE CALLER SAID VEHICLE WILL NOT START. HE HAS CRANKED IT UNTIL THE BATTERY DIED. HE SAID THAT THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL UNDER THE HOOD. IT STARTED DOING IT A FEW TIMES, AND NOW IT DOES IT ALL THE TIME. THE CALLER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES. HE SAID THAT AFTER THE DEALER FIXED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 2, 2005

2004 Suzuki Vitara — common questions

Is the 2004 Suzuki Vitara reliable?

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

Does the 2004 Suzuki Vitara have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 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.