1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 29, 2017 · 108 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Grand Vitara years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 108 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara. That ranks 2nd out of 15 Grand Vitara model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (21 complaints, 19%). Complaints mention 16 crashes, 2 fires, 12 injuries. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Fuel System, Gasoline21
Engine and Engine Cooling20 · ~49,238 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic15 · ~35,867 mi
Air Bags12 · ~78,881 mi
Power Train12 · ~131,559 mi
Vehicle Speed Control10 · ~63,089 mi
Equipment8 · ~88,000 mi
Seat Belts4
Steering4 · ~98,000 mi
Suspension4 · ~30,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel System, Gasoline2119%———
Engine and Engine Cooling2019%49,238——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1514%35,867——
Air Bags1211%78,881——
Power Train1211%131,559——
Vehicle Speed Control109%63,089——
Equipment87%88,000——
Seat Belts44%———
Steering44%98,000——
Suspension44%30,000——
Visibility44%———
Electrical System33%58,500——
Structure33%45,000——
Tires33%———
Fuel/propulsion System22%147,280——
Unknown or Other22%———
Fuel System, Other11%———
Latches/locks/linkages11%———
Seats11%———
Service Brakes11%———
Wheels11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2001, with 42 complaints
1999: 1199912000: 152000152001: 422001422002: 9200292003: 102003102004: 182004182005: 4200542006: 2200622008: 2200822010: 1201012011: 1201112013: 1201312015: 1201512017: 120171

n = 108 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls (4)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotorOct 5, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V452000 · 801 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: The front brakes may become inoperative and the vehicle may pull to one side. This could result in a crash without prior warning.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasolineAug 30, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V427000 · 172,093 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: Fuel loss in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed control:cablesDec 5, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V512000 · 196,876 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable casing cap that is attached to the vehicle firewall can crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable and insufficient long-term durability of the plastic casing cap. If the casing cap becomes cracked, movement of the inner accelerator cable through the cap can cause the inner accelerator cable to become frayed.

Risk: If the inner accelerator cable becomes frayed, it can stick during vehicle operation. In the case where an accelerator cable sticks, the driver could have difficulty controlling vehicle speed, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable, which includes the plastic casing cap. Owner notification began on january 5, 2004. Owners should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemApr 27, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V146000 · 59,888 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under temperatures below -25 degrees, moisture can freeze in the fuel pressure regulator. Fuel system pressure could increase at the time of engine start up, causing fuel loss at the fuel pipe/fuel hose connection.

Risk: Fuel loss in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will install a redesigned intake manifold vacuum union and a new fuel pressure regulator. Owner notification began june 4, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Brake line rotted away all brakes and fluid lost

Service Brakes · received Sep 29, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11030588

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 suzuki grand vitara. While driving approximately 5 mph, a fuel odor emitted inside the vehicle. When the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered fuel leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle was included…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Sep 17, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10764563

The vehicle at highway speeds from 45 to 55 miles per hour will lose complete power dropping from 45 or 55 to 10 or 15 mph very rapidly when this happens you have no control of acceleration or vehicle till it reaches the 10 to 15 mph range leaving you in a very dangerous position if you are not…

Power Train · received Feb 4, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10496399

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki grand vitara. The contact stated that when starting the vehicle, she would hear a loud squeaking noise. Also when she made turns at low speeds, the noise gets louder. The vehicle was inspected by several independent mechanics and they were unable to diagnose the…

Steering · received Feb 14, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10382635

Consumer expresses discontent regarding recall from suzuki corporation *tgw the consumer stated he received a recall letter stating it was the second notice, but he never received the first notice. The consumer was told the repairs would need to be performed by trained mechanic which was 80 miles…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Jun 7, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10334873

Other Suzuki Grand Vitara years

2000 Grand Vitara →

See all Suzuki Grand Vitara problems by year, every Suzuki model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

Owners most often report fuel system, gasoline, engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic problems. The top one, fuel system, gasoline, accounts for 21 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Grand Vitara model years, the 1999 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.