Suzuki VL1500 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file for the Suzuki VL1500, across 11 model years (1998–2008). The 2005 model year has the most complaints (13). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.
Suzuki VL1500 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical VL1500 year: 2005. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2005 VL1500: 13 complaints, 1 recall
- 2007 VL1500: 9 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2004 VL1500: 6 complaints, 1 recall
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 1999 VL1500: 1 complaint, 1 recall
- 2000 VL1500: 1 complaint, 1 recall
- 2002 VL1500: 1 complaint, 1 recall
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Suzuki VL1500 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 13 | 6 | 0 |
| Steering | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Suzuki VL1500 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 VL1500 | 5 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2007 VL1500 | 9 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2006 VL1500 | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2005 VL1500 | 13 | 1 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2004 VL1500 | 6 | 1 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2003 VL1500 | 1 | 1 | — | Suspension | |
| 2002 VL1500 | 1 | 1 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2001 VL1500 | 3 | 1 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2000 VL1500 | 1 | 1 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1999 VL1500 | 1 | 1 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1998 VL1500 | 2 | 1 | — | Fuel System, Other |
More from Suzuki: all Suzuki models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Suzuki VL1500 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2005 (13) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical VL1500 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Suzuki VL1500?
Electrical System, with 13 complaints across 3 model years.
How many recalls does the Suzuki VL1500 have?
1 safety recall across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.