2009 Suzuki VL800 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 24, 2016 · 4 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other VL800 years
Not enough data 3rd of 8 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Suzuki VL800. That ranks 3rd out of 8 VL800 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (2 complaints, 50%), typically at around 8,121 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

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

Compare with another car

Most common 2009 Suzuki VL800 problems

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

Power Train2 · ~8,121 mi
Unknown or Other1 · ~846 mi
Vehicle Speed Control1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train250%8,121——
Unknown or Other125%846——
Vehicle Speed Control125%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2011, with 2 complaints
2011: 2201122013: 1201312016: 120161

n = 4 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2009 Suzuki VL800 recalls (1)

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

Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulatorFeb 23, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V108000 · 73,426 vehicles

Problem: Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 motorcycles manufactured from july 2007 through september 2009, equipped with regulator/rectifier assemblies, suzuki part numbers 32800-41f11, 32800-15h10, 32800-05h11, 32800-41g10, 32800-15h00, 32800-18h00, 32800-05g10, 32800-10g10, 32800-05h20, or 32800-06g01. Some regulator/rectifier assemblies were produced with insufficient adhesion between the power module (circuit board) and the rectifier case that contains a heat sink to dissipate heat. Due to insufficient adhesion, heat generated on the power module circuit board can cause the circuit board to deform, and lift of the case.

Risk: This condition causes excessive heat on the circuit board and uncontrolled electric current output, which can result in insufficient charging current being provided to the motorcycle battery. This can cause discharge of the battery and can lead to engine stalling and/or a no-start condition. Engine stalling while riding can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Suzuki will notify owners and suzuki distributors will replace the regulator/rectifier with an improved part free of charge. The safety recall began on march 2, 2011. Owners may contact suzuki at 1-714-572-1490.

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.

Making a downshift from 3rd to 2nd around a corner i applied throttle then a big clunk occurred and i lost power to my rear drive. I was able to make it to the side of the road, eluding traffic to move to the right lane. Upon investigation i've found out the problem to be the final drive propeller…

Power Train · received May 24, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10870646

Coming around a corner up a hill i applied throttle to go up hill. A large clunk occurred and i lost all forward ability. Not having power i barely made it to the side of the road almost getting hit. I swerved to avoid a car and went down. Nothing other than minor scrapes as a result. Upon…

Power Train · received Aug 26, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10537186

2009 suzuki vl800tk9. Consumer writes in regards to repair reimbursement and recall *tgw the consumer stated she returned the bike to the dealer, because the speedometer was off by 9 mph. The dealer replaced the component, but it didn't correct the problem. The consumer was informed there wasn't…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Jun 8, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10406374

Received recall notice from american suzuki corporation. Motor cycle taken to dealership, it has been there a month. I have checked every week. I am told they have gotten no response about a replacement part. Can you help resolve this matter in a timely fashion? Component that needs to be replaced…

Unknown or Other · received Apr 10, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10396272

Other Suzuki VL800 years

← 2008 VL800 · 2010 VL800 →

See all Suzuki VL800 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 2009 Suzuki VL800?

Owners most often report power train, unknown or other, vehicle speed control problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Suzuki VL800?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2009 Suzuki VL800 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other VL800 model years, the 2009 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.