2002 Suzuki XL-7 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 17, 2014 · 35 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other XL-7 years
More complaints than other years 4th of 9 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Suzuki XL-7. That ranks 4th out of 9 XL-7 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (7 complaints, 20%), typically at around 53,000 miles. Complaints mention 5 crashes, 1 fire, 2 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Suzuki XL-7
2007-2009 Suzuki XL7 photographed in Laurel, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

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

Compare with another car

Most common 2002 Suzuki XL-7 problems

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

Engine and Engine Cooling7 · ~53,000 mi
Vehicle Speed Control7 · ~39,000 mi
Power Train4 · ~25,450 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4 · ~65,500 mi
Steering4 · ~80,000 mi
Electrical System2 · ~41,500 mi
Equipment2 · ~48,500 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline2 · ~66,815 mi
Suspension2 · ~137,000 mi
Tires2 · ~25,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine and Engine Cooling720%53,000——
Vehicle Speed Control720%39,000——
Power Train411%25,450——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic411%65,500——
Steering411%80,000——
Electrical System26%41,500——
Equipment26%48,500——
Fuel System, Gasoline26%66,815——
Suspension26%137,000——
Tires26%25,000——
Air Bags13%———
Exterior Lighting13%———
Structure13%80,000——
Unknown or Other13%———
Visibility13%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2004, with 11 complaints
2003: 1200312004: 112004112005: 102005102008: 3200832009: 3200932010: 2201022011: 2201122012: 2201222014: 120141

n = 35 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2002 Suzuki XL-7 recalls (2)

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.

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.

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.

This 2002 suzuki xl7 limited started to have touchy steering at 55 mph and up. It is so sensitive that it can even change lanes. When the steering acts up the whole vehicle vibrates. I had new tires and alignment and checked for any slack in anything under the vehicle and it checked out good. I…

Steering · received Oct 17, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10648401

Ac compressor went out twice in my 2002 suzuki xl-7. Once in august 2009 and again in may 2012. I had to have it replaced twice because it was a pretty hot summer. It assume if the car last another few years, i will have to replace it again. How annoying! Also, after the summer months, during the…

Structure · received Oct 11, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10479723

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 suzuki xl7. The contact stated that the vehicle would pull to the right abnormally when driving at any speed. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and the failure was located as the front cross member being broken due to defective material. The failure caused the…

Suspension · received May 23, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10459408

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 suzuki xl7. While driving approximately 55 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The brakes were engaged and the vehicle slowed down with a loud grinding noise. The manufacturer was notified of the problem and they advised the…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Oct 12, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10429656

Condensation from vehicles air conditioning drips onto the insulation around brake line that is supposed to protect brake line from exhaust manifold heat. Living in texas the vehicle rarely is turned on without the air conditioning. The continued saturation, drying and vibration of normal day to…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Jan 28, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10380351

Other Suzuki XL-7 years

← 2001 XL-7 · 2003 XL-7 →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2009 XL-750
2008 XL-7740
2007 XL-71382
2006 XL-7282
2005 XL-7182
2004 XL-7452
2003 XL-7242
2002352
2001 XL-7132

See all Suzuki XL-7 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 2002 Suzuki XL-7?

Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control, power train problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 7 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Suzuki XL-7?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2002 Suzuki XL-7 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other XL-7 model years, the 2002 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.