Most common 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 problems
Share of the 17 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 complaints by model year
Best Grand Vitara XL-7 years: 2001, 2002. Years to avoid: 2004, 2003. Compare all years →
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 recalls (1)
Fuel system, gasoline
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.
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.
What 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 owners say
Air bags
Driving south on interstate 81 (mile marker 109-110) several cars, including myself, lost control of their vehicles (hydroplaning) through this section of the highway. It was apparently a known problem area to emergency personnel, police and tow companies and from talking to all of them penn dot refuses to do anything about it. The locals call it 'dead man's trap' or something like that. The towing company had already picked up 5 cars that afternoon. There are no guard rails and I went over an embankment, through the woods and hit a tree dead on and center. I was driving a 2004 Suzuki xl7. It smashed the front bumper through the radiator. The air-bags never deployed. Less than a month ago I had this vehicle in for service (under warranty) because the "air-bag disengaged" light was coming on and staying on. The computer was replaced on the vehicle approximately. 2 weeks before the crash. …
One day, I started my car, the airbag light came on, and the clock/temp was flashing, it hasn't gone away. I am unable to fix the clock, and when I went to the mechanic to fix the airbag problem, he called our local Suzuki dealership and he was told that this is a problem that has been known for years, and would cost me over $3500 just for the parts. I've seen other sites where people have had the same problem. On one forum I saw that some Suzuki dealerships were offering to reset the sensor module for free, but I wasn't offered that here (hawaii). I spent most of my day trying to see if there were recalls, but could not find any. At this point, being that the car is already 12 years old, having to fix this problem will cost more than the car is worth. I am unable to get a safety check, and am unable to drive it anywhere now. …
Electrical system
I noticed when I started my vehicle it started rough and that there were some warning lights on the dashboard. The battery,ABS,and the 4x4 lights were flashing. As I proceeded to my destination which was about 23 miles,I noticed that the radio was shutting off and on, when I put the window down the radio completely shut off. That when I started to get concerned especially I was on the expressway. When I got off the exressway I noticed that my fuel light got on to where the needle was all the way down on empty, just as I was turning in to a side street with on coming traffic my vehicles engine just shut off in the middle of the road as I was turning. I then cruised in neutral to the side street where then I call for a tow truck. My vehicle is practically new only 4 year old and has 33,500 miles on it. …
"airbag" light on and clock/temp display flashes. This symptom was reported to Suzuki motors USA as a safety concern soon after the vehicle began selling because the front passenger side airbag might not deploy in case of an accident. Suzuki motors USA acknowledged the problem and made available a new "adjuster set front right" for replacement. Suzuki motors will not replace the bad component, it is requiring customers to pay the 1hr labor + $1500 part cost for vehicles that are past the factory warranty (36 months, 100K miles). The cost to correct the safety problem should be paid Suzuki motors USA.
2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 a good car?
Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Grand Vitara XL-7 rates use caution: 1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the Grand Vitara XL-7 at the same age. It is one of the Grand Vitara XL-7 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7?
The air bags — 12 complaints, 71% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the electrical system (4) and transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7, the most recent from August 30, 2004 (fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004 and 2003. See the full Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.