Most common 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems
Share of the 38 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints by model year
Best Grand Vitara years: 2013, 2004, 2009. Years to avoid: 2006, 1999, 2000, 2007, 2002. Compare all years →
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls (5)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
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.
Remedy: 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, 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.
Vehicle speed control › Cables
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.
Remedy: 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 system
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install a redesigned intake manifold vacuum union and a new fuel pressure regulator. Owner notification began June 4, 2001.
Equipment › Other › Labels
Vehicle description: some sport utility vehicles do not comply with the certain requirements of FMVSS no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars." the presentation of some of the information on the tire information label deviates from the format set forth in the standard and the label May not…
Remedy: Dealers will install new labels as well as an update to the owner's manual. Owner notification began March 26, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
What 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara. While driving 3 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a building. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000. Updated 04/05/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds and pulling out of the driveway, the steering wheel became very hard to turn and the vehicle almost turned over when the brake was applied. The contact also stated that the vehicle proceeded to accelerate while the brakes were engaged. The vehicle was steered into the bushes to avoid a crash and was then shutdown with the keys. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the throttle body had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 78,400. Updated 04/02/13 the consumer stated she was arrested because of this event. Updated 04/18/2013
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds and pulling out of the driveway, the steering wheel became very hard to turn and the vehicle almost turned over when the brake was applied. The contact also stated that the vehicle proceeded to accelerate while the brakes were engaged. The vehicle was steered into the bushes to avoid a crash and was then shutdown with the keys. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the throttle body had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 78,400. Updated 04/02/13 the consumer stated she was arrested because of this event. Updated 04/18/2013
I purchased a 2001 Suzuki Grand vitarta with 8000 miles. At 24,500 miles the engine began to have noise. Took to dealer who stated it was timing chin tensioner. They replaced 2 tensioners at the dealers expense. I have put an additional 5000 miles on the car and the problem seems to be back. I have researched the tensioners and found 100's of complaints on the same part. Suzuki has not issued a recall on this item as of yet, however if the timing chain should break, accidents can occur. I have another appointment with the dealer in the next few days and am not sure if the problem with be fixed and is so at whose expense. The closest dealership is 65 miles away. There have also been TSB on this part so Suzuki is well aware of the problem.
Air bags
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The contact was traveling approximately 35 MPH and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy until moments after impact. The passenger was propelled into the windshield and sustained injuries to the knee, fingers and face. The contact sustained injuries to the sternum. A police report was filed. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired to determine the air bag failure. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 12/24/13
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, he crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy until after impact. The contact sustained injuries to the chest and sternum while the passenger sustained a facial injury from striking the windshield. The contact and the passenger were both transported to a hospital. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact did not call the manufacturer regarding the air bag failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 19 / 18 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 20 / 18 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 20 / 18 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 18 / 17 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 19 / 17 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 18 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara a good car?
Based on 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Grand Vitara rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Grand Vitara at the same age. 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 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
The speed control & acceleration — 9 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about accelerator pedal. Next are the engine & cooling (8) and air bags (6).
How many recalls does the 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara, the most recent from October 5, 2005 (rotor). 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?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2004 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006, 1999, 2000, 2007 and 2002. See the full Suzuki Grand Vitara years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 53,000 miles; 46% 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.