2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara Problems & Complaints

Better than average77% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Grand Vitara at the same age

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 77% fewer than a typical Grand Vitara model year at the same age, making the 2004 one of the better Grand Vitara years. The most reported problem area is the speed control & acceleration (3 complaints, typically around 48,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year.

8complaints
2recalls
2crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems

  • Speed control & acceleration~48,000 miles
    338%
  • Electrical system~170,000 miles
    225%
  • Air bags
    113%
  • Brakes~6,000 miles
    113%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    113%
  • Body & structure
    113%
  • Wheels & tires~23,000 miles
    113%
  • Other / not specified~170,000 miles
    113%

Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Suzuki Grand Vitara complaints by model year

199920002001200220032004200620072008200920102011201220131088538472981615842142011134
Owner complaints per model year, Suzuki Grand Vitara. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Grand Vitara years: 2013, 2004, 2009. Years to avoid: 2006, 1999, 2000, 2007, 2002. Compare all years →

2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls (2)

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor

NHTSA recall 05V-452 · Oct 5, 2005 · 801 vehicles

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.

Vehicle speed control › Cables

NHTSA recall 03V-512 · Dec 5, 2003 · 196,876 vehicles

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.

What 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara owners say

Speed control & acceleration

I was parked in parking lot of usps ready to leave. I had gotten there about 20 mins before. Car gave me no indication of any malfunction on way there. I turned car on and shifted to reverse;let go of emergency break when car jolted in reverse across to other side of parking . It jumped the cement molding on floor banged against iron railing knocking it down. As soon as I felt the jolt I pulled back on the emergency break and nothing happened. Luckily no one was hurt. I saw that there was a recall on this vehicle but I am not the original owner. Do I have any rights on this matter?

181,000 miles · Feb 2017

While pulling into the driveway driver depressed the brake pedal and vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into the residence. In January 2004 vehicle was repaired under a recall for the throttle cable.

Cables · 3,000 miles · Mar 2004 · crash

2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.5L 6-cyl4-speed automaticRWD17 / 20 / 18
2.5L 6-cyl5-speed manualRWD17 / 21 / 18
2.7L 6-cyl5-speed automaticRWD16 / 21 / 18
2.5L 6-cyl4-speed automatic4WD/AWD17 / 20 / 18
2.5L 6-cyl5-speed manual4WD/AWD17 / 20 / 18
2.7L 6-cyl5-speed manualRWD15 / 20 / 17
2.7L 6-cyl5-speed automatic4WD/AWD15 / 20 / 17
2.7L 6-cyl5-speed manual4WD/AWD15 / 20 / 17

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara a good car?

Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Grand Vitara rates better than average: 77% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Grand Vitara at the same age. It is one of the best Grand Vitara years by this measure. 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?

The speed control & acceleration — 3 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cables. Next are the electrical system (2) and air bags (1).

How many recalls does the 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 48,000 miles; 67% 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.