Most common 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems
Share of the 42 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 →
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls (2)
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature.
Remedy: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019.
Air bags
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat.
Remedy: Suzuki will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara:
Occupant Classification System Failure
Suzuki Motor of America is conducting a safety recall to remedy the occupant classification system's (OCS) sensor mats in approximately 193,936 model year 2006-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 Suzuki SX4 vehicles (see NHTSA recall 13V-405 for more details).The sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat can develop an electrical circuit disconnection as a result of repeated flexing of the seat from use of…
What 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara owners say
Lights all 20 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. While driving 50 MPH, the headlights and daytime running lights failed and turned off, one shortly after the other. The contact replaced the bulbs several times, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to Suzuki of green brook (101 us-22, green brook township, nj 08812) who stated that both headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who noticed that the adapter, sockets, and fuses were all burned due to a high electrical current flowing into the assemblies. The adapters, sockets, and head lamps needed to be replaced. The mechanic did not know how to repair the underlying electrical issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they could not assist or escalate the case. …
Bought this used, but I have had to replace the lights, high beams, day runners since owning this Grand Vitara too many times. I know I have purchased over 15 different light bulbs as they keep blowing out? While driving, they are so dim and then they stop working.this is a hazard and these bulbs shouldn't have to be replaced this many times. Also while driving they blow, or stationary as well, I have made it a habit now to check them before driving since they go out as much as they do. Something needs to be done regarding this ongoing problem & it needs to be done asap. …
Air bags
I received 3 urgent letters telling me my2008 suzuki grand vitara has an airbag recall passenger side and needed to be repaired right away. But SUZUKI only has a few dealers left and none close to me so I have to drive my children in this unsafe car. So I called the dealer and they said I have to drop my car off 3 hours away and leave it for however long it takes to be repaired. And they said they have no loaner cars. They said for me to.go rent a car and then I can get reimbursed but I cannot do that I don't have the credit card neede to rent a car so I'm forced to drive this car I'm a single mom and disabled. I cannot go one hour without my car. But the recall is not being repaired because of this and my passenger airbag light comes on and off when just l Sitting still. It scares me and is unsafe. …
The Air Bag Light remain on . The vehicle was checked in a scanner and the codes B1312 and B1319 where found..I want to know if are recalls for this car. If yes What dealer in Puerto Rico can repair it.
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara. While driving 50 MPH, the headlights and daytime running lights failed and turned off, one shortly after the other. The contact replaced the bulbs several times, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to Suzuki of green brook (101 us-22, green brook township, nj 08812) who stated that both headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who noticed that the adapter, sockets, and fuses were all burned due to a high electrical current flowing into the assemblies. The adapters, sockets, and head lamps needed to be replaced. The mechanic did not know how to repair the underlying electrical issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they could not assist or escalate the case. …
The headlight bulb burns out every 2 months and has to be replaced. This has been an issue since the car was purchased new. I am the second owner, and bulbs burn out every 2 months. There have been no accidents in this vehicle aside from minor fender bender in the rear of the vehicle.
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 21 / 19 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara a good car?
Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 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 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
The lights — 20 complaints, 48% of all complaints for this model year, most often about headlights. Next are the air bags (12) and electrical system (10).
How many recalls does the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara, the most recent from March 7, 2019 (occupant classification). 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 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 40,000 miles; 57% 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.