Most common 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems
Share of the 14 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 →
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara recalls (4)
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.
Power train › Manual transmission
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The gear shift rear shaft on these vehicles may break, preventing the gears from being able to be changed.
Remedy: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gear shift rear shaft, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934.
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.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Suzuki grand vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines; model year 2011 Suzuki grand vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles produced prior to October 17, 2010; model year 2010 Suzuki sx4 passenger vehicles; and 2011 Suzuki sx4 passenger vehicles…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on February 16, 2011.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 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 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara owners say
Air bags
We own a 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The passenger air bag light keeps coming on. We have taken to dealers 5 times in 4 months. We are told we need to watch how we sit in the seat, and do not recline the seat, there is nothing they can do since no codes show up on the computer. They state the airbag will not work with the light on but can not fix it. It is intermittent sometimes stays on. Has stayed on at the dealers.
Takata recall? Air bag and passenger air bag sensor lights stay on. Only have 70,000 miles on car. ABS/ESP light stays on
Electrical system
When car was initially started, after few minutes of warm up time, heat was activated and no heat was dispersed. Began driving, despite no heat. Within 1 mile traveling less that 15 MPH, the temparature gage increased to the highest level, still without heat in car. (picture 1) as speed increased, temperature gage rapidly fluctuated and ESP warning lights illuminated on dash. (picture 2) pulled off highway immediately following warning lights, engine found to be smoking. Diagnosed with engine crack., crack sealed for temporary function, within days of seal, same symptoms as previously stated, but total system shut down following ESP warning lights. Acceleration halted, power steering went out and brakes difficult to work. After sitting off, car unable to start.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. While driving, the instrument panel gauges failed to provide accurate readings, and the engine, ABS, asp, and air bag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. No further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000. The VIN was not available.
Lights
2009 Suzuki Vitara air conditioner compressor has failed upon 2 year ownership. It is not covered under the warranty per Suzuki dealership. While driving at normal speed, a popping sound occurs and the air begins to blow hot air. The events leading up to this was the highbeam/lowbeam lights burn out within 3 months of ownership. Then pulley system fails. Then the compressor. This all takes within 2 years. To repair the compressor, there are no "old" parts and it is only stocked with the Suzuki dealership. You are forced to pay their price for replacing unit, even though the air conditioner and filtering unit is covered under the 7 year/or 100000 mile warranty. The dealership told us that is was covered then 6 hours later they said it wasn't and refused to pay for the compressor telling me that they were not going to let me "win the lottery". Our Suzuki has 40,000 miles currently. …
I have had to replace my headlight bulbs so many times over the last five years, I have lost count. Now I am being told even though my mechanic replaced the bulb again, that I should replace both headlight assemblies at a cost of $240 each to solve this problem. I have seen so many complaints about headlight bulbs for many model year Grand vitaras. I think Suzuki should recall the 2007-2011 Grand Vitara headlights for the safety of their customers and overall customer goodwill.
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 19 / 26 / 22 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 24 / 20 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 23 / 20 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Grand Vitara rates better than average: 66% 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 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
The air bags — 3 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and lights (3).
How many recalls does the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2009 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 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 44,000 miles; 58% 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.