Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 25% | 51,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2011 | 1 | 9% | 72,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 30% | 72,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 21% | 87,000 miles |
| 2008 | 10 | 24% | 60,000 miles |
| 2007 | 12 | 21% | 93,000 miles |
| 2006 | 26 | 16% | 59,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 25% | 170,000 miles |
| 2003 | 8 | 28% | 48,000 miles |
| 2002 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% | 78,000 miles |
| 2000 | 5 | 6% | 50,000 miles |
| 1999 | 3 | 3% | 77,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Having trouble with low beam head lamp not working have replace bulbs more then once. Owners on internet are having the same problems. Dealer will not fix problem. I almost got in a accident due to someone thought I was a motor cycle. Many owners have complained but nothing has been done. Owners also have been pulled over and been given tickets for problem. Please help.
Changed low beam head lights last year. Both went out again at exact same time when starting. Lights don't due that saw a bulletin about a switch or modulator, looking for a recall & don't know if it's the lights only or a switch.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the instrument cluster turned off inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument cluster later turned on but then turned off again erroneously. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times that day. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys where the driver's side wheel speed sensor was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. Additionally, the check engine, ABS, and the electronic stability control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to an unknown dealer for assistance. …
12/31/15 -- outside temp approx 8 deg f, vehicle defroster failed to actuate, windshield froze over internally worse & worse, finally resorted to use ice scraper on inside of windshield while driver continued on state hwy. Heated air was coming out dash vents, floor, but not a whiff from defroster. Was on the way to a hospital, kept driving til about 12 miles along suddenly defroster vents actuated, blowing heated air like crazy. But had I not been along, spouse would have been hard-pressed to safely pull off or get to surgery appointment. Since heat was blowing out of other vents, indicates actuator fault. Problem not diagnosed, not sure if temp.-related or intermittent fault. In snowstorm or at night could have become really serious event (recently purchased used, not sure of history) 124000 miles
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Suzuki Grand Vitara years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (26), 2007 (12), 2008 (10), 2003 (8) and 2010 (6) model years. Electrical complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Suzuki Grand Vitara electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 11V-055 (alternator/generator/regulator, Jan 27, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Suzuki Grand Vitara electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the 12v/24v/48v battery (4 mentions), followed by the ignition (4).
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.