Most common 2000 Suzuki Vitara problems
Share of the 35 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Suzuki Vitara complaints by model year
Best Vitara years: 2001. Years to avoid: 1999. Compare all years →
What 2000 Suzuki Vitara owners say
Engine & cooling
I was driving to work on 3/18/08 and as I left the gas station I heard this pop and all of a sudden the car cut off. Later after having it towed to a mechanic, I was told that the timing chain belt popped. I was also notified that this was a regular occurrence with the vehicle and Suzuki knew of this, but had no recall to fix or change it. I had no idea of this and was told when buying that having a chain rather than a belt was much better for your car. Not unless it pops and repairs of $2000 are needed. I am appalled that Suzuki would know of such a problem and in no way of fixing it. I am hoping that Suzuki covers the cost of this repair and realizes that this is unacceptable. The dealership told me that most of the charge is labor, because it will be 11-13 hours to get to the chain. …
Suzuki is aware of latent defects concerning timing chain cover seals that leak oil and will worsen over time. It is documented that the leaks occur with Suzuki grand vitaras from 1999-2001. My grand Vitara is one of those cars with the latent defect. I took it to a authorized Suzuki mechanic as required, but they never informed me that Suzuki was aware of the problem. After further research on my part did Suzuki corporation acknowledge they knew of the latent defect. I am asking Suzuki in all fairness to cover the cost of this repair based on this documented evidence.
Suspension
My suspension crossmember fail while hitting the brakes on an offramp on my 2000 Suzuki Vitara. My whole vehicle started shaking very badly. The passenger noticed the passenger side wheel shaking out of control and after I inspected it, I found that where the control arm is mounted to the crossmember, is completely rusted out. I found that there is a recall for the exact same part for the 2000 Chevy tracker which is basically the same vehicle. Could not find a recall on this part for the Vitara however. I think this should also be recalled. The vehicle can not be driven until this component is replaced and someone could have also gotten hurt.
The lower connector on the left front tire snapped in half causing the tire to fall off. Auto body shop and insurance company both feel that it was installed wrong which is why in snapped. Car is still under warranty and Suzuki will not honor warranty claming that it is not a mechanical error. I have the other half of the piece that snapped off and you can clearly see that it is a defected part.
Brakes
Defects air conditioner condenser damage behind fan assembly. Failure of condenser in location consistent with other failures by other owners. Pull to right while driving even after alighnment, similar to other owner complaints. Vibration while braking and premature wear, similar problems with other owners. Items should be recalled and repaired.
The brakes on my 2000 Suzuki grand Vitara have been replaced 4 times in 4 years. They were replaced in June of 2003 3 times within 2 months because they squeak and make grinding noises. I have been told by my service people that they contacted Suzuki directly and were told to put on special no squeak brakes so they did---they still squeak and sometimes grind. I have had the service people check them several times and there is nothing they can do to fix the problem. When we replaced the first set of brakes--the brakes were worn really strange. One pad was completely gone on the bottom half and really thick on the top half. I thought I kept them but am not sure. They have not failed me but I am not sure that they won't sometime if I have to put them on quickly. …
2000 Suzuki Vitara engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 22 / 26 / 24 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 22 / 25 / 23 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 22 / 25 / 23 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 21 / 24 / 22 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 20 / 22 / 21 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 23 / 21 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 22 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Suzuki Vitara a good car?
Based on 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 Vitara rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 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 2000 Suzuki Vitara?
The engine & cooling — 8 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the suspension (7) and brakes (6).
How many recalls does the 2000 Suzuki Vitara have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000 Suzuki Vitara. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Suzuki Vitara?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999. See the full Suzuki Vitara years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 Suzuki Vitara problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 54,000 miles; 33% 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.