Most common 2008 Suzuki XL7 problems
Share of the 74 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Suzuki XL7 complaints by model year
Best XL7 years: 2009. Years to avoid: 2007. Compare all years →
What 2008 Suzuki XL7 owners say
Steering all 25 →
Lost steering while driving,became very hard to steer. Cost $2300 to repair. Said defect started as steering rack and caused metal to go throughout the system and take out the pump also. ABS/trac control/stability lights among others come on and loose AWD. Sunroof leak and paint peeling. Steering was lost again while driving 1.5 years later. Definite recall situation.
Fall 2018 had OBD code for timing chain- replaced timing chain and tensioner, end of November 2019 pulsating at low speeds- alignment, new brakes, new tires. January 2020 made a u turn at low speeds approx. 2 MPH and vehicle made grinding noise and shut off when started it back up steering became very stiff parked vehicle until March 2020 when it was brought to a mechanic, during diagnosis mechanic noted corrosion to both serpentine belt and timing chain due to oil leak from timing chain cover valves, had both serpentine and timing chains/tensioners replaced with new parts as well as valves and seals replaced, mechanic also noted balance harmonizer melted and deteriorating due to oil leak so replaced that as well, power steering pump replaced due to metallic pieces in power steering fluid and system was bled and flushed also regular maintenance spark plugs and oil change done. …
Engine & cooling all 22 →
My car was running when I checked it into the vechicle repair shop at Firestone address of 2311 Military rd Niagara Falls, New York 14304. When it got tolled back to my address it did not turn over. They said it was the battery but when I had a knew battery adjusted in my vechicle it still did not work. Therefore the issues is on the Firestone repair to cover any charges at another shop to get repaired at the cost they charge.
I have went through 2 engines 2 timing chains and 4 loans to keep this suv running 3999.98 for the first engine and the same for the second 1200 times 2 for the timing chain if you know a vehicle has this many problems why haven't you removed it. It's not safe or reliable now my locks don't want to lock unlock I have 14 different error codes on my check engine light after I put the second engine in! In less than a year!!!
Stability & traction control
Lost steering while driving,became very hard to steer. Cost $2300 to repair. Said defect started as steering rack and caused metal to go throughout the system and take out the pump also. ABS/trac control/stability lights among others come on and loose AWD. Sunroof leak and paint peeling. Steering was lost again while driving 1.5 years later. Definite recall situation.
When starting car the dash comes up stating stability control needs serviced and turns off plus my tracking control off. Then once you keep going will start working after 15 minutes. Its, crazy cause tried to talk to Suzuki auto of America and they just blew off any issues and stated sorry can't help you out of warranty and said not a lot of people have reported it to be a recall. I was like it's a 30,000 dollar SUV and I said no wonder they went into bankruptcy. It's so upsetting not even that old low mileage and it's now on my SUV has 64,680 and still sane issue and more. Can't believe there isn't more out there not to have a recall. I would believe this is a huge safety issue cause of all the brakes and stability of car. Please help me.
2008 Suzuki XL7 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 22 / 18 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 22 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Suzuki XL7 a good car?
Based on 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 XL7 rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the XL7 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 XL7?
The steering — 25 complaints, 34% of all complaints for this model year, most often about hydraulic power assist system. Next are the engine & cooling (22) and stability & traction control (14).
How many recalls does the 2008 Suzuki XL7 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Suzuki XL7. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Suzuki XL7?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007. See the full Suzuki XL7 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Suzuki XL7 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 37% 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.