Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Suzuki XL7 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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!!!
I was sold a vehicle without being informed that approximately 8,000 miles prior the vehicle had major engine issues, as the timing chains had to be replaced. The vehicle was sold with a warranty that the warranty company and dealership fail to comply with. I have contacted the dealership numerous times about various issues the vehicle has had since the first day of taking it off the lot, yet the dealer refuses to correct any issues. While I was driving home from work on route 65 in mid January, the vehicle begin to violently jerk and buck, while loosing speed. I pulled the vehicle over and turned it off, while still on the highway. I let the vehicle sit, having to the vehicle towed to be diagnosed. Once the vehicle was diagnosed, I found that the vehicle would need a new engine. After getting a second opinion, I found that the timing chains were probably the issue. …
While driving 20 miles per hour on an icy road the service traction control, service stability control, service AWD, and reduced engine power lights came on. The engine seized and surged and my brakes were inoperable. The vehicle slid and fishtailed. I regained control of the vehicle after a few seconds and pushed the gas lightly to continue driving. The vehicle surged forward and I slid into a canal. I was able to climb into the back seat, escape out the back passenger door, and swim to safety.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Suzuki XL7. While driving various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the camshaft and timing chain needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired and the timing chain belt fractured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Received check engine light and codes were as before pointed to a stretched timing chain. This is the second time for this vehicle. Dealership said this time it was from low oil pressure. Why was there not a low oil pressure light if it will ruin engine components? Suzuki has a TSB for timing chains and individual part numbers for these kits which tells me there should be a recall.
Check engine light illuminated and was told by our local garage the timing chain needed to be replaced. Needed special tools to do the job, so we had to take it to a former Suzuki dealer that still had specialty tools and had it fixed for $2200. Former dealership said this is a common problem with these cars. Also contacted Suzuki USA and filed a complaint.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Suzuki XL7. While driving 30 MPH, the check engine light illuminated without warning. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 98,000.
We were driving with no issues and chk engine light came on drove in technician stated over two qts low on oil. Have extended warranty on vehicle and warranty required inspection. This is the report: inspection findings technician has documented had code p0018 cam shaft/crankshaft correlation code and code p0008 cam position performance code was in system, technician stated engine was 2 quarts low on oil when vehicle arrived, oil sticker in windshield states next oil change at 113574 miles and vehicle now has 114588 miles, technician has removed both valve covers and rear cylinder head appears dry and cam lobes on rear cam/exhaust shaft are scored and bearing caps are darker in color than the front cylinder head camshaft bearings, rear cylinder head looks darker in color due to lack of oil pressure to rear cylinder, technician has removed cam bearing on front and rear cylinder heads and …
I was in the parking lot of wall mart with the engine idling heard a loud noise the car started shaking,turned it off immediately,got out looked under the hood nothing visible at the time. Got back in started the car checked temp gauge everything looked fine, and the loud noise again car started shaking,got out looked under the hood could see a little antifreeze on the ground,turned car off immediately,had it towed to matt blatt a Suzuki dealer in glassboro nj got a call three days later, informed the fan blades came off the pulley hit the radiator made a hole in it, the service person said it would cost$1200 to repair, informed the front bumper would have to come of which added to the labor cost, told service tech that was a factory defect and I should not have to pay for it, he then gave me the number to Suzuki international.called same they said they would not pay for it, the car was …
Engine complaints in other XL7 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Suzuki XL7?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Suzuki XL7, 30% of the model year's 74 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Suzuki XL7 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Suzuki XL7. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Suzuki XL7 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.