Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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. …
Took my 2008 Suzuki XL7 premium into the shop because it was leaking fluid, making noises and was becoming hard to steer. 3 days later and 2 pumps later I still don't have my car back. They mechanic said they even flushed the power steering fluid out and there was metal shaving in it from the line. The dealership wants to charge the mechanic $500. For a new line and $500 for a new pump because of a defect on the manufacturer's end. I would like this to be looked into for recall purposes for safety and manufacture issues. Multiple sources state that there is a problem with it
My stability traction light came on which turned stc off, in addition it turned off the AWD. The power steering only works at faster speeds. I've almost wrecked this car on many occasions due to this. It's horribly unsafe in the rain. It will literally get stuck in a little mud puddle bc of the st n AWD being off. So many complaints! It should be recalled soon! It's 7 passage vehicle I'm assuming mostly for kids n it's stc,AWD,power steering just stops n it shakes when u slow down. I'm scared to death to drive mine especially in bad weather!!!
Driving the Suzuki on multiple occasion when I begin to turn the steering wheel stiffens and it almost impossible to turn. I must you both hands and forcefully turn the steering wheel. I have had the power steering replace 3 times and it is still occurring!!! It happens while motion on city streets and the highway. It so stiff its difficult to take an exit. This last occurred yesterday 7/4/2018.
My rack and pinion was replaced under warranty 8/2010 at 30,000 it was making a zipping noise. A year later at 47,000 the same problem has happened and Suzuki refuses to cover the 1000.00 repair. I have called numerous times with no help. I am outraged because this problem is known to Suzuki and they dont care! Even the dealership has told me that they have repaired this many times in other Suzuki XL7 with the same issue. Suzuki claims the car is still safe and it is only a noise issue but I dont feel safe, its the steering!! I guess they expect us to keep dishing out money for something that is known faulty and obviously keeps reoccuring.it is also obvious the repairs are being done with the same faulty part the car was manufactured. Suzuki needs to step up to the plate and take responsibility for there mistake.
The steering wheel makes a rubbing sound when turning back and forth. I had it fixed once while still under warranty. Went away for a while but now I'm at 101,000 miles and it's back. Unfortunately I'm not under warranty anymore, so this repair will have to be out of pocket. Disappointed, had I known that I was getting a Suzuki with GM parts I would have never considered buying it. I had a 2002 Suzuki XL7 and never had a problem with it. Another problem that I encounter on my vehicle is that it burns way too much oil. The oil changes come around alot sooner that the indicator displays on the panel. Dealership has no explanation for it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Suzuki sl7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was a loss of power steering without warning. The steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where both the power steering pump and rack and pinion were replaced. The failure persisted after the repair was performed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for a second opinion however, the technician was unable to diagnose the problem. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Power steering wheel hard to control. Power steering wheel makes noise. Power steering fluid gets very low. Needs to be refilled very often. I have been informed on the NHTSA website that there is a recall for the vehicle Suzuki XL7 2006. The recall is #10V250000 steering hydraulic power assist-pump potential unit affected #46549. My vehicle is Suzuki XL7 2008. I had this vehicle inspected and confirmed the same problem as the Suzuki XL7 2006 and agreed that driving this vehicle is unsafe and potential danger.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Suzuki XL7 limited. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds and making a turn, he would hear a winding noise from the steering. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately one year later the failure recurred. The failure mileage was approximately 30,300. The VIN was unavailable.
Steering complaints in other XL7 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Suzuki XL7?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Suzuki XL7, 34% of the model year's 74 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Suzuki XL7 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.