Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
The speedometer on the car doesn't work correctly if at all when driving as well as the the fuel gauge. The car started it's dingy noise as if the key is always in the ignition (when off) or a door is ajar. It won't shut off when driving or when turned and it drains the battery. This car has had more problems and should've been recalled. The fuel pump was recalled but there are so many issues that have happened. Driving without the speedometer working of the fuel gauge working correctly should be addressed and the dealer is not able to fix the problem. Super frustrating! Dealing with this issue now for over a year. Having to take it back to the dealership for the 3rd time.
This was the 2nd time this problem occurred. This time I was coming back from a drive on the hwy and my wheel started to shake. It was a drastic change of a smooth ride to a weird shaking. I exited the hwy and went the street way. Still it did not improve got worst could barely accelerate . The brakes were so sensitive I barely pushed them down and it stopped. By the time I got home the and parked the car in the garage it stated to run hot. So I wanted to remove it out the garage it was very hard to reverse I got it half way out of the garage and grabbed my son we ran because it was smelling hot and running hot.
Frequently asked questions
Which Suzuki XL7 years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (28) and 2008 (25) model years. Steering complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Suzuki XL7 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Suzuki XL7 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Suzuki XL7 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the column (1 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (1).
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.