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1999 Suzuki Vitara

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 7 of 50 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports1 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

50 reports
42,214 miles · Oct 22, 2003
Vehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN CRUISE MODE. WHEN TRYING TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONSUMER STRUGGLED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, FINALLY GETTING THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO SHUT THE IGNITION OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, AND THE …

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WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN CRUISE MODE. WHEN TRYING TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONSUMER STRUGGLED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, FINALLY GETTING THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO SHUT THE IGNITION OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS STILL ACTIVE. THE CONSUMER HAD TO PHYSICALLY PULL THE GAS PEDAL FROM THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *SCC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10042021

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2003
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT EASILY GO INTO 3RD GEAR. THERE WAS A HORRIBLE VIBRATION AND NOISE WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND A FEELING OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10020833

Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

FROM DAY ONE, THE BELT ON THE CAR MADE A CHIRPING NOISE. THE CAR HAD GONE BACK TO THE DEALER ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASSIONS-AND AS OF RIGHT NOW, THE BELT HAS BEEN CHANGED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES, BUT THE NOISE CONTINUES. WHEN IT RAINS, IT GETS A VERY LOUD SQUEAKY NOISE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE…

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FROM DAY ONE, THE BELT ON THE CAR MADE A CHIRPING NOISE. THE CAR HAD GONE BACK TO THE DEALER ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASSIONS-AND AS OF RIGHT NOW, THE BELT HAS BEEN CHANGED THREE DIFFERENT TIMES, BUT THE NOISE CONTINUES. WHEN IT RAINS, IT GETS A VERY LOUD SQUEAKY NOISE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON RIGHT AFTER PURCHASE. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DELAER AT LEAST TWICE, AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE SENSOR, BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS FINE. HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO COME ON OCCASSIONALLY OFF AND ON. I HAD CONSISTENT OIL CHANGES AND SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DONE, BUT LAST WEEK, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STARTING FLASHING. COME TO FIND OUT, THE #3 CYLINDER GOING INTO THE ENGINE WAS GONE. I WAS TOLD THIS HAD TO BE AND ON-GOING PROBLEM-IT DID NOT HAPPEN OVER NIGHT. EVIDENTLY, THERE WAS A PROBLEM EXACTLY ALL THE TIMES THE LIGHT CAME ON. AS A RESULT, I HAD TO PAY OVER $2000 TO GET THE CAR FIXED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #762686

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2002
Suspension

VEHICLE SWERVES AT ANY SPEED, IT'S DIFFICULT TO CONTROL VEHICLE, ALIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN DONE AND TIRES WERE REPLACED, HOWEVER DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*JB

NHTSA ODI #8010003

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2001
Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER WILL ATTACH COPY TO COMPLAINT FORM FOR FUEL PIPE HOSE IN THE BEGINNING OF JULY, DEALER NOTIFIED CONSUMER TWICE ON 7-25-01, AND 8-20-01 BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALER NAME SANSONES, AUTO MALL RT 21, WOODBRIDGE PHONE# 732-815-0500.*AK CONSUMER STATES AS OF OCTOBER 4,2001 …

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CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE, CONSUMER WILL ATTACH COPY TO COMPLAINT FORM FOR FUEL PIPE HOSE IN THE BEGINNING OF JULY, DEALER NOTIFIED CONSUMER TWICE ON 7-25-01, AND 8-20-01 BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALER NAME SANSONES, AUTO MALL RT 21, WOODBRIDGE PHONE# 732-815-0500.*AK CONSUMER STATES AS OF OCTOBER 4,2001 NO ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY DEALER TO REPLACED PARTS.*JB

NHTSA ODI #894747

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2001
SuspensionVehicle Speed Control

SINCE PURCHASE CAR HAS EXHIBITED SERIOUS VIBRATION THROUGHOUT VEHICLE AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND CRUISE CONTROL UNIT OPERATES ERRATICALLY AFTER A DOWNSHIFT IS REQUIRED-SUZUKI FACTORY REPRESENATIVE ORIGINALLY SAID A NEW TYPE ECM WOULD CORRECT THE CONDITIONS BUT LATER SAID NO SUCH PART EXISTED AFTER THE DEALER HAD ORDERED IT AND WAITED …

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SINCE PURCHASE CAR HAS EXHIBITED SERIOUS VIBRATION THROUGHOUT VEHICLE AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND CRUISE CONTROL UNIT OPERATES ERRATICALLY AFTER A DOWNSHIFT IS REQUIRED-SUZUKI FACTORY REPRESENATIVE ORIGINALLY SAID A NEW TYPE ECM WOULD CORRECT THE CONDITIONS BUT LATER SAID NO SUCH PART EXISTED AFTER THE DEALER HAD ORDERED IT AND WAITED TWO MONTHS FOR IT TO BE DELIVERED AND INSTALLED IN MY VEHICLE- SUZUKI SUBSEQUENTLY AUTHORIZED BALANCING THE TIRES, REPLACING THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE, REPLACING THE DRIVESHAFT, AND REPAIRING THE DIFFERENTIAL, AND INSPECTION OF THE FRAME AND CROSSMEMBERS ALL TO NO AVAIL AS THE PROBLEMS STILL EXIST AND ARE GETTING WORSE. I HAVE EXPRESSED TO SUZUKI MY CONCERN OF A CAUSAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VIBRATION AND METAL FATIGUE AND COMPONENT FAILURE AND MY CONCERN AS TO THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE AND SUZUKI RESPONDED TO THE DEALERSHIP BY TELEPHONE ON 07/27/01 INSTRUCTING THE DEALER TO MAKE NO REPAIR ATTEMPT AS THE VEHICLE IS "OPERATING AS DESIGN AND INTENT". ON THAT SAME DAY ANOTHER SUZUKI VITARA OWNER WAS AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCING SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER(TOM COLGLAZIER) AND ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER(STEVE COOK) THAT SUZUKI WOULD AUTHORIZE NO REPAIR ATTEMPTS TO THEIR VEHICLE EITHER. AS SUZUKI IS UNWILLING TO VOLUNTARILY CORRECT THESE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSSUES CONCERNING THEIR VIATRA PRODUCT LINE I FEEL AN INVESTIGATION AND POSSIBLE RECALL ACTION IS WARRANTED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #749240

Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2001
Power Train

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR AXLE BROKE AND TIRE COMPLETELY CAME OFF, CAUSE UNKNOWN. NO COLLISION/ INJURIES OCCURRED. *AK *SLC

NHTSA ODI #893003

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2001
Suspension

WHEN DRIVING OVER 50 MPH VEHICLE STARTS TO RATTLE AND SHAKE. IT SEEMS AS IF CAR IS GOING TO LOSE CONTROL. HAVE BEEN COMPLAING SINCE I PURCHASED VEHICLE BUT NO RESOLUTION AS OF YET. DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE AND CAR LOOSE CONTROL. WOULD LIKE FOR AN INVESTIGATION TO SEE IF PROBLEM WOULD CAUSE CRASH. I HAVE NOT HAD A RESPONSE FROM SU…

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WHEN DRIVING OVER 50 MPH VEHICLE STARTS TO RATTLE AND SHAKE. IT SEEMS AS IF CAR IS GOING TO LOSE CONTROL. HAVE BEEN COMPLAING SINCE I PURCHASED VEHICLE BUT NO RESOLUTION AS OF YET. DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE AND CAR LOOSE CONTROL. WOULD LIKE FOR AN INVESTIGATION TO SEE IF PROBLEM WOULD CAUSE CRASH. I HAVE NOT HAD A RESPONSE FROM SUZUKI AS OF YET.

NHTSA ODI #748426

Mileage unknown · May 25, 2001
Equipment

AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. IT WOULD BLOW HOT INSTEAD OFF COOL AIR. TOOK VEHICLE TO GET PART FOR AIR CONDITIONER & WAS INFORMED THAT PART WAS DEFECTIVE AND ON BACK ORDER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #889190

Mileage unknown · May 8, 2001
Power Train

TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR VEHICLE.*AK CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY SINCE PURCHASE DATE, WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO INTO 5TH GEAR, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE …

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TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR VEHICLE.*AK CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY SINCE PURCHASE DATE, WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO INTO 5TH GEAR, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION BUT IT WOULD TAKE THREE WEEKS FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO COME IN AND ONE WEEK TO REPLACE, WHEN CONSUMER PICKED UP VEHICLE HE WAS TOLD THAT A RECIEPT WAS UNAVAILABLE AND ONE YEAR LATER WHEN HE OBTAINED A RECIEPT STATING THAT TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AND NOT REPLACED, CONSUMER STATES BETWEEN 3-23-2000 AND 3-16-2001 IT BECAOME DIFFUCULT TO DOWN SHIFT INTO 3RD GEARAND IMPOSSIBLE TO GO INTO REVERSE.*JB

NHTSA ODI #887679

Official recalls

4

99V273002 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Oct 15, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH. IF THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE, A FAILURE IN THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH MAY ALSO PREVENT SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS FOLLOWING CLOSELY, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

99V154000 · Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Jun 28, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE VEHICLES WIRING HARNESS COULD HAVE BEEN PINCHED BETWEEN THE REAR STEREO SPEAKER AND SPEAKER RETAINING PLATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR DUE TO THE PINCHED WIRES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITION/CONDITION OF THE REAR WIRING HARNESS AND REPAIR THE WIRING HARNESS, IF NECESSARY.

99V155000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Jun 28, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS WERE REMOVED TO FACILITATE THE REAR SPEAKER INSTALLATION AND MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION AFTER INSTALLATION OF THE SPEAKERS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETORQUE BOTH OF THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS TO SPECIFICATION.

98V324002 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar

Feb 9, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE COUPLING THAT CONNECTS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS CRACKED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE STEERING SHAFTS TO SEPARATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT COUPLING.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.