CarBrief

NHTSA has 42 owner complaints for the 2003 Grand Vitara, most often about speed control and the electrical system[1][2][3]. Five recalls are on file, so check that each one was done on any car you are considering[4].

42owner complaints[1]
5recalls[4]
16–18MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 42 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Five mention a crash, one a fire and three injuries[1]. No deaths were reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.

Component group Complaints
Speed control[2] 15
Electrical system[3] 12
Brakes[6] 5
Structure[7] 3
Visibility[8] 3
Fuel system, gasoline[9] 3
Power train[10] 2
Tires[11] 2

Speed control. Of 15 complaints, 2 mention a crash[2]. In a sample of 12 of these complaints we read, 6 describe owners who could not get the accelerator cable recall done because the dealer had no parts or no appointment[2]. Two describe a stuck pedal or unexpected acceleration followed by a collision[2].

Electrical system. In a sample of 11 complaints we read, 3 describe waiting on recall parts, 3 describe the engine cutting out or power shutting down while driving, and 5 describe lights, alarm or battery trouble[3]. Two name a blown fuse[3]. One of the 12 complaints mentions a fire[3]. The median mileage at failure is 20,000[3].

Brakes. Of 5 complaints, 2 mention a crash and 1 an injury[6]. In the sample of brake complaints we read, squeaking that new pads did not cure appears in 2 of 6 texts, and those two repeat one report[6]. One text describes a pedal that went to the floor[6].

The other groups have few complaints, so we do not treat them as common problems[7][8][9][10][11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists five recalls for this model year[4]. Each one lists a dealer remedy. Newest first[4]:

Some owner complaints say the dealer did not have recall parts at the time, so ask for proof that each recall was completed[2][3].

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions. Combined ratings run from 16 to 18 MPG[5][17][18][19][20][21][22][23].

Version City / Hwy / Combined
2.5L, automatic 4-spd, rear-wheel drive[5] 17 / 19 / 18
2.5L, manual 5-spd, rear-wheel drive[17] 17 / 20 / 18
2.5L, automatic 4-spd, 4WD[20] 16 / 19 / 17
2.5L, manual 5-spd, 4WD[21] 17 / 20 / 18
XL7 2.7L, automatic 4-spd, rear-wheel drive[18] 15 / 18 / 17
XL7 2.7L, manual 5-spd, rear-wheel drive[19] 16 / 19 / 17
XL7 2.7L, automatic 4-spd, 4WD[22] 15 / 18 / 16
XL7 2.7L, manual 5-spd, 4WD[23] 16 / 19 / 17

EPA estimates annual fuel cost from $3,700 to $4,200 depending on the version[5][22]. These use EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists a rollover rating of 3 stars for the 4-door Grand Vitara[24]. The XL-7 4-door rear-wheel drive listing is not rated[25].

Engine and size

These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications for the 4-door 4WD V6 JX/JLX variant, and can differ slightly from US models[26].

Measure Value
Length[26] 161 in
Width[26] 70 in
Height[26] 68 in
Wheelbase[26] 98 in
Curb weight[26] 3,219 lb

How 2003 compares with other years

1999: 108 complaints, 4 recalls19992000: 85 complaints, 4 recalls20002001: 53 complaints, 5 recalls20012002: 73 complaints, 4 recalls20022003: 42 complaints, 5 recalls4220032004: 25 complaints, 3 recalls20042005: 3 complaints, 1 recalls20052006: 161 complaints, 6 recalls20062007: 58 complaints, 3 recalls20072008: 42 complaints, 2 recalls20082009: 14 complaints, 4 recalls20092010: 20 complaints, 5 recalls20102011: 11 complaints, 4 recalls20112012: 13 complaints, 2 recalls20122013: 4 complaints, 2 recalls2013
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Grand Vitara model year. The 2003 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19991084
2000854
2001535
2002734
2003425
2004253
200531
20061616
2007583
2008422
2009144
2010205
2011114
2012132
201342

NHTSA shows 42 complaints and 5 recalls for 2003[4]. Earlier years have more complaints: 108 in 1999, 85 in 2000, 53 in 2001 and 73 in 2002[4]. So do 2006 with 161 and 2007 with 58[4]. 2008 has the same 42[4]. 2004 has 25, 2005 has 3, and 2009 to 2013 have between 4 and 20[4]. For recalls, 2006 has 6, while 2001 and 2010 also have 5[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2003 Grand Vitara?

The complaint count is lower than several other years of this model, but five recalls are on file[4]. Two of them concern the accelerator cable and ignition wiring, and Two of them concern the accelerator cable and ignition wiring, and both say a crash is possible[14][15].. Ask for service records showing every recall was done, and check the windshield and brake disc recalls apply to the car[12][16]. Fuel economy is 16 to 18 MPG combined, depending on version[5][22].[5][22]. Our data does not cover engine power, towing or oil capacity, so look those up elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Speed control has the most NHTSA complaints at 15, then electrical system at 12 and brakes at 5[2][3][6].
How many recalls does the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
NHTSA lists five recalls: brake discs, fuel pressure regulator, accelerator cable, ignition wiring harness and windshield mounting[12][13][14][15][16].
What is the gas mileage of a 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
EPA combined ratings range from 16 to 18 MPG depending on engine, transmission and drive[5][22].
Is the 2003 Grand Vitara a good year compared with others?
It has 42 complaints, fewer than 1999 to 2002, 2006 and 2007, but more than 2004, 2005 and 2009 to 2013[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara (5 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 15 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 12 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Suzuki Grand Vitara model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Grand Vitara, 2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 19 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 5 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 3 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 3 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 3 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 2 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 2 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 05V452, filed October 5, 2005: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 04V427, filed August 30, 2004: Fuel System, Gasoline. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 03V512, filed December 5, 2003: Vehicle Speed Control › Cables. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 03V495, filed December 2, 2003: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 03V223, filed June 16, 2003: Visibility › Windshield. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for Grand Vitara, 2.5L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 20 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Grand Vitara XL7, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 18 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Grand Vitara XL7, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Grand Vitara 4WD, 2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Grand Vitara 4WD, 2.5L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 20 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Grand Vitara XL7 4WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Grand Vitara XL7 4WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND VITARA 4DR 4WD V6 JX/JLX: length 161 in, width 70 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 98 in, curb weight 3,219 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.