CarBrief

NHTSA has 161 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Grand Vitara[1]. Together with 6 recalls, that is the highest count of any Grand Vitara model year in NHTSA's records[2].

161owner complaints[1]
6recalls[2]
17–19MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Most reported problems

Complaints are unverified reports from owners. One complaint can name several parts, so the groups below overlap. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Component group Complaints
Air bags[4] 50
Exterior lighting[5] 30
Electrical system[6] 26
Steering[7] 22
Engine[8] 11
Seats[9] 10
Speed control[10] 10
Seat belts[11] 10

Of the 161 complaints, 15 mention a crash and 3 a fire. The complaints report 12 injuries in total[1]. None report a death[1].

Air bags. The air bag group has the most complaints, with 5 crashes, 1 fire and 8 injuries[4]. The median mileage at failure is 59,500[4]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the front passenger air bag warning light staying on or flickering. They were told the seat sensor had failed and the seat cushion needed replacing, and some say they were quoted a repair bill after the warranty ended[4]. Two recalls cover the passenger occupant sensor, listed below[12][13].

Headlights. The lighting group has 30 complaints and a median failure mileage of 45,000[5]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe low beam bulbs burning out again and again, and sockets or wiring melting. Some say dealers could not fix it[5].

Steering. The steering group has 22 complaints, with 1 crash and 3 injuries[7]. In a sample we read, owners describe the plastic belt tensioner pulley for the power steering breaking and the power steering stopping. A smaller number describe a loose or collapsing steering column[7]. Two recalls cover the pulley[14][15].

Speed control. Of the 10 speed control complaints, 9 mention a crash[10]. We have no more detail on these in our data.

The electrical, engine, seat and seat belt groups have 26 or fewer complaints each[6][8][9][11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:

Owners may contact Suzuki customer service about these recalls[12].

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions, all with a 2.7L 6-cylinder engine, a 5-speed gearbox and regular fuel[3]. Combined MPG runs from 18 to 19 for the Grand Vitara and Grand Vitara AWD, and 17 to 18 for the XL7 versions[3][18][19][20][21][22][23][24].

Version Gearbox City / Hwy / Combined Annual fuel cost
Grand Vitara, rear-wheel drive[3] Automatic 17 / 22 / 19 $3,550
Grand Vitara, rear-wheel drive[18] Manual 16 / 22 / 18 $3,700
Grand Vitara AWD[21] Automatic 17 / 21 / 19 $3,550
Grand Vitara AWD[22] Manual 16 / 21 / 18 $3,700
Grand Vitara XL7, rear-wheel drive[19] Automatic 16 / 21 / 18 $3,700
Grand Vitara XL7, rear-wheel drive[20] Manual 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
Grand Vitara XL7 4WD[23] Automatic 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
Grand Vitara XL7 4WD[24] Manual 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950

EPA's annual cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door RWD/AWD version 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 18.5%[25]. The 4-door RWD version is listed as not rated on the XL-7 page[26].

Engine and size

The EPA entries list a 2.7L 6-cylinder engine[3]. These are Canadian-market specifications. For the 4-door 4WD V6 (JA/JX/JLX)[27]:

Measure Value
Length 169 in
Width 71 in
Height 67 in
Wheelbase 104 in
Curb weight 3,638 lb

How 2006 compares with other years

1999: 108 complaints, 4 recalls19992000: 85 complaints, 4 recalls20002001: 53 complaints, 5 recalls20012002: 73 complaints, 4 recalls20022003: 42 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 25 complaints, 3 recalls20042005: 3 complaints, 1 recalls20052006: 161 complaints, 6 recalls16120062007: 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 2006 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19991084
2000854
2001535
2002734
2003425
2004253
200531
20061616
2007583
2008422
2009144
2010205
2011114
2012132
201342

Among the 15 Grand Vitara model years in NHTSA's records, 2006 has the most complaints at 161[2]. The next highest are 1999 with 108 and 2000 with 85[2]. It also has the most recalls at 6, ahead of 5 each for 2001, 2003 and 2010[2].

Nearby years look quieter. 2005 has 3 complaints and 1 recall, and 2007 has 58 complaints and 3 recalls[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough signal. Some recalls also cover more than one model year[12][13][15].

Should you buy a used 2006 Grand Vitara?

This model year has a heavier complaint and recall record than any other Grand Vitara year in NHTSA's data[2]. In the complaints we read, owners describe passenger air bag sensor trouble, power steering pulley breaks and headlight bulbs burning out. The air bag sensor and the pulley each have recalls[4][5][7][12][14][13][15]. Before buying, ask for proof that the recall work was done, and note that the record for 13V405 said parts were short for some vehicles[13]. EPA rates the automatic Grand Vitara at 19 combined MPG, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Air bags lead the NHTSA complaints with 50, followed by exterior lighting with 30 and the electrical system with 26[4][5][6]. In a sample we read, owners describe the passenger air bag light, burning out headlight bulbs and a broken power steering pulley[4][5][7].
Does the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara have recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls[2]. They cover the passenger occupant sensor (19V187, 13V405), the power steering pulley (18V667, 10V250), the shift lock (07V554) and the rear driveshaft retainer (05V548)[12][14][13][15][16][17].
How many miles per gallon does a 2006 Grand Vitara get?
EPA lists 17 city, 22 highway and 19 combined MPG for the automatic rear-wheel drive version[3]. Other versions range down to 15 city, 20 highway and 17 combined[20][23].
Is the 2006 Grand Vitara the worst year for the model?
By NHTSA counts it is the highest, with 161 complaints and 6 recalls among 15 model years[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
What is the rollover rating of the 2006 Grand Vitara?
NHTSA gives the 4-door RWD/AWD version 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 18.5%[25].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 161 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara (15 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 12 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Suzuki Grand Vitara model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for Grand Vitara, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. 50 complaints name the air bags component group (5 crashes, 1 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 30 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 26 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 22 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 11 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,703). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 10 complaints name the seats component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,701). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 10 complaints name the speed control component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 10 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,250). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 19V187, filed March 7, 2019: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 13V405, filed September 6, 2013: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 18V667, filed September 25, 2018: Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 10V250, filed June 9, 2010: Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 07V554, filed December 7, 2007: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 05V548, filed December 1, 2005: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
  18. EPA rating for Grand Vitara, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Grand Vitara XL7, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Grand Vitara XL7, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Grand Vitara AWD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 21 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Grand Vitara AWD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Grand Vitara XL7 4WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Grand Vitara XL7 4WD, 2.7L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND VITARA 4DR 4WD V6 JA/JX/JLX: length 169 in, width 71 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 104 in, curb weight 3,638 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.