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2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Grand Vitara[1]. The most reported area is exterior lighting[2], and two recalls cover the front passenger air bag sensor[3][4]. cover the front passenger air bag sensor[3][4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 42 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Three mention a crash, none a fire, and 3 injuries are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and a complaint can name more than one component.
- Exterior lighting, 20 complaints[2]. In the sample of complaints we read, 11 of 12 describe low beam bulbs that burn out again and again, and owners count many replacements[2]. Three of the 12 say the low beams are dim[2]. Two describe a burned or melted headlamp base or housing[2].
- Air bags, 12 complaints[7]. This group has 2 crashes and 2 injuries. In the sample we read, 2 of 11 say the air bags did not deploy in a rear-end crash[7], and 2 mention the air bag warning light[7]. Five of 11 describe trouble getting the recall repair, such as parts not available or a dealer far away[7].
- Electrical system, 10 complaints[8]. In the sample we read, 9 of 10 are the same headlight bulb failures, filed under electrical[8].
- Engine, 3 complaints[9]. Two of the 3 texts describe a knocking noise from the lower engine. With so few reports, this is not a pattern we can call common[9].
Suspension has 2 complaints[10]. Electronic stability control, seat belts and brakes have 1 each[11][12][13]. The seat belts complaint includes 1 crash and 1 injury[12].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year[5]. Both involve the sensor mat in the front passenger seat, which tells the air bag system whether an adult or a child is sitting there.
- Occupant classification sensor (19V187), March 7, 2019[3]. Leather on the front passenger seat can shrink in high humidity and heat[3]. The sensor mat may then misjudge who is in the seat. In a crash, the passenger air bag could deploy even with a child in the seat, which raises the child's risk of injury. The remedy is a new seat bottom cushion, free of charge[3].
- Air bag sensor mat (13V405), September 6, 2013[4]. Repeated flexing of the sensor mat can make it fail[4]. In a crash the air bag would then deploy whether an adult or a child is in the seat, which raises the risk of injury to a child. The remedy is a new front passenger seat cushion assembly with the mat, free of charge. Parts were short at first. Owners were to get a second notice when parts were available, and the recall began May 23, 2014[4].
Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934[3][4].[3][4]. Some complaint texts describe long drives to a dealer and delays getting parts[7].
Fuel economy
EPA lists four versions, all with a 2.7L 6-cylinder engine and regular fuel[6][14][15][16].
| Version | City / Hwy / Combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-wheel drive, automatic 5-speed[6] | 17 / 22 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Rear-wheel drive, manual 5-speed[14] | 16 / 22 / 18 | $3,700 |
| All-wheel drive, automatic 5-speed[15] | 17 / 21 / 19 | $3,550 |
| All-wheel drive, manual 5-speed[16] | 16 / 21 / 18 | $3,700 |
EPA's annual cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices 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%[17].
Engine and size
These are Canadian-market specifications for the 4-door 4WD V6 variant, and US models can differ slightly[18].
How 2008 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 108 | 4 |
| 2000 | 85 | 4 |
| 2001 | 53 | 5 |
| 2002 | 73 | 4 |
| 2003 | 42 | 5 |
| 2004 | 25 | 3 |
| 2005 | 3 | 1 |
| 2006 | 161 | 6 |
| 2007 | 58 | 3 |
| 2008 | 42 | 2 |
| 2009 | 14 | 4 |
| 2010 | 20 | 5 |
| 2011 | 11 | 4 |
| 2012 | 13 | 2 |
| 2013 | 4 | 2 |
The 2008 model year has 42 complaints and 2 recalls[5]. Six years have more complaints: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2007. The 2003 year ties at 42[5]. The 2004, 2005 and 2009 to 2013 years have fewer[5]. For recalls, 2005 has 1[5], and 2008, 2012 and 2013 each have 2[5]. Every other year has 3 or more[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2008 Grand Vitara?
The complaint count is in the middle of this model's history, and the recall count is among the lowest[5]. The lighting reports in the sample we read point to bulbs that fail often, which is an ongoing cost and a night driving concern[2]. Before buying, ask whether both air bag recalls were completed, since both involve the front passenger sensor[3][4]. Some owners say getting that repair was hard[7]. A pre-purchase inspection that covers the headlights and any engine knock is sensible, given the sample reports[2][9].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
- Exterior lighting has the most complaints at 20[2], then air bags at 12[7] and electrical at 10[8]. In the sample we read, lighting reports are mostly bulbs burning out repeatedly[2][8].
- Does the 2008 Grand Vitara have recalls?
- Yes, 2 recalls[5]: 13V405[4] and 19V187[3]. Both involve the front passenger air bag occupant sensor[3][4].
- What gas mileage does the 2008 Grand Vitara get?
- EPA rates it 18 or 19 MPG combined, depending on transmission and drive[6][14][15][16].
- How does the 2008 Grand Vitara rate for rollover?
- NHTSA gives the 4-door RWD/AWD version 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 18.5%[17].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara (3 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,191). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 19V187, filed March 7, 2019: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V405, filed September 6, 2013: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Suzuki Grand Vitara model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- 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
- 12 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,942). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the seat belts component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 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
- 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
- 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
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 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