Recalls: Suzuki JB Grand Vitara
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Suzuki JB Grand Vitara
2006-07 Suzuki JB Grand Vitara 1.6i: potential fire hazard
In August 2008, a recall was issued for three-door Suzuki JB Grand Vitara models fitted with the 1.6-litre petrol engine and manufactured from June 2006 to July 2007. For these vehicles, the engine side fuel delivery pipe set may crack due to prolonged exposure to engine vibration. If this persisted, a formed crack may expand, leading to fuel leakage and the risk of fire (PRA 2008/10216).
2005-08 Suzuki JB Grand Vitara 1.9TD: DPF may catch fire
In October 2008, a recall was issued for Suzuki JB Grand Vitara models fitted with the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine and manufactured from 28 June 2005 to 31 May 2008. The material compound of the Intercooler Outlet Pipe Insulator may swell due to exposure to engine oil contained in the combustion blow-by gas. As a result, the insulator may dislodge from the throttle body; after extended periods in this condition, the incorrect air/fuel mixture may cause excessive deposition of carbon particulate in the Diesel Particulate Filter. In extreme cases, this may cause the Diesel Particulate Filter to catch fire (PRA 2008/10399).
Suzuki JB Grand Vitara 1.6i and 2.7i: loss of steering assistance
In June 2010, a recall was issued for Grand Vitara models fitted with 1.6- and 2.7-litre petrol engines. For these vehicles, the plastic material coating the outer race of the power steering pump belt tensioner pulley was of insufficient durability. If the coating were to dislodge, there would be an abnormal noise; at worst, the belt may jump off the tensioner pulley and the vehicle may require increased steering effort (PRA 2010/11747). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the following ranges –
- 1.6-litre models: JSAJTA74V00100045 to JSAJTA74V00200247; and,
- 2.7-litre models: JSAJTD94V00100012 to JSAJTD94V00102537.
2008-13 Suzuki Grand Vitara: cannot change gears
In February 2017, a recall was issued for Suzuki Grand Vitara vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 May 2008 to 30 June 2013. Due to insufficient strength of the gear shift rear shaft, the gear shift shaft may fail such that the driver cannot change gears. For the VINs of the recalled Suzuki Grand Vitara vehicles, please see PRA 2017/15904.
Problems and faults: Suzuki JB Grand Vitara
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2005-11 Suzuki Grand Vitara: airbag warning stays on illuminates and DTC B1312
In 2012, Suzuki issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) TS 06 05212R1 for 2005-11 Suzuki Grand Vitara vehicles. In these vehicles, repeated flexing could cause an electric circuit disconnection (i.e. an open circuit) in the Front Passenger Sensing System (FPSS) circuit within the sensor-mat that was in the passenger seat bottom cushion assembly.
The primary symptom of this problem was that the ‘airbag’ warning light in the instrument cluster would illuminate, while diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1312 would also be stored in the vehicle’s on-board system. Furthermore, the ‘passenger air bag off’ indicator light would remain off because the front passenger airbag would remain active during this malfunction even when a child or infant was sitting in the front seat. Other than the FPSS, the airbag system would continue to operate as designed.
To fix, the passenger seat bottom cushion assembly was to be replaced. As part of a service campaign, Suzuki USA extended its coverage for passenger seat sensor mat failures for the B1312 DTC condition to 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,121 kilometres).
Problems and faults: Suzuki JB Grand Vitara
- The air conditioning fan/blower may stop working because its bearing grease has leaked and contaminated the electrical commutator.
- Noisy rear brakes may be attributable to the edges of the brake shoes rubbing against the inside of the brake drum; revised shoes were subsequently released.
- A knocking noise from the engine bay may be due to a loose accessory drive belt.
- When accelerating, the transmission may slip out of first or second gear due to a defective inverse lever in the transmission.
- If the Vitara’s engine flares to 2000 rpm during gearshifts, the powertrain control module (PCM) may require reprogramming.
- For early models, vibrations when driving at highway speeds may be due to the lack of a damper on the rear differential.
- Noises from the wheel hubs while driving may be due to the axle shaft nut(s) coming loose.
