2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7: 3 recalls, 13 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #03V223000 · 2003 · 5,319 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain passenger (111 my 2002 esteem, 777 my 2002 aerio, 2,368 my 2003 aerio) and sport utility (324 my 2002 grand vitara, 274 my 2003 grand vitara, 684 my 2002 grand vitara xl-7, and 781 my 2003 grand vitara xl-7) vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 212, 'windshield mounting." the windshield May not be properly secured to the vehicle body due to insufficient…
Why it matters: If the windshield is not properly secured, it May separate from the vehicle during a crash which could result in the ejection of unbelted occupants, increasing the risk of severe injury or death.
The fix: Dealers will inspect these vehicles. Vehicles that are found to have insufficient paint adhesion will either have the problem remedied by repainting, or will be replaced, or repurchased and destroyed. Owner notification began on July 8, 2003. Owners should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
Electrical Vehicle recall #03V495000 · 2003 · 20,580 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, the ignition system wiring harness is routed under the intake manifold. The harness can rub against the manifold during vehicle operation and abrasion damage to the harness can occur.
Why it matters: Damage to the wiring harness can cause a short in the ignition circuit, which can cause the ignition fuse to blow and the engine to stop running. This can result in a loss of control of the vehicle and could cause a crash.
The fix: Dealers will repair any wiring harness damage and will add additional insulation and a protector plate to prevent the wiring harness from becoming damaged. Owner notification began on December 16, 2003. Owners should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V427000 · 2004 · 172,093 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, under ambient temperatures below -25 degrees celsius, moisture can freeze in the fuel pressure regulator. As a result, fuel system pressure May increase at the time of engine start up, causing fuel loss at the fuel pipe/fuel hose connection.
Why it matters: Fuel loss in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pressure regulator, the fuel deliver hose and replace the hose clamp with an improved clamp. The recall began on September 29, 2004. Owners should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 has 13 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 3 Grand Vitara XL-7 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 11). Complaints peaked in 2004 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 13,103 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (17 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 17 | Regular |
| 2.7 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 19 | 17 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (4), electrical (4), speed control / throttle (3).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (2.7 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.