2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara: 4 recalls, 47 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 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.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #03V512000 · 2003 · 196,876 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable casing cap that is attached to the vehicle firewall can crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable and insufficient long-term durability of the plastic casing cap. If the casing cap becomes cracked, movement of the inner accelerator cable through the cap can cause the inner accelerator cable to become frayed.
Why it matters: If the inner accelerator cable becomes frayed, it can stick during vehicle operation. In the case where an accelerator cable sticks, the driver could have difficulty controlling vehicle speed, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the accelerator cable, which includes the plastic casing cap. Owner notification began on January 5, 2004. 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.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #05V452000 · 2005 · 801 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 16-inch wheels, the front brake discs May break under severe driving conditions. The breakage can occur in conditions where the vehicle is driven on a regular basis on extremely steep paved down-slopes while continuously applying the brakes.
Why it matters: The front brakes May become inoperative and the vehicle May pull to one side. This could result in a crash without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front brake discs on these vehicles. The recall began on November 10, 2005. These vehicles are located on st. Thomas island (virgin islands).
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (16): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (10): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5).
- Seat belts (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 47 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 15 Grand Vitara model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 43). Complaints peaked in 2004 (23 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 28,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (38 complaints, 5 recalls), 2003 (29 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 19 | 18 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | 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 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
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.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 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 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems?
Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (16), brakes (hydraulic) (10), seat belts (5).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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.