2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara: 4 recalls, 14 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #11V055000 · 2011 · 32,291 vehicles
What's wrong: The tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump, has an improperly manufactured internal spring that can break due to repeated stress. If the spring breaks, the drive belt will not be adjusted properly and can slip, causing a squeaking noise. Or the drive belt could come off causing the driver to increase to steer the…
Why it matters: If the drive belt comes off, requiring the driver to use increased steering effort, or the engine stalls, a vehicle crash could occur
The fix: Dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on February 16, 2011.
Airbags Vehicle recall #13V405000 · 2013 · 189,901 vehicles
What's wrong: Suzuki motor of america, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 grand vitara and 2007-2011 sx4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the ocs sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat May fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult…
Why it matters: Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the ocs sensor mat) free of charge. Sufficient quantities of parts are not currently available to fix all of the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified of the recall in October 2013 and…
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #17V085000 · 2017 · 791 vehicles
What's wrong: Suzuki motor of america, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2009-2013 grand vitara vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The gear shift rear shaft on these vehicles May break, preventing the gears from being able to be changed.
Why it matters: If the transmission cannot be shifted, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gear shift rear shaft, free of charge. The recall began March 2017.
Airbags, Seats Vehicle recall #19V187000 · 2019 · 31,302 vehicles
What's wrong: Suzuki motor of america, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 kizashi and 2006-2013 grand vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat May shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (ocs) sensor mat May not accurately detect if an adult or child is occupying the seat.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification May result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (3): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
- Exterior lights (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Stability control (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 14 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 15 Grand Vitara model years for complaints (well below the 43 average). Complaints peaked in 2019 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 42,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (42 complaints, 2 recalls), 2010 (20 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | 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 2009 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2009 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 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems?
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (3), electrical (3), exterior lights (3).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 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.