2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara: 2 recalls, 13 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seats (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 13 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 15 Grand Vitara model years for complaints (well below the 43 average). Complaints peaked in 2016 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 36,750 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (11 complaints, 4 recalls), 2013 (4 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | 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 2012 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 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2012 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 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (7), seats (2), fuel system (1).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.4 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 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.