1999 Suzuki Vitara: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1999 Suzuki Vitara: 4 recalls, 50 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #98V324002 · 1999 · 38 vehicles
What's wrong: The coupling that connects the steering column shaft to the intermediate steering shaft is cracked. This could allow the steering shafts to separate.
Why it matters: If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of steering control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the steering shaft coupling.
Equipment Vehicle recall #99V154000 · 1999 · 1,273 vehicles
What's wrong: During port installation of rear stereo speakers, the vehicles wiring harness could have been pinched between the rear stereo speaker and speaker retaining plate.
Why it matters: An electrical short could occur due to the pinched wires.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the position/condition of the rear wiring harness and repair the wiring harness, if necessary.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #99V155000 · 1999 · 1,273 vehicles
What's wrong: During port installation of rear stereo speakers, the front seat belt lower anchor bolts were removed to facilitate the rear speaker installation and May not have been torqued to specification after installation of the speakers.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the seat belts May not properly restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will retorque both of the front seat belt lower anchor bolts to specification.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #99V273002 · 1999 · 8,408 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles have an inoperative brake lamp-actuating switch. If the brake lamp-actuating switch does not function properly when the brake pedal is depressed, the brake lights May be inoperative. On vehicles equipped with automatic transaxle, a failure in the brake lamp-actuating switch May also prevent shifting out of park. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective…
Why it matters: If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion and another vehicle was following closely, a vehicle crash could occur.
The fix: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch assembly.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (15): the most common themes are noise or vibration (10).
- Transmission & drivetrain (10): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (6), noise or vibration (3).
- Engine & cooling (8): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Speed control / throttle (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1999 Suzuki Vitara has 50 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 6 Vitara model years for complaints (2.6× the average Vitara year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (16 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 125,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (35 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 26 | 24 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 25 | 23 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 25 | 23 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 24 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 22 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 23 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 22 | 21 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 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 1999 Suzuki 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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1999 Suzuki Vitara have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1999 Suzuki Vitara, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 1999 Suzuki Vitara problems?
Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (15), transmission & drivetrain (10), engine & cooling (8).
What gas mileage does the 1999 Suzuki Vitara get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 10 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1999 Suzuki 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.