MotorDeets

2001 Suzuki Vitara: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2001 Suzuki Vitara: 0 recalls, 27 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
27owner complaints
3mention a crash
23best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

0 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.

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, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling9
Suspension4
Transmission & drivetrain4
Body & structure2
Interior lights2
Fuel system2
Brakes (hydraulic)2
Tires2

What owners describe

The 2001 Suzuki Vitara has 27 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 6 Vitara model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 19). Complaints peaked in 2005 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 48,225 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (35 complaints, 0 recalls), 2002 (1 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive222523Regular
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive222623Regular
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive222523Regular
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive212422Regular
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive202321Regular
2.0 L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive202321Regular
2.0 L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive192321Regular
2.0 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive202321Regular
2.0 L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive202221Regular
2.0 L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive192321Regular

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 2001 Suzuki Vitara.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2001 Suzuki Vitara manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2001 Suzuki Vitara manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2001 Suzuki Vitara manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2001 Suzuki Vitara manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2001 Suzuki Vitara have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2001 Suzuki Vitara, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 2001 Suzuki Vitara problems?

Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (9), suspension (4), transmission & drivetrain (4).

What gas mileage does the 2001 Suzuki Vitara get?

EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 10 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2001 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.

Other Vitara years

199920002001200220032004