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2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems

The most common problem on the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical Grand Vitara model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
80/100
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
15
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
19-22mpg

The worst 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    3
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Brakes
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    3
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 4

Air bags: sensor: occupant classificationReported March 7, 2019 · 31,302 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
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.
Remedy
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. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1‑800‑934‑0934. Suzuki's numbers for this recall are 4011 and 4012.

Recall number 19V187000 · Recall details

Power train: manual transmissionReported February 9, 2017 · 791 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
If the transmission cannot be shifted, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gear shift rear shaft, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1‑800‑934‑0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VZ.

Recall number 17V085000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported September 6, 2013 · 189,901 vehicles affected
What is 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 or a child.
Risk
Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
Remedy
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 will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired. The recall began on May 23, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1‑800‑934‑0934. Suzuki's recall campaign number is VD.

Recall number 13V405000 · Recall details

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulatorReported January 27, 2011 · 32,291 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 suzuki grand vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines; model year 2011 suzuki grand vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles produced prior to october 17, 2010; model year 2010 suzuki sx4 passenger vehicles; and 2011 suzuki sx4 passenger vehicles produced prior to october 14, 2010. 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 vehicle. This can also cause the coolant temperature indication to rise, which can lead to the engine overheating, or can cause the charging light to come on, which can lead to battery discharge and engine stall.
Risk
If the drive belt comes off, requiring the driver to use increased steering effort, or the engine stalls, a vehicle crash could occur
Remedy
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. Owners may contact suzuki at 1‑887‑697‑8985 or visit suzuki's website at http://www.suzukiauto.com.

Recall number 11V055000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Defect investigations

Occupant Classification System FailureOpened June 14, 2013, closed September 30, 2013

Suzuki Motor of America is conducting a safety recall to remedy the occupant classification system's (OCS) sensor mats in approximately 193,936 model year 2006-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 Suzuki SX4 vehicles (see the federal safety agency recall 13V‑405 for more details).The sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat can develop an electrical circuit disconnection as a result of repeated flexing of the seat from use of the seat.According to Suzuki, when the failure occurs, the OCS system, by design, will not suppress the frontal passenger air bag for a seated child or small-stature adult.A deploying passenger air bag can cause serious injury to such an occupant.The recall population excludes those vehicles that previously had proper remedies under the special coverage campaign for this issue (~11,600) that began in July 2012.The recall remedy will be to install a new front passenger seat cushion assembly that includes an improved OCS sensor mat and an OCS control module with updated algorithms designed to properly identify the type/size of the seated occupant.Consequently, this recall action will address various OCS related problems, including a programming error (associated with diagnostic trouble code B1318) related to detecting a change or shifting in load on the front passenger seat in the model year 2009 Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles.This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification numbers: 10178750, 10185778, 10200217, 10200123, 10206368, 10217021, 10250561, 10254251, 10263756, 10283309, 10285166, 10294320, 10316125, 10323718, 10324530, 10326910, 10332645, 10347204, 10348957, 10349038, 10350237, 10353604, 10354901, 10355400, 10364190, 10367631, 10369777, 10371056, 10373558, 10375165, 10375789, 10376071, 10376621, 10378154, 10380794, 10382860, 10392447, 10392434, 10392599, 10393975, 10395430, 10395602, 10395821, 10395983, 10398172, 10400092, 10400035, 10401106, 10401424, 10404772, 10405359, 10406459, 10407500, 10409412, 10409993, 10413235, 10418162, 10419237, 10419578, 10425035, 10425212, 10426703, 10434905, 10435090, 10435091, 10437600, 10437892, 10437994, 10438100, 10438501, 10438613, 10439357, 10439979, 10440088, 10442968, 10442759, 10442883, 10443173, 10443592, 10443594, 10444434, 10445034, 10445447, 10446215, 10446580, 10447689, 10448161, 10448446, 10448499, 10448554, 10449238, 10450746, 10451260, 10452961, 10453168, 10453403, 10453376, 10454445, 10454978, 10455231, 10455529, 10456043, 10456367, 10456407, 10459063, 10460417, 10460510, 10462016, 10463337, 10464941, 10464693, 10467988, 10468641, 10479583, 10479929, 10481120, 10484053, 10484863, 10486369, 10486729, 10487379, 10491755, 10499622, 10506034, 10508282, 10511057, 10511439, 10512962, 10521656, 10521779, 10523512, 10523931, 10524266, 10526435, 10533196, 10535513, 10537314, 10537619, 10543672, 10544287.

PE13021

Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara 15

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 15 bulletins for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylRWD1925-2621-22
2.4L 4‑cyl4WD1923-2520-21
3.2L 6‑cylRWD182420
3.2L 6‑cyl4WD172319

What 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 18, 2019 · Steering · 88,259 miles · FL

The power steering pump drive-belt tension adjustable pulley- has been compromised ... And effects my AC. While researching I found the 2006 - 2012 models were effected as well, causing a recall..vehicle was in park- and would not start.. Turned off AC and she finally turned over.. After I let her sit for 2 hours please advise thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Oct 17, 2019 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 35,000 miles · PR

No word ABS and esp,

Filed Apr 26, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 113,000 miles · PR

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 suzuki grand vitara. While driving, the instrument panel gauges failed to provide accurate readings, and the engine, ABS, asp, and air bag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. No further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 10, 2019 · 69,000 miles · PR

The unit have been consuming coolant in excess.after a profesional inspection was detected a crack in the engine block.this is exactly the situation cover in the suzuki extensions of the warranty by the manufacturer.your recall bulletin exactly describe my situation.please clarify the suzuki representative in puerto rico that the warranty extensions is valid for pr units.thanks [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Sep 11, 2017 · Engine · 96,738 miles · HI

While driving, noticed air conditioning would be cool then hot for about 3-5 minutes and cool again then hot again and repeat. Turned off the AC when I noticed the engine temperature indicator getting hotter. Took the car to a mechanic. He performed pressure test on cooling system and found engine block cracked and leaking coolant, left side under exhaust manifold. Vehicle overheats and will cause me to be stranded. Could be similar to the federal safety agency id #10054717.

Filed Jul 9, 2017 · Airbags, Driver assistance · SC

Takata recall? Air bag and passenger air bag sensor lights stay on. Only have 70,000 miles on car. Abs/esp light stays on

Filed Feb 7, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 87,000 miles · CO

When car was initially started, after few minutes of warm up time, heat was activated and no heat was dispersed. Began driving, despite no heat. Within 1 mile traveling less that 15 MPH, the temparature gage increased to the highest level, still without heat in car. (picture 1) as speed increased, temperature gage rapidly fluctuated and esp warning lights illuminated on dash. (picture 2) pulled off highway immediately following warning lights, engine found to be smoking. Diagnosed with engine crack., crack sealed for temporary function, within days of seal, same symptoms as previously stated, but total system shut down following esp warning lights. Acceleration halted, power steering went out and brakes difficult to work. After sitting off, car unable to start.

Filed Mar 9, 2016 · Lights · TX

I have had to replace my headlight bulbs so many times over the last five years, I have lost count. Now I am being told even though my mechanic replaced the bulb again, that I should replace both headlight assemblies at a cost of $240 each to solve this problem. I have seen so many complaints about headlight bulbs for many model year grand vitaras. I think suzuki should recall the 2007-2011 grand vitara headlights for the safety of their customers and overall customer goodwill.

Filed Apr 19, 2015 · Lights · 44,000 miles · IL

Both low beam headlights failed while driving at night.

Filed Jul 24, 2012 · Brakes · 12,400 miles · PR

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 suzuki grand vitara. The contact stated that the anti-lock braking system warning light and the esp off warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dealer and inspected. The dealer stated that the anti-lock braking system was found defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 12,400 and the current mileage was 12,900. Updated 8/24/12

Compare the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Other model years

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Questions about the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Is the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara, fewer than a typical Grand Vitara model year.

What is the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara year score?

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara scores 80 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Suzuki Grand Vitara: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

Airbags, with 3 complaints. Next is driver assistance (3).

How many recalls does the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?

4 recalls, covering air bags, power train and electrical system.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 19V187000, 13V405000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Suzuki Grand Vitara have bad airbags?

The Suzuki Grand Vitara model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (50 complaints), 2007 (19 complaints) and 1999 (12 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara get?

Official estimates for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara range from 19 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 19 city and 25-26 highway.

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