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1999 Suzuki Vitara problems

The most common problem on the 1999 Suzuki Vitara is suspension. It has 50.0 times the complaints of a typical Vitara model year.

Typical year50.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
50
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
13
Worst area
Suspension
Fuel economy
21-24mpg

The worst 1999 Suzuki Vitara problems

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

Problems by type

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

  • Suspension
    15
  • Transmission
    10
  • Engine
    8
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Body
    4
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 4

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported October 15, 1999 · 8,408 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. 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 devices, and associated equipment."
Risk
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion and another vehicle was following closely, a vehicle crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch assembly.

Recall number 99V273002 · Recall details

Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/cd etc.Reported June 28, 1999 · 1,273 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: 2-door passenger vehicles. During port installation of rear stereo speakers, the vehicles wiring harness could have been pinched between the rear stereo speaker and speaker retaining plate.
Risk
An electrical short could occur due to the pinched wires.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the position/condition of the rear wiring harness and repair the wiring harness, if necessary.

Recall number 99V154000 · Recall details

Seat belts: front: anchorageReported June 28, 1999 · 1,273 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: 2-door passenger vehicles. 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.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat belts may not properly restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will retorque both of the front seat belt lower anchor bolts to specification.

Recall number 99V155000 · Recall details

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported February 9, 1999 · 38 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The coupling that connects the steering column shaft to the intermediate steering shaft is cracked. This could allow the steering shafts to separate.
Risk
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of steering control could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering shaft coupling.

Recall number 98V324002 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 1999 Suzuki Vitara

Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Suzuki Vitara 13

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

See all 13 bulletins for the 1999 Suzuki Vitara

1999 Suzuki Vitara fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cylRWD2225-2623-24
1.6L 4‑cyl4WD21-2224-2522-23
2.0L 4‑cylRWD19-2022-2321
2.0L 4‑cyl4WD19-2022-2321

What 1999 Suzuki Vitara owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 9, 2010 · Acceleration · AL · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki vitara. While driving at an unknown speed the vehicle accelerated on its own. When the contact applied the brakes they failed to engage. The vehicle continued to accelerate and crashed into a truck and caused serious damages to the vehicle. The contact sustained a torn ligament to her arm, skin tissue injuries, and a concussion. The contact stated that she received a recall notice for the accelerator pedal after the crash occurred. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. The dealer was not notified. A police report was filed. The failure and current mileages were unknown. Updated 11/08/10 * bf updated 11/10/10

Filed Apr 1, 2010 · Body · 235,300 miles · WI

While driving at night, brakes were applied in an emergency stop to avoid hitting a deer running across the highway. There was a loud bang noise from the front of the car.anchor for the right "a" arm is rusted out in the frame front cross member causing the vehicle to dive to the left and into the oncoming lane of traffic when the brakes were applied to avoid hitting a deer crossing the road. Frame cross member and related parts will have to be replaced. Vehicle is now unstable going down the road.

Filed Aug 18, 2008 · Body · 128,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki vitara. While the contact was repairing the brakes, he discovered corrosion on the front cross member (frame). The contact is a mechanic and stated that if the frame comes apart, it can cause the front suspension to fail. The dealer stated that there were no recalls for the failure. The manufacturer would not assist. The failure and current mileages were 128,000.

Filed Aug 18, 2008 · Body, Suspension · 125,000 miles · NY

Front suspension crossmember has rusted through on my 1999 suzuki vitara. The chevrolet tracker, which is the same car has had a safety recall due to this issue. This poses a significant safety concern!

Filed Jul 9, 2008 · Steering · 138,000 miles · MA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 suzuki vitara. The contact stated that he has extreme difficulty turning the steering column because it remains in a fixated position. He inspected the steering fluid and concluded that the levels were normal. The dealer stated that although he was experiencing the same failure mentioned in the federal safety agency campaign id number 98v324002 (steering:wheel and handle bar), the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 138,000.

Filed Dec 15, 2004 · Engine · 100,000 miles · PA

While driving 35 mp engine locked up. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership repaired the problem once, but it was not resolved. *ak....

Filed Nov 18, 2004 · Airbags · FL · crash · 1 injury

While driving at 45 MPH a collision occurred, consumer's vehicle hit another vehicle in the rear. Upon impact, air bag did not deploy. Consumer sustained bad injuries.

Filed Nov 17, 2004 · Fuel system · RI

The consumer experienced the same problem as stated in recall 04v427000. The consumer contacted the suzuki corporation, and was told that he was a part of the recall. Then, suzuki turned around, and told the consumer that he was not a part of the recall. *ak the consumer felt that being exclude from the recall was unfair and that the only difference was that the recall was for the 6 cylinder and not the 4 cylinder. *sc

Filed Apr 9, 2004 · Suspension · 6 miles · AZ

1999 vitara has loud vibration between 55 to 65 MPH. Have to drive below or above MPH range to stop vibration. Safety issue. Numerous other complaints on file. Feel investigation is warranted.

Filed Jan 5, 2004 · Lights · AZ

Brake lights kept blowing out on their own. The brake lights failed six times. Dealer was contacted.

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Compare the 1999 Suzuki Vitara

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Questions about the 1999 Suzuki Vitara

Is the 1999 Suzuki Vitara reliable?

Owners have filed 50 complaints about the 1999 Suzuki Vitara, 50.0 times a typical Vitara model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Suzuki Vitara?

Suspension, with 15 complaints. Next is transmission (10).

How many recalls does the 1999 Suzuki Vitara have?

4 recalls, covering exterior lighting, equipment and seat belts.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Suzuki Vitara get?

Official estimates for the 1999 Suzuki Vitara range from 21 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 22 city and 25-26 highway.

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