The contact owns a 2003 Suzuki XL7. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The failure also occurred right after starting the vehicle. During the failure, the vehicle lost braking and power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle coasted to a stop and she was able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, several unknown warning lights illuminated off and on during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed for the brake failure however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.
The worst 2003 Suzuki XL7 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical5
- Acceleration4
- Brakes4
- Engine4
- Body3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical5
- Acceleration4
- Brakes4
- Engine4
- Body3
- Fuel system3
- Seat belts3
- Airbags2
- Transmission2
- Lights1
- Suspension1
Recalls 2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 16-inch wheels, the front brake discs may break under severe driving conditions. The breakage can occur in conditions where the vehicle is driven on a regular basis on extremely steep paved down-slopes while continuously applying the brakes.
- Risk
- The front brakes may become inoperative and the vehicle may pull to one side. This could result in a crash without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the front brake discs on these vehicles. The recall began on november 10, 2005. These vehicles are located on st. Thomas island (virgin islands). Owners may contact suzuki del caribe at 787‑622‑0600.
Recall number 05V452000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable casing cap that is attached to the vehicle firewall can crack due to extended exposure to forces from the accelerator cable and insufficient long-term durability of the plastic casing cap. If the casing cap becomes cracked, movement of the inner accelerator cable through the cap can cause the inner accelerator cable to become frayed.
- Risk
- If the inner accelerator cable becomes frayed, it can stick during vehicle operation. In the case where an accelerator cable sticks, the driver could have difficulty controlling vehicle speed, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the accelerator cable, which includes the plastic casing cap. Owner notification began on january 5, 2004. Owners should contact suzuki at 1‑800‑934‑0934.
Recall number 03V512000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Suzuki XL7 6
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts...
- This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile...
- Equipment: electrical
- Service manual update, a/c wiring diagram correction grand vitara SQ625W/XL-7 JA627 sc
- Modification of main bearing oil clearance and the bearing selection procedure
- Oil leaking from left front of engine
What 2003 Suzuki XL7 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 suzuki xl-7. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle started to accelerate independently without warning. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic who diagnosed that the accelerator cable was rusted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage 165000. Updated 3/24/15
As I was driving the car, it came to a stop on its own .. I got out to see what was wrong, and I noticed that there was fire coming out of the back and the front of the car. As I ran away from the car I could see the fire dripping from the bottom .
While driving 70 MPH on the highway in heavy traffic to a scheduled doctors appointment from toledo, ohio to ann arbor, michigan, the power steering wheel became stiff and difficult to control and operate the vehicle properly and safely. When changing lanes to get off the freeway after driving 56 miles the power steering wheel was hard to turn while exiting off the offramp. I was able to drive to a nearby service center called goodyear. Goodyear analyzed the vehicle and said the drive belt had broken off the air compressor which controls the power steering belt. Goodyear had to put a new drive belt on, which cost me $115.89. Additionally, goodyear said the A/C compressor had malfunctioned and that caused the A/C compressor to freeze up which caused the serious problem of the power steering belt to break off. (shredded) goodyear's estimate to repair the compressor malfunction was $1,500.00 dollars. The estimate cost of the A/C compressor part by itself for the suzuki xl7 03 was $600 dollars. Also, when I researched the internet for other similar suzuki A/C malfunction complaints I found numerous suzuki xl7 owners who have complained about this problem, ie., the A/C compressor has a serious habit of freezing up and breaking the drive belt! I believe that this is a very serious safety hazard for owners of suzuki xl7 03 models and your agency needs to investigate this safety defect before the suzuki xl7 causes a serious vehicle accident which could result in death! Additionally,anything that would impair the operation of a major part of any vehicle is a "safety defect" and hazardous!" suzuki manufacturers ought to be held accountable for this safety problem as they manufactured the suzuki xl7 03 and should have known the A/C compressor could malfunction which is the cause for the drive belt to break off the power steering.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki xl-7. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact stated that the seat belt buckle became loose and afterward, would not buckle. She called an authorized dealer where she was informed of the price of a full seat belt replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The current mileage was approximately 111,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki xl7. The contact stated the front brakes has fail. As he step on the brakes it goes all the way to the floor. When the pads get too thin the emergency light comes on. The rear axle seal has to be repair twice because they keep wearing out. The vehicle has been to the dealer more than once and they cannot find the failure for the brakes. The failure mileage was 74,000.
My 2003 suzuki xl-7 started making noises and suddenly the engine died while I was driving on a major road at an intersection during heavy traffic. My car would not crank back up and I had to have a police officer help me push my car through the intersection and call a tow truck. The tow truck took my car to the local suzuki dealership and service dept. The head mechanic informed me after inspecting the vehicle that my internal fuel pump burnt all my wiring harnesses up in the entire car. I was low on fuel that day and it was a miracle that the fuel tank did not blow up and or the vehicle didn't catch fire. The mechanic has recorded what he found and we have all the burnt and defective original parts. I have paid a lot and am still waiting for over two months without a car for the parts to get it fixed. A recall needs to be made and an investigation on the fuel pump that was installed in my car by the manufacturer suzuki.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki xl-7. The rear quarter panel has two slots that are splitting the driver side and passenger side rear seat belts trough the plastic. The seat belts were rarely used. The dealer stated that the seat belts needed to be replaced. Pictures are available if needed. The failure mileage was 65,000. The current mileage was 70,000. *updated 12/12/07 *bf the consumer stated the second and third rows of seats pass through the openings in the interior plastic trim. The consumer stated the molding process used to make this trim panel left a flash line around the circumference of the hole. Updated 12/12/07
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki xl-7. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer for her engine to be serviced. Upon leaving the dealer, she noticed that the air bag light was illuminated. She returned to the dealer and they stated that they did not have anything to do with the air bag light. According to the owner's manual, the illuminated light signifies that the air bag indicator is disconnected, preventing the air bag from deploying. The contact spoke with the manufacturer who stated that the part is not under warranty and that she should notify the dealer's service department. The estimated cost to have the unit replaced is $500. The vehicle has been at the dealer for two weeks now. The powertrain was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 38,600.
I had the brakes checked and the mechanic made me aware of an issue with the rear breaks. The rear axle seals had leaked on the rear brake pads, drums and the rear axle. The mechanic called the suzuki dealership and was informed by their service dept. That it was a problem. I was informed that it could have resulted in my axle freezing up and of course my rear brakes were not up to par. There is a bulletin out (my mechanic told me, the suzuki dealership told him) but no recall.
Compare the 2003 Suzuki XL7
Other model years
Questions about the 2003 Suzuki XL7
Is the 2003 Suzuki XL7 reliable?
Owners have filed 24 complaints about the 2003 Suzuki XL7, close to a typical XL7 model year.
What is the 2003 Suzuki XL7 year score?
The 2003 Suzuki XL7 scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Suzuki XL7: 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 2003 Suzuki XL7?
Electrical system, with 5 complaints. Next is acceleration (4).
How many recalls does the 2003 Suzuki XL7 have?
2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and vehicle speed control.
What year does the Suzuki XL7 have the most electrical problems?
The Suzuki XL7 model years with the most electrical complaints are 2007 (20 complaints) and 2008 (10 complaints).
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