2008 Suzuki XL7 steering problems

Filed May 4, 2020 · Steering · 129,218 miles · OR

Fall 2018 had obd code for timing chain- replaced timing chain and tensioner, end of november 2019 pulsating at low speeds- alignment, new brakes, new tires. January 2020 made a u turn at low speeds approx. 2 MPH and vehicle made grinding noise and shut off when started it back up steering became very stiff parked vehicle until march 2020 when it was brought to a mechanic, during diagnosis mechanic noted corrosion to both serpentine belt and timing chain due to oil leak from timing chain cover valves, had both serpentine and timing chains/tensioners replaced with new parts as well as valves and seals replaced, mechanic also noted balance harmonizer melted and deteriorating due to oil leak so replaced that as well, power steering pump replaced due to metallic pieces in power steering fluid and system was bled and flushed also regular maintenance spark plugs and oil change done. Steering was still stiff so mechanic put in a new rack and pinion, tie rods, steering gear and another new power steering pump at same time and an alignment was done after new rack was put in, steering still intermittently becomes stiff during turns, vehicle has also started to make loud squealing while turning and pulsating at low speeds. Internet search about vehicle year make and model with steering issues resulted in many complaints of same issues.

Filed Apr 4, 2019 · Steering · 84,500 miles · MD

Took my 2008 suzuki xl7 premium into the shop because it was leaking fluid, making noises and was becoming hard to steer. 3 days later and 2 pumps later I still don't have my car back. They mechanic said they even flushed the power steering fluid out and there was metal shaving in it from the line. The dealership wants to charge the mechanic $500. For a new line and $500 for a new pump because of a defect on the manufacturer's end. I would like this to be looked into for recall purposes for safety and manufacture issues. Multiple sources state that there is a problem with it

Filed Dec 20, 2018 · Driver assistance, Steering · 140,000 miles · TN

My stability traction light came on which turned stc off, in addition it turned off the awd. The power steering only works at faster speeds. I've almost wrecked this car on many occasions due to this. It's horribly unsafe in the rain. It will literally get stuck in a little mud puddle bc of the st n awd being off. So many complaints! It should be recalled soon! It's 7 passage vehicle I'm assuming mostly for kids n it's stc,awd,power steering just stops n it shakes when u slow down. I'm scared to death to drive mine especially in bad weather!!!

Filed Jul 5, 2018 · Steering · 140,000 miles · WA

Driving the suzuki on multiple occasion when I begin to turn the steering wheel stiffens and it almost impossible to turn. I must you both hands and forcefully turn the steering wheel. I have had the power steering replace 3 times and it is still occurring!!! It happens while motion on city streets and the highway. It so stiff its difficult to take an exit. This last occurred yesterday 7/4/2018.

Filed Jun 27, 2017 · Acceleration, Steering · NC

Power steering is out, timing belt and tensioner, cooling in front not back

Filed Feb 27, 2016 · Driver assistance, Steering · 90,925 miles · NY · crash

Lost steering while driving,became very hard to steer. Cost $2300 to repair. Said defect started as steering rack and caused metal to go throughout the system and take out the pump also. Abs/trac control/stability lights among others come on and loose awd. Sunroof leak and paint peeling. Steering was lost again while driving 1.5 years later. Definite recall situation.

Filed Feb 20, 2016 · Driver assistance, Steering · AL

My 2008 xl7 serivce stability control and ABS light stays on and it's very difficult to turn.

Filed Sep 23, 2014 · Body, Driver assistance · 32,000 miles · CO

To begin, my moonroof leaked into the overhead lights in the cabin any time I washed the car. Had to take it in 3 times to get it fixed. Window seals were buckling and got those replaced by dealer - but continued to buckle. All stabilitrac lights have always been intermittent since I bought the car. Key fob worked intermittently around 85000 then the rear driver door would not respond to it. Replaced battery in fob and had to take it in to only have it diagnosed that the actuator in the door was going out. While I was turning a corner in my 2008 xl7, I heard a grinding/rattling noise that seemed to worsen at slower speeds and would go away as I accelerated through the turn around 90000 miles. Power steering felt tight, ABS light, check engine light, service traction control, awd off, stabil-trac light all came on...intermittently. Took it in for other repairs before warranty ran out and the dealership could not duplicate the issue/sound. At 95700 miles same thing started happening, took it to my mechanic and he could not duplicate the issue. At 103000 miles the noise/rattling/grinding is back in force. Took it to my mechanic, he was finally able to duplicate it, pulled multiple mis-fire codes p0300, p0301,p0305, & p0303. Replaced a weak battery, change the oil and diagnosed the timing chain/tensioner needed to be replaced. Called suzuki to explain that this had been happening for the last 15000 miles sporadically, finally got it diagnosed after the warranty had expired and they will not even recognize that this is a common problem with this model. Called dealership and the fix is around $3000. This is a prevalent recurring problem with the xl7 2007-2009. As many complaints as I have seen regarding this issue, knowing that if I continue to drive it like this that it could destroy the entire engine, suzuki should be issuing a recall and fixing this defective vehicle.

Filed Jun 25, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 60,000 miles · TX

The steering wheel makes a rubbing sound when turning back and forth. I had it fixed once while still under warranty. Went away for a while but now I'm at 101,000 miles and it's back. Unfortunately I'm not under warranty anymore, so this repair will have to be out of pocket. Disappointed, had I known that I was getting a suzuki with gm parts I would have never considered buying it. I had a 2002 suzuki xl7 and never had a problem with it. Another problem that I encounter on my vehicle is that it burns way too much oil. The oil changes come around alot sooner that the indicator displays on the panel. Dealership has no explanation for it.

Filed Apr 5, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · SD

Many, many gm products are being recalled due to faulty ignition switches, and the xl7 shares a lot of parts and similarities with the equinox, vue, and so on. Can it be determined if the 2008 suzuki xl7 uses the same ignition switch? Also, for at least three years, a groaning noise emanates from the steering wheel upon turns. We owned a new 2006 chevrolet hhr that made a similar sound that the dealer was unable to remedy.