AI Damage2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara filed 14 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 14
What fails most often
- 1 Air bags 21% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 21% of all complaints
- 3 Electronic stability control 21% of all complaints
- 4 Exterior lighting 21% of all complaints
- 5 Engine 14% of all complaints
- 6 Service brakes 14% of all complaints
- 7 Equipment 7% of all complaints
- 8 Powertrain 7% of all complaints
- Air bags: 3 complaints (21% of all).
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (21% of all).
- Electronic stability control: 3 complaints (21% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 3 complaints (21% of all).
- Engine: 2 complaints (14% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.4 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 3.2 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- automatic, 5-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: RWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 14 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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..
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.
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.
Takata recall? Air bag and passenger air bag sensor lights stay on. Only have 70,000 miles on car. Abs/esp light stays on
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.
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.
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.
2009 suzuki vitara air conditioner compressor has failed upon 2 year ownership. It is not covered under the warranty per suzuki dealership. While driving at normal speed, a popping sound occurs and the air begins to blow hot air.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,551 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 26% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Grand Vitara has 43 complaints (15 years in the data). This year has 14, below average.
What to check before buying
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Electronic stability control. ABS/ESC sensors, steering angle, codes after suspension repair.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
Other years of this model
- Grand Vitara 1999108 sources
- Grand Vitara 200085 sources
- Grand Vitara 200138 sources
- Grand Vitara 200247 sources
- Grand Vitara 200329 sources
- Grand Vitara 20048 sources
- Grand Vitara 2006161 sources
- Grand Vitara 200758 sources
- Grand Vitara 200842 sources
- Grand Vitara 201020 sources
- Grand Vitara 201111 sources
- Grand Vitara 201213 sources
- Grand Vitara 20134 sources
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: air bags, electrical system, electronic stability control. Total complaints: 14. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: A/C or heater (29%), airbag warning light (21%), warning lights, check engine (21%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.