Suzuki Grand Vitara Common Problems and Solutions
Ticking During Cold Starts
Problem:
There is a loud ticking noise when you start the engine from cold.
Solution:
This will often be a case of bleed down of the hydraulic valve lifters. Check your oil is clean, and flush and replace it if it looks dirty. Once that's done, try running your engine for about 20-minutes at 2,000rpm. If that doesn't solve the ticking sound, then you'll have to find new lifters in our online store and replace the damaged ones.
Difficulty level
Hydraulic Lifter
Can't Disengage 4WD
Problem:
You have activated 4WD mode and now can't disengage it.
Solution:
You most likely have a tyre issue that you haven't spotted. Check your tyre inflation, and top up if needed. Then, check that your tyres are all matching, as this can affect the 4WD traction. If none of these issues seems relevant, then it's likely that you have a steering alignment issue, and you'll have to head to a garage for a full refit.
Difficulty level
Low Screeching Sound on Start-Up
Problem:
The engine makes a low screeching noise when you first start it. The sound only lasts for a few seconds. You may also have to put the car into reverse before you move out of 4WD mode.
Solution:
This is likely to be a faulty timing chain tensioner. Although fairly long-lasting, it is an engine part that gets put through its paces, and it will wear out eventually. Browse our parts list for the XL7 and easily install the new tensioner yourself.
Difficulty level
Timing Chain
Knocking Noise Over Speed Bumps
Problem:
You can hear a knocking sound whenever you drive over a speed bump. Your drive has become noticeably bumpier.
Solution:
It's likely that you have a leaking front strut. Not only will you have to replace it with a new one from our parts page, but you should also check your tyres. A damaged front strut will usually mean uneven tyre wear, so you may need to replace those too.
Difficulty level
Suspension Strut
Braking Issues
Problem:
The brakes need a lot of pressure to start slowing the car down. In some cases, the brakes are almost non-existent when driving downhill.
Solution:
The brake system on the XL7 is a nightmare and has caused a huge number of complaints and recalls. The only option is going to be replacing the right parts. Start by checking your brake discs, as these are very prone to warping, which is why we always have them available for quick delivery. Check your brake pads, which are very prone to rapid wear, and replace them with more durable ones. Don't forget to check your speed control system cables, which are extremely weak on the XL7 and should always be replaced with tougher versions.
Difficulty level
Car is Jolting
Problem:
The car keeps jolting forwards like it does when the clutch is released. It also stalls often.
Solution:
There is something wrong with your camshaft sensor. For a short-term fix, you can try placing a warm, wet cloth over the sensor to heat it up slowly. This will allow you to get home safely. You’ll then have to find a new camshaft sensor in the BreakerYard store and replace the faulty one.
Difficulty level
Camshaft Sensor
Gear Shift Locking
Problem:
When you press the brake pedal, your gears don’t lock into place.
Solution:
Take a closer look at the brake pedal. There’s a switch in the assembly that allows for gear shift movement, and if it’s damaged or worn out, then the gears won’t work as well as they should. You’ll need to browse our parts page for a new switch, but it is a very simple DIY job.
Difficulty level
Car Vibration
Problem:
The car is vibrating excessively and gets worse the longer that you drive.
Solution:
This will either be a faulty engine mount or a worn transmission mount. Both are made out of rubber and will wear out if your car has a lot of miles on the clock. Check for signs of wear and order replacement mounts from our parts list.
Difficulty level
Engine Mount
Inconsistent Squeaking Sound
Problem:
After driving for about 20-minutes, the engine starts to make a squeaking sound. The faster you drive, the louder the squeak.
Solution:
This is going to mean some investigating under the bonnet. It’s likely to be a worn drive belt, a damaged axle, a broken tensioner, or an idler pulley that’s become too worn to function. You’ll be able to spot signs of wear or damage, and we have all of the replacement parts that you might need with fast delivery.
Difficulty level
Engine Sounds Different
Problem:
The engine is running at a higher pitch, and there may be hotter exhaust smoke.
Solution:
This is usually caused by a blocked DPF, and is generally the result of lots of short drives. Try going for a long drive, as this may resolve the issue. If not, then your DPF will need to be replaced, which is a tricky job but doable. We always have DPFs in-store to order and will deliver the replacement to you.
Difficulty level
Diesel Particulate Filter
Driveshaft clicking noise
Problem:
Can you hear a clicking noise coming from the drive shaft at the rear? If you can, this is usually caused by an issue with the CV joint. Does the problem in the video below, sound anything like yours?
Solution:
You need to replace the CV joint to stop the clicking noise.
Difficulty level
Rattling noise
Problem:
If you can hear a rattling noise coming from underneath the vehicle, it is most likely caused by the heat shield becoming loose. This part is known for rusting, which results in it becoming loose and rattling against the exhaust.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement heat shield, in order to fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Heat Shield
Air Conditioning problems
Problem:
Are you having problems with the air conditioning on your Grand Vitara? If so, the condenser is known to fail. The main issue when this part fails, is that the air conditioning will not blow out ice cold air on the coldest settings.
Solution:
You will need to replace the air conditioning condenser to sort this issue. This can be an expensive part to replace, but we can help you to find a replacement condenser, at a very low price.
Difficulty level
Oil leak
Problem:
Have you noticed oil leaking around the timing chain cover? This is a common problem on the Grand Vitara, which is caused by the timing chain cover gasket failing. If you can hear a sort of ticking noise coming from the timing chain as well, this means that the tensioner is failing.
Solution:
If you have the oil leak, then you will need to fit a replacement timing chain cover gasket, in order to stop the leak. If you can hear a ticking noise, then you will need to replace the tensioner to stop it.
Difficulty level
Beeping Sound With Passengers
Problem:
When someone is sitting in the front passenger seat, the seatbelt alarm sounds even if they have the seat belt secured.
Solution:
This is very common on later models of the XL7, and it's due to a faulty passenger seat sensor. Even putting something very light on the seat will cause the alarm to go off. You can find new sensors on our parts list, and they are very easy to install.
Difficulty level
Engine Stalling
Problem:
The engine is stalling and sputtering.
Solution:
The Grand-Vitara has a known issue with its water pumps, which are prone to seizing up. Those pumps run off the timing belt, so seizure leads to a timing belt slip which is causing the engine to stall. In most cases, you will need to order both a new water pump and a new timing belt from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Water Pump
Loss of Power Steering
Problem:
It has become much harder to steer, and you can feel that the power steering is not working.
Solution:
This caused a recall by Suzuki and is due to weak plastic components in the pump belt adjuster pulley. Heat is causing the plastic to deteriorate and break. If your Grand-Vitara is still under warranty, then a Suzuki dealer will usually replace the pulley for free. If you’re not covered by warranty, you can order a replacement pulley and install it yourself fairly easily.
Difficulty level
Passenger Airbag Moving
Problem:
The airbag on the front passenger side is loose and can be seen to visibly move.
Solution:
This isn't too common, but it's an issue that you shouldn't ignore. We have replacement airbag units in stock that you can order, but most drivers prefer to leave this job to professionals because airbag safety is vital. Airbags also contain harmful chemicals and explosives, so if you do decide to order a new passenger airbag unit from our parts list, make sure you know what you're doing.
Difficulty level
Airbag
