Suzuki Vitara Common Problems and Solutions
Low Beam Headlights Not Working
Problem:
Your low beam headlights are not turning on anymore.
Solution:
The low beam headlights on the Vitara are well-known for burning out very quickly. Find higher-quality bulbs on our parts list and swap them for the burnt-out ones. Remember to avoid touching the new bulbs with your fingers, as this can help make sure that they last longer.
Difficulty level
Dropped Clutch
Problem:
The clutch pedal has fallen to the floor and now feels loose.
Solution:
A broken weld on the pedal pivot assembly is the problem here. The only way to resolve the problem is to order a new clutch assembly from our parts page for the Vitara, take out the older version, and install the replacement.
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Car Popping Out Of Gear (All Manuals)
Problem:
When you're driving in 5th gear, it pops out into a lower gear.
Solution:
You have a faulty 5th gear synchroniser, which is one of the commonly reported issues with the Vitara. There is a revised design available for this problem, and we always have the updated version in our store. Replacing the synchro is a fiddly job, but it's not one that takes a lot of time.
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Rough Idle
Problem:
The car idles roughly and sometimes stumbles when you accelerate.
Solution:
It's very likely that you have an engine vacuum leak from your throttle-body base gasket. The only way to solve this is to replace the failed gasket, which you'll find easily on the BreakerYard parts list.
Difficulty level
Throttle Body
No Cold Air From AC
Problem:
The aircon has stopped blowing out cold air.
Solution:
The condenser fan motor is known to fail fairly quickly on the Vitara. The good news is that we always have them in stock for you to order, and replacing the motor is a quick and easy job.
Difficulty level
Oil Patches On Road
Problem:
When your car has been sitting in one place for a while, you can see visible spots of oil on the road, often accompanied by coolant.
Solution:
Your coolant system is faulty, and this will have resulted in a cracked cylinder head. This is a big fix, but it is doable if you have the patience and the tools. First, try looking for obvious cracks or damage to your coolant system. If the damage is too severe to repair, then order a replacement coolant system from us, and install that using an online guide. Then you'll need to replace the cylinder head entirely, which can take time but is doable.
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Unresponsive Brakes
Problem:
The brakes seem unresponsive, and the car has a very long stopping distance.
Solution:
A common issue with the Vitara, this is being caused by seized brake callipers. This can be an expensive job if you have a mechanic install replacements, but you'll find callipers for the Vitara in our online store, and it's a simpler DIY job than you might have thought.
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Brake Caliper
Dirty Exhaust Smoke
Problem:
The smoke coming from your exhaust is thicker and darker than it used to be.
Solution:
If the car hasn't been getting regular oil top-ups and oil changes, then your diesel particulate filter (DPF) will eventually block. A clogged-up DPF will eventually lead to the car going into limp-home mode. You can try taking your Vitara for a long run on the motorway to try and clear it, but you may have to take the unit apart and clean it by hand. In extreme cases, you will have damaged the DPF and will have to order a replacement from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Diesel Particulate Filter
Engine rattling noise
Problem:
Can you hear a metallic rattling noise coming from the engine? If so, then this is most likely caused by an issue with the timing chain. The tensioners are known to fail, if the vehicle has been poorly serviced.
Solution:
At the very least, you will need to replace the timing chain tensioners, and you may also need to replace the timing chain, if it is damaged. Once you have carried out the needed work, it is recommended that you have an oil change, if you have not had one in a while.
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Poor engine idling/lack of power
Problem:
Are you suffering with poor engine idling? Does the vehicle lack power, when you press your foot on the accelerator? The EGR (Exhaust Gas-Recirculation) valve on this vehicle is known for getting clogged up with carbon, causing the above problems.
Solution:
You can remove the EGR valve and clean it with some carb cleaner and a tooth brush. Once cleaned out and re-fitted, this should resolve the issue. Watch the video below, to see how to unblock an EGR valve:
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EGR Valve
Over fuelling/Starting problems
Problem:
If you are having problems starting your Vitara, then the carburettor is failing. The carburettor is known for over-fuelling the engine, due to a problem with the float.
Solution:
You will need to replace the carburettor, in order to fix this problem. We can help you to find a replacement carburettor, at a very low price.
Difficulty level
Carburettor
Ticking Noise From Engine
Problem:
You can hear a loud ticking noise coming from the engine when it is running.
Solution:
That ticking sound is often a sign that your drive belt is either on the way out or has become too stretched. However, if your Vitara was built in 2011, then there was a Suzuki recall due to a faulty internal spring in the drive belt tension pulley. That means your belt is too loose. Although you will find the relevant spring on our parts list, taking apart the tension pulley is a very complex job. It's a lot easier to order a complete tension pulley from us and replace the faulty one entirely.
Difficulty level
Unstable Car
Problem:
The car feels insecure when driving, with too much play across the whole body.
Solution:
If your Vitara was built in 2015, then there's a chance that you have had the wrong rear axle bolts installed. That's why the vehicle feels unstable. You'll need to browse our parts list for the fixing bolts that have had the anti-friction coating applied, but these are very simple to install.
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Sudden Braking
Problem:
When you're driving the car, it unexpectedly brakes without you applying the pedal.
Solution:
Although not many Vitaras are affected by this issue, those built between January and May 2015 are very likely to have suffered from a programming error that affects the automatic emergency brake system. There's no real fix for this apart from going to a Suzuki dealer and getting the software update.
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