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Suzuki XL-7 Problems and Solutions

2

Comments

  • anon5anon5 Member Posts: 1
    Hello, I was wondering if anyone could help me out. I have a 2002 Suzuki XL-7, and I think ever since I've had it, it had this problem: When I start the car, it feels like the car jumps when I switch gears (it's automatic). After that, it runs fine. I took it to the dealership, and they don't seem to think it's a problem. All they are telling me is that I have to wait until the cars gets under 1000 rpm for the problem to go away. Also, even the newer models' engines are made the same way. Does anyone know how I can fix this?
  • dave42nydave42ny Member Posts: 9
    2007 XL7 with 2-Row seating. I discovered a water leak in the rear cargo area of my XL7 last week. The carpeting / floor mat is wet. After some problem determination – I pulled backed the carpet (which was wet, damp and smelly) and also removed the car jack. I noticed road cinders, which means that water was coming in from the surrounding area. The problem appears to be with the pressure relief body vent, which is a plastic flap. As the flap moves the air pressure from within the vehicle to the outside, this is the entry point for the water. I also double-checked the weather-stripping around the rear lift gate, which appears to be fine. I saw no splits, cracks or gaps – all was tight. The water comes from under the vehicle while driving in the rain or driving through puddle. All of the plugs in the body/flooring are sealed. It's the flap/vent.

    I will be posting some digital pictures later.

    The 3-Row XL7’s may not notice the water leak since it has the storage bin behind the third row but I guarantee that the water is still getting into the vehicle.

    This is a major (and stupid) design flaw by the engineers (from GM and/or Suzuki). Does anyone do any quality control testing? Not. (or very little at best).

    I have a service appointment next week with my local Suzuki dealer – and hopefully a permanent solution.

    Regards,
    Dave
  • oswald008oswald008 Member Posts: 6
    On May 4, 2007 stopped at a stop sign I relaxed the pressure on the brake to roll forward a little bit to check the intersection when it happened. The 2007 XL7 Limited took off into the intersection and T-boned another car traveling at approx. 45mph. Airbags did not deploy nor was anyone seriously hurt, Thank God. This is the same XL7 I've written about here with numerous electrical issue still puzzling the Suzuki Tech Reps. Suzuki is in denial. I bought this thing because it was suppose to be safe! Now I need to convince the insurance agent that it's not safe and to total it.

    Good luck to all
  • beckyofcarrollbeckyofcarroll Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 XL-7 and I am in the process of having the wheel bearings replaced for the fourth time!!! The front has been done once and this will be the third time for the rear! It has 88000 miles on it and though it is under warranty the dealerships are few and far between. I have found the customer service for this repeat problem has been miserable through Suzuki and I guess that's why the dealerships drop them for service. I will now have to travel over 40 miles to get it serviced......any ideas? does anyone else have this problem?
  • gadielgadiel Member Posts: 1
    I have an XL7 with 3 rows I also found a water leak problem in the cargo area.I noticed the water was entering from the back cargo light located at the roof. When I verified, the rubber bracket that cover the light cables were loose. I took my XL-7 to Service and the Suzuki service personell adjust the bracket. Since that, no water leak problems at all.

    Hope this can help you.
  • dave42nydave42ny Member Posts: 9
    I finally had the pressure vent (that was on order) replaced today on my 2007 XL7, it was raining pretty heavy at times today. This was a good test - I drove to work after having my XL7 repaired then back home later in the day - and guess what? It's still leaking from underneath, from the pressure vent. I had a small hand towel placed near the pressure vent, I removed the towel and about half of it was soaking wet. I'll check the area you mentioned but I will be calling both my local dealership/service dept and Suzuki America come Monday morning. Additionally, I had the EVAP solenoid replaced for a P0449 check engine light that came on about 10 days ago. It appears that it's been resolved. However, the wire appeared to be severed near the connector. How did that happen? Did the service tech cut the wire after the check engine light was cleared? :mad: :confuse:
    Regards,
    Dave
  • desertrat12desertrat12 Member Posts: 1
    We have taken to the dealer 4 times for the same problem. The first time they replaced the solenoid (not covered by warranty). The next time they told us they were getting an unknown trouble code and needed to check with tech support. Then they said they needed to test the PCM (Power Control Module). This wasn't it, so they finally replaced the front differential. The day after I got the car back from the dealer, the 4X4 stayed engaged and wouldn't release. We have noticed it will sometimes disengage on steep inclines, but not always. We have checked the tire pressures and fluid levels. If there are any other options that anyone is aware of, please post an answer.
  • gerry19gerry19 Member Posts: 2
    I had the same issue on my 2005 X-L 7
    apparently the O2 Oxygen sensor wire runs very close to the oil filter location, and a service person ( not paying attention) pinched the wire in the top of the oil filter, not enough for oil to leak, but enough for the sensor to short out.
    Sensor was $270 (part only) and my oil change guy ate the bill.
  • gerry19gerry19 Member Posts: 2
    The AC indicator light started "blinking" with or without the AC engaged.
    The AC works fine , and the compressor does NOT disengage when the light blinks.
    Any ideas on the "blinking green light"??
    2005 XL-7 runs great no issues 56k miles
  • kbrown1999kbrown1999 Member Posts: 5
    Go to autozone and have them run a diagnostic. We had the O2 sensor changed at around 80k on ours. Save a $100 and have a private mechanic do it. Hard to get to so have a mechanic do it.
  • tomd132tomd132 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2007 xl7 with 20000 miles the radio shuts off for no reason and the info center stops working then the engine light came on started running real rough. Had it towed to dealer they said it was a sludge build up in the engine paid $170 the next day same thing towed back again told me it needed an induction service for $180. When I questioned the service writer I asked if the codes were read he said not yet so how could he know i needed an induction service done? Then he tells me they need to contact suzuki because they dont know whats wrong. I am thinking it is time to get a lawyer and get out from under this. Any suggestions?
  • oswald008oswald008 Member Posts: 6
    I've got a 2007 XL7 AWD with 20K miles. The dealerships are useless & clueless. American Suzuki told me to take the vehicle to a different Suzuki dealership since they have different mechanics next dealership is 60miles away. American Suzuki & the Dealership told me they could not repeat the problem so there was no problem. I've had continous problems since December 07 when I bought it new.

    I believe I've isoloated the electric failures with mine, it has to do with the factory remote starter. When I've used the remote starter on seperate occassions I've lost:
    Climate control, Radio, DVD, Turn Signal audible (clicker noise), ability to dim dash, no crusie control.

    other issues: roof rack rail plastic flapping in the wind , rear window defroster faliure, squeaky dash console, DVD LCD rattles... all the anoying stuff. Keep finding screws on the floor when I vacuum, I know they are coming out somewhere, but where?

    I hope this helps because I know I'm sick of this car too. Attorney told me to keep taking it back until I build up enough visits to use the lemon law on them.

    Almost forgot the randomly appearing ruff engine and check engine lights and the 'tighten fuel cap' light which was replaced, twice I think?
  • tomd132tomd132 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the info, today they told me that they think it is a cam shaft sensor but they are still not sure and need the vehicle through the weekend with no loaner. I will let you know when I actually talk to someone who knows something.
  • ceuserceuser Member Posts: 6
    Sludge buildup sounds exactly like my problem stated in response # 46 on this thread. The dealer told me it was rust on the cams ,,they ended up keeping the suv for 2 weeks and changed alot of parts in the engine. Its a lemon,,,,Suzuki has sold a crummy vehicle with this 2007 xl7. Wish I never went there. Never again :mad: :mad: :mad:
  • crazybuddhacrazybuddha Member Posts: 1
    The 4 wheel drive does not disengage the only way is to go in reverse and then forward again then back into reverse . I assuming there is a shim or pin when engage that is locked in place . It seems that the reverse motion loosens the engagement so it will then disengage . Which sounds to be lubrication problem on the front wheel drive. Is there a link for a service manuel that can be seen on line either the drive train or the 4 wheel drive section.
  • ginette1971ginette1971 Member Posts: 1
    Hi;
    We purchased a XL7 on November 23,2007, and it was back at the dealership on Dec 19th and did not get back till Dec 31.

    I am from Canada and while out driving on a morning after a snow storm, it started beeping at me telling me to "Service ABS", Servce Traction Control and Servie Stability Control. The Service dept had no clue why this was happening, the computer would not clear the code, they replace a few of the computer modules, they finally said it was the break sensor module, seemed to be ok for a couple of weeks, till the breaks started pulsating. Took it back in and they said that I had faulty rotors, the truck at this time only had 1500km. They replaced thenall seems fine. Now my breaks are squealing when I first start the car and continue to do so.

    This truck is babied and is parked in the garage and gets driven about 30km per day.

    Today while driving again in the snow, the same problem with the "Service ABS", Servce Traction Control and Servie Stability Control, happened again.

    I honestly believe I was sold a lemon!! I have spoke with the Suzuki Canada rep, and he was very rude to me , basically because I am a woman, he felt that he could talk down to, me. Yes I hope Suzuki reads this forum.

    We have been Suzuki brand loyal since 2000, we have owned 3 motorcyles and a Suzuki Swift all purchased at the same dealership, and this is how we get treated by someone that represents the company.

    We are also having huge issues with the litres/Km. I fill my car up on a weekly basis and barely get 400km per tank. Granted I don't do any highway driving much, but this should still be better than what I am getting. I was told by the service advisor that "it has to be broken in", ok I can understand the first couple of gas tanks can be bad, but this long... He said you have to get at least 10,000 km before you start seeing the good gas mileage.. Well that is alot of money on gas being spent considering I owned a Suzuki swift for 3 year with bearly 30000 km when I turned it in on the lease for my new XL7.

    Sorry venting here, but there has to be some kind of "Lemon" law out there!! I am so fed up that I just want to drop it off give them the keys and walk away.

    Needless to say they will be seeing me bright and early tomorrow morning, and my husband will be there as well, and they won't be too happy when we walk in the door, we are fed up!! I have owned alot of cars, and have never had this many problems before.

    Does anyone else have any issues as stated above.

    Any feedback would be appreciated.

    Ginette

    THE SAGA CONTINUES:

    Well I am back again and hoping to get some answers, in the last year of ownership of my XL7, I have been back to the dealership 5 times with the same problems listed below. Driving home on Friday Dec 19, in a really bad snow storm the same problem happened, they told me on Monday after my truck being there over the weekend that it might be my battery. Well today Christmas eve, out to do some shopping and we got more snow last night and same problems comes up, not the battery I guess. There has to be a solution to get this fixed, I am fed up and at this time just want out of my lease and go purchase another more reliable vehicule somewhere else.

    I also have had problems with my radio cutting out, for 30 seconds to 1 minute and have noticed when this happens that my turn signals don't work, does that also mean, I have no working brake lights, or head lights? But the dealership cannot find the problem there either and have not heard about that at all.

    Please someone give me some insight, as I don't know what to do anymore, Suzuki Canada does not return our calls, and we are at a dead end. After the holidays, we are considering going to see a lawyer and suing them. Are they going to wait till a bad accident happens, before they step up to the plate. I have 3 children and don't feel safe having them in my vehicule.

    Another thing to point out, back in the summer we went to get the oil changed and there was another 2008 XL7, parked at the dealership, and all the Air Bags were deployed but there was no physical damage to the vehicule, it had not been in any accident, we inquired and the Service Manager told us the owner was driving along and the airbags just deployed on them, but the person was not hurt, he said with a chuckle..., he was on a city street going at a slow speed, I guess that makes it ok??? What would of happened if they had been on the highway?? SO that should be reassuring, I do not feel safe at all...

    Hope to get some responses to my venting, and hopefully some insight I can take back to them, for a possible resolution.
  • adnowoadnowo Member Posts: 1
    it was a cold day and i was picking up my daughter. i was parked in the lot and when she got in and shut the door, the back window blew out! has this ever happened to anyone else?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I take it that no one was hurt but I'm sure it was a jolting experience to all concerned.

    shut the door, the back window blew out!

    That is curious. You might expect the breaking glass to fall into the car. "Blowing out" suggests a buildup of pressure in the cabin sufficient to push the glass outward. But that doesn't really explain how the window broke in the first place. Ordinarily one would have to slam the door shut quite violently for the glass to break.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • awpalladinoawpalladino Member Posts: 1
    Ginette,

    My name is Andrew. I have having similar problems with my 07 xl7. if you get this, i'd like to talk to you about this issue. my email is [email protected] .

    thank you so much if you find the time.

    -Andrew
  • 2003xl72003xl7 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Suzuki XL7 as does my sister. Both of our fuel doors have fallen off. As I drive around I see that this seems to be a common problem. Has anyone else experienced this?

    Thanks!
  • whb52fordwhb52ford Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2008 xl7 and just purchased the roof cross rails. I need to know how to take off the black caps at the back of the side rails. Someone said theirs were coming off. Can you tell me what I need to do to take them off.
    thanks
  • reachjreachj Member Posts: 4
    Yep electrical nightmare about says it all. I have had problems with charging system for MONTHS.. they kept dragging their feet and now it's doing it again and they tell me warranty is over the miles allowed. They say "might need" new alternator. Will cost over 700.00 JUST for the part it "MIGHT" need. Even though alternator test fine. Then it just clicks when you turn key. They say starter is ok.
    I have been going through this for MONTHS and MONTHS..
    When check battery charging system comes on, then voltage starts dropping. Pull over turn key off and sometimes craks right back up at 14+ volts.. then fine for rest of day.
  • techguytechguy Member Posts: 2
    I have the same problem. I need a silver one for my 2003 XL7. Did you ever find one?
  • coffeeandmecoffeeandme Member Posts: 1
    I have the same problem - looking for one too - Silver 2003 xl7
  • mujicamujica Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 XL7 and the problem is that it does not start, it´s like the battery is dead, but it is not....any ideas for this problem ???

    I check the fuses and they are fine

    please i need some help
  • marymcguiremarymcguire Member Posts: 3
    We have a 2003 XL7, first after a heavy rain storm we noticed our brake lights were on all night. Couldn't shut them off. Took to dealer thought fixed. We are now in Mexico after washing car, lights came back on with fog lights but our biggest problem is in park the car does not shut off we have to put it in neutral. Now we have disconnected the battery. Do we have a loose ground wire ?
  • marymcguiremarymcguire Member Posts: 3
    has anyone helped you?
  • blusuzublusuzu Member Posts: 1
    Our fuel door to our 2002 xl-7 recently fell off, sounds like this has happened to more than a few of these =(. Does anyone know of an interchangeable part or where I can find something that will work? Thanks for your help, hope to hear from you!
    Brian
  • tonyalttonyalt Member Posts: 6
    Everytime I put gas in my car, it will not start until 3 tries, seems like it loses compression, but ONLY when I fill up. When I start it later I don't have that problem. Also, my windshield leaks somewhere, last big rain of 5 inches netted me 5 gallons of water in my car. It has 100k miles, otherwise a darn good car, on my 2nd set of tires but 1st set of brakes. Tried warranty/recall on the windshield issue because frankly, a 2.5 year old car should not have that water issue-it's nothing to do with the mechanics, it's the body. Any suggestions would be appreciated. :sick:
  • rvb1217rvb1217 Member Posts: 1
    We just purchased a '05 XL-7. It did not have an owners manual. Can you tell me if I have to shift in and out of 4-wheel drive in motion or sitting still? While in 4X4 mode, it feels like the drive is slipping when turning sharply (like into a parking place). Any suggestions or direction?
  • poorcruzerpoorcruzer Member Posts: 141
    Congrats on your purchase. We have just purchased an 05 XL-7 as well.

    To operate 4WD system;

    You can shift from 2WD to 4WD HIGH to 2WD at rest or on the fly up to 60 mph (100 km/h) To shift to 4WD the front wheels MUST be straight, let up on the gas if moving and press the 2WD - 4WD HIGH button. The wheel indicator display will light up the front wheels. If the display begins to blink gently apply gas and then release the gas. This rocking motion will load, then unload the power train, aiding the shifting process.To return to 2WD press button again and if necessary rock the truck if display starts blinking.

    To shift to neutral first place the transmission into neutral then press the neutral button for 5 seconds. To get out of neutral press neutral again for 5 seconds while transmission is in neutral.

    To shift into 4WD LOW place transmission into neutral then press 4WD LOW button. To get out of 4WD LOW, press the 4WD LOW button again and the truck will be in 4WD High.

    This is a part time system with no centre differential allowing the axles to rotate at different speed as with an AWD system. Do NOT drive this truck with the 4WD engaged on dry pavement unless you're going in a perfectly straight line (I do this in the summer for 1 mile or so to keep things lubricated).

    Once you engage 4WD, the front axle locks (sort of). There are no planetary gears in the front differential allowing the front wheels to travel at different speeds. In a corner the outside wheel has to travel at a faster speed than the inside wheel. Since this cannot happen with a locked axle, one of the wheels has to slip. This will lead the truck to under steer (the truck will try to keep going straight). To combat this and reduce drive line wind up (if both wheels have traction and will not slip, the drive train will bind) reduce speed on slippery surfaces and or place truck into 2WD.
  • poorcruzerpoorcruzer Member Posts: 141
    Just to add to my previous post.

    Remember this 4WD system has no limited slip or locking differentials as a result power will always take the path of least resistance. If one axle has no traction, all the engine power will go to it's spinning wheels. If one wheel loses traction per axle, all the engine power will go to this wheel. Unfortunately ARB which manufactures air lockers doesn't make them available for the XL-7 without major modifications (Vitara axle with manual hubs required). So just remember to try and keep all the wheels in contact with Terra Firma.
  • mm9351mm9351 Member Posts: 72
    HELP! My 2007 XL7 is at the dealer today -- camshaft position sensor -- engine misfires...multiple check engine DTC codes. Still awaiting an answer. Is this a covered warranty item. I have 36,100 miles.

    Thanks in advance for your replies!
  • pattywmompattywmom Member Posts: 1
    On the windshield, you should check for recall. I believe there was a recall that year due to insufficient sealing. Trouble starting after refueling, I would suspect water in your tank - try some dri-gas.
  • branditbrandit Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2007 xl - 7 and its been at the dealer since the end of march. My engine blew on it. Suzuki is trying to fight paying for my new engine. I had to get all my oil changes to them. They said they are "reviewing' them. My engine only had 52,000 miles. I'm not sure where to turn next for help! :cry:
  • tomd132tomd132 Member Posts: 3
    Good luck they fought me on everything and finally I decided to cut my losses and traded it in on a Ford Edge and I couldnt be happier.
  • rhoutwedrhoutwed Member Posts: 1
    altinater is not charging the only place that can test it is the dealer for 65 dollars a new alt at dealer is 700.00 dollars thate right 700.00 dollars not sure if the alt is the problem car does die when you remove the battery cable if any body has any idea what else could be the problem with this piece of sh..... please let me know thank you rich
  • patt6patt6 Member Posts: 3
    I just bought a 02 xl-7. Bringing it home it was running great. I had cruise control set @ 75mph. Going up a hill it down shifted almost like it went from 4th to 2nd. Rpm's went really high, then lost 50% power then all. I had the alt. tested and it tests good. any help you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks -patt6-
  • patt6patt6 Member Posts: 3
    I just had my alt. tested. Had to go to 3 places but advanced auto Sevierville had the right plug. free test and they can order one for you 150-300 $
  • airtek79airtek79 Member Posts: 1
    I have the same problem starting after refueling. Water wasn't the problem. Seems like the fuel system is having to prime itself again but only after fueling. The dealership has no clue and even called other dealerships.
  • donna05donna05 Member Posts: 5
    This is happening to me as well. Car was dropped off at the dealers this morning. They called around noon saying they need to further diagnose the problem because the diagnostic testing showed misfires. Could be as simple as spark plugs or cam phasers, is what I thought he said. I noticed that this has happend to a few others out there. If it ends up being the cam shafts/phasers does anyone know if this is covered under the warranty?
  • tonyalttonyalt Member Posts: 6
    I had all my spark plugs changed, still said misfire. It is getting worse. I am going to ask about the cam phasers. I am wondering if it is vapor lock. or something close to it if there is such a thing anymore. After I drive mine 1-2 hours it has to re-prime itself/rebuild compression to start. although mine has 121k miles on it but I have taken very good care of it. Still have original brakes. :lemon:
  • donna05donna05 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for getting back to me. My car is only 3 years old and has 54,000 miles on it. I fax'd over receipts for 6 of my oil changes which is all I could find. It will be really interseting to see what they come back and say the problem is and if they are going to try and say they can't cover it because I did something wrong. The book recommends changing the oil every 5,000 miles. My car monitors my oil life and I change my oil every 3,000 miles when the oil life is to 50%. So I am changing it more than necessary. I'll let you know.
  • tonyalttonyalt Member Posts: 6
    Donna,

    There was also a recall on some of them that was related to an evaporator - or something like that- I checked and mine wasn't one of them (of course) Does your windshield leak? My car tracks oil (full synthetic) every 10k miles.
  • donna05donna05 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks Tony, I have not received anything from them on the recall but I will certainly look it up. My windshield does not leak, thankfully. I did have to have the steering column replaced because the rubbing noise it was making was incredibly annoying and some weather stripping on my door was not properly installed and my driver's side door panel got hung up on it and I couldn't open the door. Other than that and this next problem, the car has been good. Good lukc with yours. I'll keep you posted.
  • donna05donna05 Member Posts: 5
    So today is day 4 that my Suzuki has been at the dealers. I have been told because there is sludge present that my 3 year old car needs a new engine! I only have 54,000 miles on the car and my oil changes were done every 3,000-4,000 miles. I am awaiting a decision from a high level as to whether they are going to honor the warranty and put a new enginer in. Is anyone else other there having the same problems!
  • jbprophetjbprophet Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone found base plates for the towbar connection on a 2009 XL7?
  • tonyalttonyalt Member Posts: 6
    Just wondering what happened with your car. My misfire may be due to this: my mechanic helped me pump gas the other day and when it would not start he discovered there is air in the fuel line. There is a hose inside the fuel tank that may be cracked and therefore sends air to the engine when I take the gas cap off to fuel the car, so when my tank is empty again, we are going to drop the tank and replace the hose. This was a huge problem with oldsmobiles in the past. Plus side: had my oil changed, tires rotated and brakes checked- still 50% brakes after 121,600 miles. originals
  • aspoonemoreaspoonemore Member Posts: 2
    I'm having the exact same problem. Have you heard anything back regarding your warranty claim yet?
  • donna05donna05 Member Posts: 5
    Yes after 2 1/2 weeks of waiting, pictures being taken of my car, oil change receipts being submitted, they had no choice but to honor the warranty. My car was only 3 years old and I proved that I was maintaining my car, I was lucky that I had most of my oil change receipts. I have read a lot of stuff on-line about camshafts having problems. They didn't admit to it but they did ultimately fix my car.
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