2006 Grand Vitara vibration problem

i3oyet · March 2007

First of all. Let me say that I am really disappointed what Suzuki woman said. Explain to me in words I can understand why I spend more money on getting the accessories removed from the car when the reality is Suzuki screwed up with the car they sold me and can not fix it for a reasonable time frame. Don't think that is very unfair and needless to say very stupid thing to do? I bought the car for the price that they spicified and I bouhgt it expecting it to work like every other brand new car. Tell me in what way I can explain this whole thing to you so you can understand it. I bought the car and have been patient for one and a half year going back and forth to the shop with no real result. Do you even understand and realize what kind frustration i'm going thruogh taking time off my work everytime just to take the car to dealer. Do you understand the meaning of a brand new car. Ohhhhh my goodness Suzuki woman. You really are something. Put this in your mind. one and a half year. with so many problems. Don't you think that is reasonable enough for them to say, You've already gone through all this trouble, let us make it up and give you your money back with all you accessories. Don't you think that is reasonable. Anyone in this forum please enlighten me if you think am not being reasonable.

i3oyet · March 2007

For those you that interested. I bought the car in North Vancouver Susuzki here in vancouver, BC. Canada. Oh and another thing......Everytime I call, They don't have time to do it on Saturdays so I have to bring the car back to them on weekdays. at one point I had to wait there in the dealer for 5 hours because they kept telling me it should not take too long anymore. It's almost done......... for five hours......NOTE:::I am now starting to hear whining noise on first, second,third and fourth gear.. loudest is still second like I mentioned the first time but it is beggining to get louder....

i3oyet · March 2007

Manufacturers should be reasonable in dealing with customers (When they screwed up with their design or part of their product fails and can not be repaired in a reasonable time frame they should step up and make things right and not make a fool of their customers)I will tell you time and time again Suzuki woman. I have been to the dealer for repair so many times and every time I would be told that the car is fixed and works like a charm. And when I drive the car, I see no change on the problem. I went up to the next level after a while. I e-mailed Suzuki canada and like I mentioned before again. I received no response untill I started filling a complaint with and arbitrator(CANVAP)approximately 2 months after. One of their customer service person contacted me and said they are willing to replace the transmission with a 2007 version. When I ask what happens after it's replaced with 2007 transmission and still have that same problem. I was told that they will do nothing but continue to fix the problem even if it takes 10 years or more. Now!!! tell me Suzuki woman. Would that be a reasonable thing to do. After more than one year of going back and forth to the shop a representative of a manufacturer will tell me that. I was told that their only obligation to the federal government of Canada is (to fix the problem how ever long it will take with no compensation and not even required to buy back the vehicle...Maybe this people think that we as customers don't have a life that can just devote all our spare time trying to get our Grabd Vitara fixed up.

xostnot · March 2007

"I bought the car in North Vancouver Susuzki here in vancouver, BC. Canada"

Thanks. We got ours from Richmond Suzuki. For its first oil change, I dropped it off after work. They gave me a loaner for free, which I returned when I picked up the GV after work the next day. That minimized the hassle for me, and gave them plenty of time. But it still meant I did over two hours driving in rush hour traffic. I had also had to make a trip back to them to pick up the owner's manual etc. which they failed to put in the vehicle when I bought it.

I'm not happy with how they handled (or failed to handle) the baggy leather in the front seat bottoms, and the warped drivers side mirror. I don't like being told the regional rep will contact me about the seats, and never did. I don't like being told the mirror is not warped when I can see damn well that it is. (And why did they remove and replace my blind-spot mirror if they saw nothing wrong with the glass?) Those are minor things compared to your problem, but the result is that I'm getting the warranty interval servicing done somewhere else where it's cheaper, vastly more convenient, consumes less gas, and the staff are straight across with me.

I should say I had a good impression of the N. Van Suzuki dealership. I stopped by there one Saturday or Sunday to see if they could check a check engine warning light, caused by my wife failing to screw the gas cap on properly. The only person around cheerfully did it on the spot, and for no charge.

You have a manual transmission, and I don't. So I can't compare our GV. Usually such noises are indicative of abnormal wear in a manual transmission. There are lots of manual transmission GV's being sold all over the world, and I don't see much "buzz" about this problem. There's an issue with drivetrain/engine vibration, but not much about manual transmission problems. Do you participate in suzuki-formus.com?

Have you tried taking it to a different dealer? I know how much hassle that is because we have to work at the same time the service depts. are open, but some other dealer might know how to handle this.

Maybe it would drive home how much hassle this has been for you if you counted up how many trips to the dealer you've made on this issue, phone calls, letters etc. and tally up the total number of hours. Suzuki representatives don't seem to recognize what an impact this has on your life. Assuming the vehicle has manufacturing or design defects (and I see no reason why you would make up this hassle)I find their apparent lack of empathy particularly offensive.

-----------------------

Reviewing your posts...just wondering about your crossbar noise problem. broncododge's suggestion about the height of the rack didn't make sense to me. Did you carefully install the filler strips after you mounted the towers? Any open slots on the rack are going to be really noisy.

And after mouting this rack, go around and push up on the ends of the crossbars. It is difficult to mount this rack so it's really locked into the crossrails, even if it looks ok. I've read a report of one of these racks coming right off, and even if you know exactly why it has a problem, it's still hard to get it on right. Needs to be recalled, if you ask me.

vitara4me · March 2007

Ok, another update to the vibration problem. The dealership called and told me to pick up my Grand Vitara. I was told by the service writer that it had been fixed/ problem solved/ game over.

I told the dealership that I was NOT going to give up my gas-sucking Nissan Murano AWD rental until I test drive my GV.

Well, the vibration is much less, but it is still there. Granted, I can see out of my mirrors now while accelerating, but it IS still there.

They did however, fix the rattle coming from the back seat. Seems that the last dealer (out of business), had stripped one of the studs that holds the seat down. Remember that I had all the carpet replaced in my 2006 Grand Vitara because the floor had become so hot, that the insulation, sound padding, and foam backing had melted and turned into black Jell-O.

Anyway, the only thing I won't try again is tow with this vehicle. The 2006 Grand Vitara has a 3000 pound towing capacity....or does it?

I tried to tow a small U-Haul open trailer to Las Vegas (I rented the smallest, lightest trailer U-Haul had), and the Grand Vitara almost caught fire. I was climbing a hill (outside temp was 65 degrees F), and the engine and transmission decided that 3rd gear at 6,000-6,500 RPM would be a good choice. Well, the exhaust system became very, very, very hot while climbing the hill.

So, unfortunately, I no longer trust the Grand Vitara to tow anything long distances. Now, if you want to tow around town, no problem, but on the freeway; forget it! Not unless you like melting floors and shoes. (Yes, the heel of my right shoe melted as well). The Grand Vitara has enough of a problem pulling itself up a hill, much less a trailer. In fact, before you decide to purchase a Grand Vitara, put your whole family in it, plus luggage, and go find a hill somewhere. You will find that 18-wheelers will be honking at you to get out of the way.

So, SuzukiWoman, what is the name of that company that buys back vehicles that vibrate, melt, and get 6 MPG while towing up a hill?

(Yes, I almost ran out of gas in the middle of the Mojave Desert. I left Ontario, California with a full tank, and ran dry about ten miles north of Baker, California)

Thanks, Vitara4me :lemon:

bm000092 · March 2007

I think that your case is unusual, but being at your place I would be very angry too.
See, I towed my 2200lbs camping trailer with my wife, 2 kids,all the luggages and 2 bikes for a 1300 miles trip crossing the Adirondaks and the CatSkills. When climbing hills in the mountains I was selecting "4" instead of "D", I was able to maintain a good cruising speed (around 70-75 mph), passing cars and 18-wheelers. The engine was doing just fine and never suffered. It performed as good if not better than my previous Cherokee, with less gas (average of 20 miles per US gallons over the 1300 miles at an average of 70-75 mph, which is very good), and braking power of the GV is better than the Cherokee too. So I'm more than pleased with it.

I think you just got a lemon.

xostnot · March 2007

Yes, it sounds like there's something fundametally wrong with your GV.

We have highways near here through the mountains, where there are one or two black patches on the shoulders every kilometer, from vehicles catching fire on the long steep climbs. (Coquihalla Highway and the Connector) The GV, fully loaded, happily zooms up these hills at 120kph, faster than anything other than performance vehicles and things like pickups with huge engines and no only a driver for a load. 18-wheelers? We go past them like they're standing still.

One time another 2006 GV fell in behind us, and the two of us were passing everything in sight until they turned off after a couple of hours of doing this.

I never tow anything, though.

harp666 · March 2007

Let me tell all of you...I have been reading these boards since I bought my 2006 Suzuki vibrating machine. I Have not gone to the dealership for my problem In hopes for someone on these boards to find the reason for me.
I have also been reading "suzuki womans" posts about reprogramming the ecu. I find It hard to believe that "HER"(and only her) Dealership has a mystical fix that Suzuki Motors does not know about. If SUZUKI motors does not know about any fix than there Is no fix at this time for the Issue.
If you bought a car and had the ECU re-programmed as she said to do(at her mystical dealership) and then went to another dealership still having a problem SUKUKI MOTORS would most likely void you warrenty for tampering with the ecu without no offical recall.... BEWARE...........

vitara4me · April 2007

Spied: Suzuki Gets Aggressive
It's a tall order

By Paul Horrell

"Suzuki plans to triple North American annual sales from 80,000 to 250,000 in five years. That's a tall order because it means biting into Hyundai's and Kia's growth. But the company plans to roll out a fleet of imaginative new vehicles to help it succeed, according to Hirotake Ono, board member in charge of U.S. and European marketing.

First up for the U.S. is the 2006 Grand Vitara, now on sale in Japan as the Escudo. The five-seater maintains true off-road capability, but becomes more civilized on-road. Equipped with a 2.7-liter V-6, its body is integral with its box-section frame, and the front- and rear-suspensions mount to subframes.

Three big launches make 2008 Suzuki's Big Year
 Mid-2007, Suzuki replaces the XL-7 with a bigger five- and seven-passenger SUV designed for North America. Based on the 2005 Concept X Detroit show car, it uses the Saturn Vue's Theta platform. A 3.6-liter Japanese-built V-6 based on GM's high-feature engines will power the 192-inch-long truck.

 A 2008 Verona replacement will again be built at GM's Daewoo facility in South Korea.

 A 2008 Aerio SX replacement, codenamed New Sport Crossover (pictured) plays a big role. A 2.0-liter engine will power the front-drive U.S. version. The body was "mainly designed" by Italdesign Giugiaro and finished in Japan. Based on an all-new platform, it employs front struts and a rear torsion beam and exhibits little body roll despite its tall bodywork. Suzuki and Fiat versions go on sale in Europe next year, and Ono expects a hybrid-powered version in calendar-year 2008.

A new sport/utility wagon, with a transverse-engine front-drive layout and all-wheel-drive capability, is set for the 2009 model year. Ono says it matches the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series wagons in size but not in price. It'll also have the 3.6-liter twin-cam V-6. Meanwhile, U.S. dealers chose not to take a car as small as the new Swift, until they saw what it looked like. Too late. They'll have to wait until a new 2010 model. Finally, Suzuki wants a sports car, though it hasn't decided on a layout. Accountants nixed a front-drive two-seater for 2007, in part because it was designed just for Europe and Japan. A new project entails the U.S. market, but again not before 2010."

Ok, Suzuki......what about the 2008 Grand Vitara? Any changes? Bigger engine? Rear discs? DVD player? Better MPG?

Regards, Vitara4me

xostnot · April 2007

On Page 5, "suzukiwoman" broncododge said: "Advertising reimbursement and allotments are suddenly cut."

Suzuki is running new ads for both the XL7 and the Grand Vitara, plus a very funny fake newspaper page about the XL7.

i3oyet · October 2007

Hello guys,
I am back and this time very happy. After all the pain and misery that My Grand Vitara has caused me, I decided that the whole thing was going nowhere and problems after another and keeps getting BS from the suzuki dealer mechanics. I am now a proud owner of a 2007 Nissan Xterra (off road version) I can tell you guys how glad I am that I got rid of that car. There is definitely a big difference in terms of the design quality. Some people may say that there is a price difference but when you experiance what I had been through with the Suzuki Grand Vitara that I owned for two years. You will say that the few thousand dollars differrence is nothing. When I think back to what I had been through getting that car back and forth to the dealership shop for repair time and time again since I bought it. I just smile and say to my self. I wish I never bought a Suzuki Grand Vitara (It is the worst vehicle I have ever drove) The only thing I can say now is good luck and hope that Suzuki will treat you a lot better than how treated me because if you ask me, They have given me zero customer service after sale. All i got was a bunch of BS. This is my message to all...I! in my lifetime will never ever drive anything that is made or design by Suzuki. Thank you all

i3oyet · October 2007

Hello again,
I just want to clarify that on my last post. I was not compairing the capability of the Xterra and the grand vitara. I was compairing the quality of the two vehicles. For example, On my previous car(Grand Vitara)when ever I put it on second gear I hear the very annoying noise from the transmission. Well shouldn't I be hearing just the engine running instead of some other noise that isn't suppose to be there? This is just one of the things I experienced with it. Thanks all

vitara4me · October 2007

Hello everyone. I called Suzuki of America corporate office to discuss my ongoing issues and I was told by a rather rude individual to "pound sand". In other words, Suzuki said that there is no way that they will buy back my vehicle, or give me another vehicle. :lemon:

Oh really? You sure about that? :lemon:

Well, I have found a very nasty Lemon-Law attorney that has dealt with Suzuki before, and told me to start looking for my next car, because Suzuki is at fault, and is liable for my loss. :lemon:

I'm sure glad I took pictures and documented everything, including all my warranty repair invoices, showing miles and date/time in service. I even recorded all my phone calls to Suzuki of America and all the dealerships I have dealt with. (four Suzuki dealerships in my area have gone bankrupt and shut down). I now have to drive 35 miles to the nearest dealership. :lemon:

I'll let you know how it turns out. :lemon:

Regards, Vitaranot4me :lemon:

i3oyet · December 2007

Hello everyone, Another update with my new found hapiness with my new vehicle. It has been snowing a bit here in Vancouver Canada lately and I've had a chance to fully test my new vehicle (Nissan Xterra) with the rough weather and boy! am so very happy and wish I've purchase this vehicle instead of the Grand Lemon I had for two years. Funny thing is, I've gone through so much pain and frustration with the Grand Lemon or I mean Grand Vitara that sometimes I unconciously expect to hear/see/feel the problem. Like for example, sometimes when I turn my steering wheels, my brain goes into a mode where it's waiting for that metal to metal rubbing sound from the front suspension. Then I will just smile and say...oh yeah am not driving that piece of crap anymore...More updates in the future and thanks for reading my post. Hope that you won't make the same mistake I did by reading this post

xostnot · January 2008

i3oyet,

I think it's entirely fair that you posted your unfortunate (an understatement) experience with the Grand Vitara here. I don't think you're alone, yet there is no way of knowing what the rate of lemons is. I would also expect some Xterra owners are regretting their decision also. The old Xterra was too crude for us, being a revision of the original Pathfinder. And the new Xterra is just too big for us.

Our GV is absolutely amazing in bad conditions. Just last night we went through a blizzard on the Coquihalla. No problem. A month ago we came from north of Vernon over the Coquihalla to Vancouver in that horrendous storm on a Sunday. We saw only two vehicles travelling faster than us: an Audi quattro wagon and a Murano. Saw about 50 cars in the ditches, mostly sedans. The GV seemed designed to travel fast and safe in conditions that had most drivers at 50-60kph.

Glad to hear you're happy with your vehicle. No sense living with a pos for no good reason.

packaging pro · January 2008

Hey Suzuki Woman!
I do not know if you are still out there or not. My 06 Grand Vitara, 2WD now has 60,000 miles and the Vibration issue just started. Its right at 55-60 MPH. Anything above or below is perfect. I have new tires and everything else checks out. My problem is that the dealers in South Florida are clueless to the flash. My vehicle is out of warranty. They want $100.00 just to try to diagnose the problem. Is this considered a Drivetrain issue? Should they cover it under warranty? Please help if you are still around, its been awhile!

i3oyet · January 2008

I am glad to hear your Grand Vitara is working. I am not so much disappointed with the problem itself in my previous lemon vehicle. I was so pissed about how this company get away with it all. I was having so much problem and none of their dealers I dealt with had helped me. Imagine yourself going to the dealer's shop every couple of weeks for two years. What would you say if you were in my shoes at the time. It still piss me off until now to hear their (what I call idiot representaive) tell me that their only obligation is to keep trying to fix the problem even if it takes 10 years. it also really piss me off to take the vehicle for repair and would take 3 or more hours everytime because the vehicle would sit in the parking lot for a while before they even look at it or maybe even just pretending to look at it(everytime I would be told that it is fix only to find out that it was not when I drive the vehicle). I don't know how this people sleep at night knowing that they have made others peoples life misserable. Hopefully your vehicle will continue to perform like every other normal vehicles. I would like nothing else but for everyone purchasing new vehicles be treated by manufacturers fairly. In addition to my experience with this manufacturer. My brother in law is also driving Grand Vitara except his is automatic transmission. He is also going through the same issue with all this dealer [non-permissible content removed]. He's been trying to get them to fix the metal to metal rubbing sound on the front suspension and all he gets everytime is "it's fix and work like a charm" only to find out after he drives the car that it's not fixed. hopefully, your case will be different. Good luck and wish you the best with you vehicle

i3oyet · April 2008

Another update. I am still extremely satisfied with the quality of my 07 Xterra. No weird noises anywhere. It's already on it's 6 moths and still haven't had anything other than regular maintenance. "That's what it's supposed to be" Why am I telling you all this? If you read all my previous post, You will see there that a few weeks after I bought the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara, I already started having a problem witrh the transmission. "major problem" and it went on and on with more problems over two years until I couldn't take it anymore and got rid of it. I have never seen such a poorly designed vehicle in my life until I purchase the what I call Grand Lemon. You will also see in some of my previous post that my borther in law have also purchase a Suzuki Grand Lemon or Vitara. The difference between his and mine was the manual transmission on mine and his is automatic. he didn't have transmission problem but he had all sorts of other problems. (Front suspension metel to metal rubbing, Heated seat and also slider for same seat, vibration at 100 kilometers and most of the time there's a recall, he wouldn't get any notice from Suzuki. Anyways, He finally got really sick of the vehicle and got rid of it and purchase a Honda Oddessey. He's been driving the Oddessey now for a few weeks and he wish that he had gotten rid of the Vitara long time ago. He is very satisfied with the quality of his new vehicle.I am only doing this to warn new car buyers and also to let the manufacturer know how much pain and suffering they and their dealers cost me from all the frustrations resulting from their very poor vehicle quality and also the worst I've seen service quality

bm000092 · April 2008

It must have been a very frustating experience. It is sad to read all this when I'm so please with mine. After owning it for 27 months, I had not a single problem. Just did regular maintenance, and I'm so pleased with it. Sad to read as well that you both had such poor service from your dealer when I receive a stellar one from mine.

The GV is very popular around here and I just see happy faces. For me it was the best damn car to ride here with the over 500cm of snow we received this winter.

i3oyet · April 2008

It's good to hear that you are having such a wonderful performance out your Vitara. I just hope that you are not working for Suzuki. It would be a shame if we get comment here that is actually from a member or employee of Suzuki. That wouldn't be a good source of information for new vehicle buyers.

bm000092 · April 2008

No, I'm in telecommunications. The cars I did own:

1973 Dodge Dart from 1980 to 1981 (very good for a first car)
1981 Pontiac Phoenix :worst car ever, sold it after 4 months, everything broke
1982 Ford Escort from 1982 to 1989: Not bad, good for a student, was reliable
1989 Suzuki Sidekick from 1989 to 1997: Fun 4x4, reliable
1989 Dodge Lancer (wife) from 1993 to 1996: Was ok for a second car with kids.
1996 Dodge Neon (wife) from 1996 to 1997: Nice to drive but sold it before end of warranty
1996 Jeep Cherokee Country from 1997 to 2006: the best vehicule I ever owned
1997 Ford Aspire (wife) from 1997 to 2005: not good, not bad, cheap to maintain.
2005 Dodge Caravan (wife) 2005 until now: confortable and practical
2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara from 2006 until now: I like it even more than the Cherokee, hope it will be as reliable, trouble free and last as long as the Cherokee.

As you can see, most of the cars I (or we) owned were cheap american ones, easy and cheap to maintain, since I was either a student or begining in life with a first house and new borns, with the exception of the Cherokee, Caravan and Grand Vitara for which we spent more when buying.

I can say that I was lucky with all of them, no troubles or very few, except for the Phoenix, I think that everything that can break, did. I never drove it much, it was always at the dealer, only glad that it was under warranty, I never had any other GM.

gt601 · May 2008

I bought a 2006 Suzuki GV X-sport in Oct 2006. I absolutely love it. It is my first new car purchase. I have always driven cheap used cars and have a passion for old Alfa Romeos. The issues with the vibration started pretty soon after I bought the vehicle. I figured that it was the junky tires that came on it. I rebalanced them several times and that didn't help. I then took it to the dealer i bought it from after I replaced the tires at 11,000 miles or so because they were choppy and worn. I left it there for the day and asked them to check out the vibration. They said that they couldn't feel anything. I then took it back to them again to have it checked for the a radio issue and to feel the vibration. Once again they couldn't feel it?? I then drove the car and took it back to them to replace the radio because of the focus error and to see if they would drive it some more. They then said that they DID feel a vibration and would order some parts. At that time they also fixed the defrost vent warpage issue and did the seat anchor recall.The dealer then closed down before doing any more.work so I had to start all over with a new dealer. That made three trips up to that point. :mad:
I took it to the new dealer and left it for the day with some other issues such as the warped drivers mirror and the seat material wearing. They drove it and didn't feel anything they said. They also said that the seat wear was normal and the mirror is normal. The service manager said that his GV also vibrated and this is normal??
I drove it for a couple of weeks and after a long trip of the steering wheel vibrating so bad that the wiper and turn signal stalks were a blur I took it back. I met with the tech and drove approx 50 miles and he said that that was NOT normal. His words were "Wow that is a bad vibration" We scheduled for the next week and I left it there for the week.They told me that they thought that the vibration was in one of the driveshafts but Suzuki said that the new ones were worse so take the shafts out and balance them at an independent shop. The place they took it to said they couldn't balance the shafts because of the way they were made. They then said that the front driveshaft was warped and they would order a new one? I had also mentioned that the seat that had been repaired was squeaking again and that there was a noise in front end that was a sort of creak when turning. They installed the new drive shaft and when I picked up the car the vibration was gone in the steering wheel BUT there was a low frequency vibration in the drivetrain that wasn't there before :mad:
I then took it back to them and they had it for another full week. They told me that the rear shaft was warped even worse than the front one had been. So they replaced that driveshaft. (Ahhh but there wasn't a vibration??That is why they were replacing parts.) They fixed the seat noise and also replace the seat cushion that had"normal wear" on it with a new one.I then took it and drove it with no change in the vibation. Did I mention that your ears will ring and your feet tingle after about 1/2 an hour at highway speed?
The whole time I have also been talking to American Suzuki. They have some issues with keeping in contact with the customer. I then took it BACK to the dealer and they tell me once again that the vibration is normal. I can't understand why they would replace parts if there is no problem found. I then got a call this morning that the car was ready and that the vibration is normal. I'm really gettign fed up with these people.

I'll post any progress.I am also in Ky. I'm getting ready to contact the state Attorney General next to see if they can help in this mess.

timeout740 · February 2009

suzuki woman . I have 2006 grand vitara have had contact with suzuki and they seem to know nothing about this. but it is driveing me crazy. I have called many dealers here on Long Island with no luck. I was taking the vitara to Malstrum Suzuki but they went out of business for tax reasons so I think he was giving me the runaround. think you said you were in newyork can you refer me to a dealer that I can go to to have it checked. I have an apt with Bite bay Suzuki wed 2/18 here in bay shore ny. any help would be great can you contact me

[email protected]

thanks
Jay

xostnot · February 2009

timeout740, I think suzukiwoman has not been active here for a long time. If I were you, I'd print out some of these discussions of the vibration issue, write a letter on real paper, and send it by registered mail to Suzuki USA. Mention that you are doing this in case you need to follow up later. Don't go any closer than that to threatening legal action, but convey that you're not going to give up. Suzuki DOES know about this problem, and it's in their interests to fix the defective vehicles. And YOU didn't get what you paid for. Good Luck.

broncododge · February 2009

Jay, Whats the issue? Malmstrom did not go out of business for tax reasons... but for a complicated form of fraud, that stopped it's "cash" flow... hard to explain to someone not in the business. You could also try Suzuki 112 in Medford NY if you are in that area.

shuckapeafarms · May 2009

I purchased a 2006 Grand Vitara Luxury model in October 2006. I have heard about this issue for quite some time but have not yet experienced it with mine. I have 84,000 miles presently and the ONLY problem I experienced with mine were the rear wheel sensors and the inability to find the original tire size (I just upgraded to 245-17)! First one wheel sensor and then the other only a week apart (fixed under warranty)! Outside of that issue, my Suzuki has been an outstanding vehicle!
My brother has the 2003 XL-7 and absolutely no problems outside of general maintainence such as brakes, tune-ups, etc!
The key to any reliable vehicle is MAINTAINENCE!!!!!!!! So many people just drive and do nothing else! They don't even check the oil let alone change it!
It seems all the American made vehicles have turned into pure JUNK because CORPORATE GREED prevails over producing a reliable product! NOTHING ANTI-AMERICAN about it! The proofs in the pudding right now with the Chrysler and GM bankruptcies!
Until this country comes to face and deal with the root problem of AMERICAN CORPORATE GREED----I'll buy Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda's until hell freezes over!

i3oyet · August 2009

I'm back After two years since I've gotten rid of my Grand Lemon. I just want to update you folks with my replacement (Nissan Xterra) vehicle. Well, it's been two years an haven't been to the dealer for any repair. The only time I've been back is for regular maintenance. Unlike my previous Grand Lemon which I had to take back for repair every other weekend. If you read my post from earlier, my brother in law also bought a Grand Lemon (same year) Right after i got rid of mine he soon traded his to a Honda Odyssey and boy! was he ever greatful for getting rid of the Suzuki Lemon he had. We are both now enjoying our vehicles like we should have been with the Grand Lemon. I have learn a very valuable lesson. Never to trust any Suzuki product again. I will never forget all the experience I had with this manufacturer and its representatives. They have caused me nothing but pain for two years that I owned their Grand Lemon.

xostnot · August 2009

I suppose only Suzuki knows for sure how many GV's were lemons. For sure it's as well built as the Pathfinder we used to have, and which was the base vehicle for the first generation Xterra.

The reliability stats from various sources indicate the GV is not as well-built as things such as Rav4's and CRV's, but we're talking about 2.5 trips to the dealer on average per year for build quality issues as opposed to about 1.5 trips. That would indicate GV's that truly are lemons must be fairly rare.

On a Suzuki-specific discussion site, complaints about the vibration issue have pretty well died out. So the problem must have been fixed eventually. Not that this is of any use to people who had the problem and couldn't get Suzuki to fix it.

I'm not happy with the number of issues our '06 has had, but it was an all-new vehicle, it certainly does what we bought it for, and I would be willing to buy another one or any other in-house Suzuki brand, Japanese-made vehicle.

That said, I'm also not happy with the effort needed to get Suzuki to resolve the problems we've had.

whitwes1 · August 2009

Well ive read over lots of the complaints you all have had with your 06 GV, I have had the same problems worn tire ( on my third set at 75k) squeaky seat, vibrations ,u-joint replacement, axels, drive shafts , if its under the car it probably been replaced, but whats funny is when you see the repair repot is doesnt show everything they did and there a little reluctant to even give you a report, when we first got the GV we took it back at 700 miles for noise and they told us it was a loose bolt come to find out a year later after talking to the repair tech they had to re index the drive shaft??? I think its call CYA , Cover your [non-permissible content removed] I dont think Suzuki want to large of a paper trail showing what is quit obvious a design flaw with the GV , imagine all the GV owners driving around with the same problems and not know whats really going on, I think we need to set up and e-mail address and have every one send in their complaints with your real names and info and file a class action law suit against Suzuki and make them buy back our cars and pay for all the time we lost dealing with car repairs ,,, my car was in the shop in Denver for 5 weeks and again for 3 and now it needs to go in again for some other god awful noise coming back from the rear end, and do I get a free rental oh no it after the 36k mile warranty even thou its the same problems??? Ive mad payments on a care that I wasnt even able to drive, maybe we all need to start marking on the windows my Suzuki is a lemon maybe they will take the hint,,
Steve Malone San Antonio tx

whitwes1 · August 2009

You got to be kidding me, I to think the towing capacity of the GV is a joke I have never towed anything with mine, but try heading west on I 70 out of Denver, me and my wife well under the 3000 lb towing cap of the GV and you had to put it in third to get up the hill and with any luck you might break 55 mph, with the mighty v6 of the GV,,, when I took it to the dealer MEDVED in Denver they told me there is adjustment it all done by the computer and thats all it can do??? So it sounds like Suzuki may not of done it home work when designing a SUV for elevations , lets say above 2ooo ft ????

Howdy, Stranger!

Howdy, Stranger!

2006 Grand Vitara vibration problem

Comments

Most popular vehicles

Howdy, Stranger!

Quick Links

Howdy, Stranger!

Quick Links

2006 Grand Vitara vibration problem

Comments

Most popular vehicles