Grand Vitara (2002)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
2.5-V6-Gas
2.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Suzuki Grand Vitara Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.7-V6-Gas
2.7L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Suzuki Grand Vitara regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 16-INCH WHEELS, THE FRONT BRAKE DISCS MAY BREAK UNDER SEVERE DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE BREAKAGE CAN OCCUR IN CONDITIONS WHERE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ON A REGULAR BASIS ON EXTREMELY STEEP PAVED DOWN-SLOPES WHILE CONTINUOUSLY APPLYING THE BRAKES.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, UNDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW -25 DEGREES CELSIUS, MOISTURE CAN FREEZE IN THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. AS A RESULT, FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE MAY INCREASE AT THE TIME OF ENGINE START UP, CAUSING FUEL LOSS AT THE FUEL PIPE/FUEL HOSE CONNECTION.
CERTAIN PASSENGER (111 MY 2002 ESTEEM, 777 MY 2002 AERIO, 2,368 MY 2003 AERIO) AND SPORT UTILITY (324 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA, 274 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA, 684 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA XL-7, AND 781 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA XL-7) VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED TO THE VEHICLE BODY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ADHESION BETWEEN THE PAINT APPLIED DURING THE SECOND-STAGE PAINTING PROCESS AND THE PAINT APPLIED DURING FINAL-STAGE PAINTING.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE CASING CAP THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE FIREWALL CAN CRACK DUE TO EXTENDED EXPOSURE TO FORCES FROM THE ACCELERATOR CABLE AND INSUFFICIENT LONG-TERM DURABILITY OF THE PLASTIC CASING CAP. IF THE CASING CAP BECOMES CRACKED, MOVEMENT OF THE INNER ACCELERATOR CABLE THROUGH THE CAP CAN CAUSE THE INNER ACCELERATOR CABLE TO BECOME FRAYED.
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Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara problems?
The 2002-2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara has accumulated 50 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Fuel System, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Suzuki Grand Vitara engine is most reliable?
The 2002-2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.5L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2002-2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara a good used car?
The 2002-2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 50 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara have?
The 2002-2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 50 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Suzuki Grand Vitara?
Before buying a used Suzuki Grand Vitara, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Fuel System, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Grand Vitara?
The 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 50 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-07-24.