Model	Starting price	J.D. Power reliability rating	Most common problems	Years to avoid
XL7	$26,500	N/A	Brake problems, faulty timing chain, recalls, safety issues, excessive road noise, poor-quality materials on the interior	2009, 2008, 2007, 2004, 2003
Forenza	$15,149	78/100	Failed air/fuel sensor, faulty high/low-beam headlamps, lack of power, low fuel pressure, leaky fuel injector	2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004
Grand Vitara	$20,799	N/A	Burnt-out headlights, Failed A/C condenser fan, timing chain oil leaks, faulty air bag sensor	2010, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2002
SX4	$16,500	N/A	Transmission failures, leaky rear axle seals, accelerator pedal sticks, 5th gear malfunction, cracked engine block, faulty air bag sensors	2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013
Aerio	$18,000	79/100	Tires wear out quickly, worn out brakes	2007, 2006, 2004, 2002

Don't get ripped off!

Estimate repairs near you with GarageGuard™ for free so you KNOW the fair price.

Get GarageGuard™

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees

4.717k Ratings

5M+Drivers Joined

7M+Cars Garaged

MORE:

How to check and decode a Suzuki VIN

Most common Suzuki XL7 problems

Average annual repair cost: $539

CarComplaints.com complaints: 79

Released in 2007, the

Suzuki XL7

strove to do the impossible by combining the family-friendly flexibility of the minivan with the horsepower and torque of a sportier SUV. But what went wrong?

Safety issues with the windshields have led to numerous recalls over its tenure. Constructed out of the incorrect materials, the windshields for these models were highly prone to fall out of place during a crash.

Other problems range from faulty brake systems and broken timing chains to excessive road noise and low-quality interior materials. As repair after repair stacks up, the average annual repair cost for the XL7 totals $500+.

If you have any concerns about your brake safety, get an inspection ASAP.

Most common Suzuki Forenza problems

Average annual repair cost: $455

CarComplaints.com complaints: 73

If you’re driving a

Forenza

, your fuel system may be the cause of many headaches. Problems with the fuel system range from failed air/fuel sensors to hard starts caused by low fuel pressure and even the likelihood of a leaky fuel injector.

Another common Suzuki Forenza problem is a lack of power paired with the Check Engine Light. Typically, the root of this issue is a broken throttle actuator, which will need to be replaced entirely to remedy the problem.

If you have a 2004-2006 model, know that the low beam and daytime running lights have been the cause of a few recalls.

This problem is seen in other car years as well—so don’t be surprised if your Forenza headlights stop working (this is typically caused by a broken connection at the

headlight switch

MORE:

Are Suzukis expensive to maintain?

Most common Suzuki Grand Vitara problems

Average annual repair cost: $478

CarComplaints.com complaints: 57

The

Grand Vitara

is no stranger to frequently burnt-out headlights—though unlike its cousin models, the Grand Vitara has not had any recalls for this specific problem. The most common situation is prematurely burnt-out low beam headlights, often caused by a faulty vehicle electrical system.

The

A/C condenser

fan is a hot problem as well. Failure in this system prevents the car’s air conditioning system from being able to create cool air, which no one wants come summertime!

Grand Vitara drivers may also have to deal with serious issues such as oil leaks around the timing chain gasket or a faulty airbag sensor.

MORE:

Using Kelley Blue Book to find the right car at the right price

Most common Suzuki SX4 problems

Average annual repair cost: $499

CarComplaints.com complaints: 27

Though the

SX4

has relatively few complaints on CarComplaints.com, the common SX4 problems are just as serious as they are costly.

SX4 owners have reported transmission system failures, including issues with the fifth gear not working—this problem alone will set you back nearly $2,000 to repair.

You may also experience a sticking accelerator pedal, cracked engine block, leaky seals on the rear axles, or issues with the airbag sensor lights. If your gas pedal is stuck, you're either going nowhere fast or going fast forever!

Most common Suzuki Aerio problems

Average annual repair cost: $317

CarComplaints.com complaints: 17

The

Suzuki Aerio’s

most common issues can be found in the tires and braking system.

The rear tires tend to wear out prematurely, although uneven tire wear can sometimes be remedied by rotating the tires.

The other common problem is premature wear on the

brake pads

, especially if you’re an aggressive driver or fail to check or add the brake fluid on time.

Are Suzuki cars reliable?

Compared to other manufacturers, Suzuki cars have about average reliability.

Expect your Suzuki to visit the repair shop no more than average—so, about 0.4 times per year for unplanned maintenance. On top of that, only about 12% of those visits are considered severe, which is similar to the rate for the average vehicle.

The average annual cost of maintenance for a Suzuki is a little over $500, but note that this number depends on your specific model.

Let’s take a closer look at the reliability ratings for several different Suzuki models.

Suzuki Reno (budget option):

Reliability: 3.5/5 (average)

Annual maintenance cost: $358 (average)

Repair frequency: 0.4 times per year

Suzuki Equator (mid-range option):

Reliability: 4.5/5 (average)

Annual maintenance cost: $557

Repair frequency: 0.4 times per year

Suzuki SX4 (splurge option):

Reliability: 4.4/5 (average)

Annual maintenance cost: $685

Repair frequency: 0.4 times per year

Between numerous recalls, safety issues, and frequent headlight failures, among other problems, Suzukis do have some consistent reliability issues compared to their counterparts.

But that doesn’t mean that you should avoid all Suzukis!

Here’s a more detailed glimpse at the least reliable (think: the model that should be avoided) and the most reliable members of the Suzuki family.

MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car

The least reliable Suzuki model: 2008 Suzuki XL7

Most common problem: Faulty timing chain tensioner

Though this model hit the market ready to offer a competitive 5-seat car with top-notch horsepower, spaciousness, and a budget-friendly price, the 2008 XL7 racked up complaints about the timing chain tensioner and leaky front axles.

With 73 NHTSA complaints plus 47 on CarComplaints.com, it’s clear to see that the 2008 Suzuki XL7 is the manufacturer’s least reliable model.

The most reliable Suzuki model: Suzuki Jimny

Most common problem: Engine issues

The Suzuki Jimny is a highly reliable SUV, with a Reliability Index of 71. What’s more, no complaints have been logged on CarComplaints.com for the Suzuki Jimny.

Starting at $26,990, the Jimny is one of Suzuki’s more expensive options. Nonetheless, know that this reliable model also deals with problems ranging from faulty wheel hub heads to poor rust prevention treatment,

gearbox

failures, worn-out velocity joints, and engine issues.

Perform basic maintenance on your Suzuki to help prevent problems

Try to follow a

basic car maintenance schedule

to keep your Suzuki running as smoothly as possible. The benefits of regular maintenance include:

Keep it driving at its optimum level

Remain safe while driving

Maintain your Suzuki’s value

Pre-empting any costly issues that may crop up in the future

Although you should always consult your owner’s manual, here’s a quick guide to basic maintenance tasks and service intervals for a standard Suzuki.

Mileage	Service	Average cost
Every 7,500 miles	Minor maintenance service: engine oil and oil filter replacement, tire rotation, fluid leak inspection,	$120 to $133
Every 15,000 miles	Standard maintenance service: oil change, tire rotation, replace engine filter, cabin air filter; potential brake pad replacement; service any recalls	$211 to $243
Every 22,500 miles	visual inspection of belts, hoses, and brakes	$120 to $133
Every 30,000 miles	replace brake fluid, engine coolant, and transmission fluid; replace spark plugs, air filter, and fuel filter; potential tire replacement	$342 to $400
Every 42,000 miles	oil change, tire rotation, visual inspection	$91 to $96
Every 60,000 miles	potential brake pad replacement; oil change, tire rotation, safety check	$120 to $133

Suzuki oil changes

When: Usually needed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles

Cost: $116 to $128

Why: Removes excess dirt from engine and keeps it running smoothly

DIY?: Yes—if you have the right tools and the knowledge

Suzuki tire replacement

When: NHTSA recommends replacing tires every six years, no matter how many miles driven

Cost: $300 to $600

Why: Worn tires can be dangerous in wet weather as they don’t handle well

DIY?: No—let a professional replace your tires to ensure they are balanced for even wear and a smooth drive

Suzuki engine replacement

When: If your engine block is cracked or damaged in a collision, or it simply has run its course from heavy usage

Cost: $3,000 to $6,000

Why: A functioning engine is vital to ensure your Suzuki runs well

DIY?: No—take the car to a certified mechanic for an engine replacement

Suzuki windshield replacement

When: If your windshield is cracked, with the fissure going halfway into the windshield, or extending to the outer edge of the windshield

Cost: ~$350

Why: Driving with a severely cracked windshield can impede your vision and make driving dangerous

DIY?: No—installing a new windshield yourself is not advised

Suzuki paint job

When: If the car’s paint is discolored or is visibly peeling

Cost: $1,500 to $4,000

Why: Paint maintains a vehicle’s structural integrity, prevents corrosion, and ups the resale value

DIY?: Maybe—but a professional-looking paint job requires specialized tools and lots of time and patience

MORE:

How to know if a mechanic is taking too long with car repairs

Suzuki transmission

When: Is it common for transmissions to fail between 80,000 and 150,000 miles

Cost: $200 to $5000

Why: A transmission distributes power to a car’s wheels depending on its speed

DIY?: No—replacing a transmission can be a difficult task, so take your Suzuki to a professional to replace its transmission

Suzuki timing chain

When: Is it common for timing chains to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles

Cost: $200 to $5000

Why: A timing chain is what controls the pistons and valves that operate within an engine’s cylinders

DIY?: No—replacing a transmission can be a difficult task, so take your Suzuki to a professional to replace its transmission

“
Jerry
was spot on. I’m young with one rear end on my record. Still, they dropped my monthly insurance rate from $468 to $250. This really saved me money.” —Jason M.