What is the 1999-2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara V6 (H25A/H27A) Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle?

The 2.5L and 2.7L V6 engines (and the related 2.0L/2.7L used in the XL-7) are widely documented to develop a rattling/ticking noise from the front of the engine on cold start, originating from the No. 1 timing chain tensioner failing to maintain proper chain tension. Suzuki's own… Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara Drive Belt Tension Adjuster Pulley Spring Break (Recall 11V055000)?

Certain 2009-2011 four-cylinder Grand Vitara (and 2010-2011 SX4) vehicles were recalled because the internal spring in the drive belt tension adjuster pulley was improperly manufactured and can break from repeated stress. The belt drives the alternator, water pump, A/C compressor… Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara Manual Transmission Gear Shift Rear Shaft Can Break (Recall 17V085000)?

Suzuki recalled certain 2009-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles equipped with a manual transmission because the gear shift rear shaft, part of the linkage connecting the shift lever to the transmission, can break from repeated side-to-side movement of the shift lever. If the shaft breaks… Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2015 Suzuki Grand Vitara Grand Vitara 3.2 V6 N32A Timing Chain Cover Gasket + Tensioner Issues?

The 3.2 N32A V6 (GM-developed, used in Grand Vitara 2009-2015 and XL-7) is most reported for timing chain COVER GASKET leaks + tensioner wear — not pure chain stretch (94 reports on RepairPal). Symptoms: oil leak from front of engine, rattle on cold start, eventual chain tension… Repairs typically run $600-$4,000. Severity: high.

Suzuki · Known Issues

1999-2015 Suzuki Grand Vitara Problems & Issues

1999-2015 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1999-2015 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 7 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are V6 (H25A/H27A) Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle ($800-$2,500 repair), Power Steering Pump Belt Tensioner Pulley Plastic Deterioration / Sudden Loss of Power Steering ($150-$300 repair), Drive Belt Tension Adjuster Pulley Spring Break (Recall 11V055000), Occupant Classification System (OCS) Sensor Mat Failure / Unwanted Passenger Airbag Deployment (Recall 13V405000), Manual Transmission Gear Shift Rear Shaft Can Break (Recall 17V085000) and Grand Vitara 3.2 V6 N32A Timing Chain Cover Gasket + Tensioner Issues ($600-$4,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $30 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 7 Known Issues

Owners of 2006-2011 Grand Vitara models widely report low-beam (H7) headlight bulbs burning out every few months, lights flickering, and in numerous cases the bulb socket, adapter and connector overheating and melting. The reported root cause is insufficient contact area between the OEM wiring harness socket, bulb adapter and H7 bulb, allowing excessive amperage that overheats and damages the connector. NHTSA/owner complaint databases show dozens of reports, with some describing it as a safety and even fire hazard.

Common Symptoms

Low-beam bulbs burn out every few months
Headlights flickering then going out
Melted/burned headlight bulb socket or connector
One or both low beams failing while driving
Burning smell at headlight assembly

How to Fix

Replace failed bulbs with quality H7 bulbs and inspect the socket/connector for heat damage; if the connector or pigtail is melted, replace the headlight socket/pigtail (and adapter) rather than just the bulb. Some owners upgrade to a higher-temperature ceramic connector or replace the headlight assembly. Check ground connections and the headlight circuit for high resistance.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

Sylvania Basic H7 DOT Halogen Bulb
standard-wattage replacement when the bulb failed and the socket/circuit remain undamaged Fitment/availability: H7 12-volt halogen low-beam applications; use only after confirming the specific US-market 2006-2011 Grand Vitara lamp calls …
AutoZone
Dorman 90802 H7 Ceramic Headlight Socket Pair
heat-damaged H7 socket repair only after high resistance or terminal damage is confirmed Fitment/availability: two-wire H7 bulb base, 16-AWG high-temperature ceramic pigtail; compare terminal layout and available wire length before splic…
Walmart Business

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$30 - $250

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Suzuki Grand Vitara problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1999-2015 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: V6 (H25A/H27A) Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle, Power Steering Pump Belt Tensioner Pulley Plastic Deterioration / Sudden Loss of Power Steering, Drive Belt Tension Adjuster Pulley Spring Break (Recall 11V055000). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Suzuki Grand Vitara reliable?

The 1999-2015 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: V6 (H25A/H27A) Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle and Power Steering Pump Belt Tensioner Pulley Plastic Deterioration / Sudden Loss of Power Steering and Drive Belt Tension Adjuster Pulley Spring Break (Recall 11V055000) and Occupant Classification System (OCS) Sensor Mat Failure / Unwanted Passenger Airbag Deployment (Recall 13V405000) and Manual Transmission Gear Shift Rear Shaft Can Break (Recall 17V085000) and Grand Vitara 3.2 V6 N32A Timing Chain Cover Gasket + Tensioner Issues. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Suzuki Grand Vitara problems?

Repair costs for known Suzuki Grand Vitara issues range from $30 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, V6 (H25A/H27A) Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle, typically costs $800-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Suzuki Grand Vitara is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1999-2015 Suzuki Grand Vitara with 7 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.

All 7 Known Issues

V6 (H25A/H27A) Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle#

Drive Belt Tension Adjuster Pulley Spring Break (Recall 11V055000)#

Grand Vitara 3.2 V6 N32A Timing Chain Cover Gasket + Tensioner Issues#

Power Steering Pump Belt Tensioner Pulley Plastic Deterioration / Sudden Loss of Power Steering#

Occupant Classification System (OCS) Sensor Mat Failure / Unwanted Passenger Airbag Deployment (Recall 13V405000)#

Manual Transmission Gear Shift Rear Shaft Can Break (Recall 17V085000)#

Premature Low-Beam Headlight Failure and Melted Headlight Connectors#

Other Suzuki Models