NHTSA vehicle safety data
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 42 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Suzuki dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara owner complaints
Owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara, describing incidents dated June 4, 2008 to March 2, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Exterior Lighting 20 complaints
- Air Bags 12 complaints
- Electrical System 10 complaints
- Engine 3 complaints
- Suspension 2 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 1 complaint
Of the 42 complaints on file, 3 report a crash; across all 42 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11721909 · Filed
While stopped at traffic light at idle, I can hear a knocking noise in the engine compartment. Took it to my mechanic, and believe it is coming from the lower engine. He removed the oil pan and found that the rod and crankshaft bearing has movement. The car is 2008 and only has 36,000 miles.
ODI #11677174 · Filed
The Air Bag Light remain on . The vehicle was checked in a scanner and the codes B1312 and B1319 where found..I want to know if are recalls for this car. If yes What dealer in Puerto Rico can repair it.
ODI #11606504 · Filed
I received 3 urgent letters telling me my2008 suzuki grand vitara has an airbag recall passenger side and needed to be repaired right away. But SUZUKI only has a few dealers left and none close to me so I have to drive my children in this unsafe car. So I called the dealer and they said I have to…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Preliminary Evaluation PE13-021: Occupant Classification System Failure
Closed September 30, 2013
Passenger Seat Occupant Detection System may Fail
NHTSA #19V187000 · Seats · NHTSA notice
Reported March 7, 2019 · Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 31,302 vehicles
Repair completion: 18.31% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Suzuki campaign 4011, 4012 · Owners notified February 21, 2020 · Vehicles built May 31, 2007 – May 30, 2008 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an adult or child is occupying the seat.
Safety consequence
In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's numbers for this recall are 4011 and 4012.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor mat
NHTSA #13V405000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice
Reported September 6, 2013 · Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
Potentially affected: 189,901 vehicles
Repair completion: 32.57% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Suzuki campaign VD · Owners notified May 23, 2014 · Vehicles built May 31, 2007 – May 30, 2008 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child.
Safety consequence
Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
Manufacturer remedy
Suzuki will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge. Sufficient quantities of parts are not currently available to fix all of the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified of the recall in October 2013 and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired. The recall began on May 23, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's recall campaign number is VD.
Notes
Note: Vehicles which previously had a countermeasure occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat installed under the special coverage campaign conducted by Suzuki distributors in the United States are not affected by this recall.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Suzuki Grand Vitara model years
Check your 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Suzuki Grand Vitara at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Suzuki VIN