NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 1 owner complaint for the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Most complaints involve electrical system (1) and latches/locks/linkages (1). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“MY WIFE HAD JUST STEPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE AFTER PUTTING THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION AND WALKED INSIDE TO GRAB SOMETHING FROM HER PARENT'S HOUSE. WHEN SHE RETURNED THE DOORS HAD AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED HER OUT, SHE HAD TO CALL A FRIEND TO BRING AN EXTRA KEY. LUCKILY SHE DIDN'T HAVE OUR DAUGHTER WITH HER OR SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN LOCKED INSIDE. WE JUST FIGURED IT WAS AN AUTOMATIC ANTI-THEFT PROGRAM, BUT DIDN'T REALIZE OTHERS WERE HAVING PROBLEMS. FROM NOW ON, WE JUST MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE KEYS ON US, OR ROLL THE WINDOW IF THE VEHICLE IS STILL RUNNING WHEN YOU STEP OUT OF IT EVEN JUST FOR A SECOND. *NM”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Vitara Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Grand Vitara Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Grand Vitara 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Grand Vitara 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (1), latches/locks/linkages (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).