NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Most complaints involve air bags (3) and electronic stability control (esc) (3). The EPA rates it 19–22 mpg combined.
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.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The gear shift rear shaft on these vehicles may break, preventing the gears from being able to be changed.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“NO WORD ABS AND ESP,”
“TAKATA RECALL? AIR BAG AND PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHTS STAY ON. ONLY HAVE 70,000 MILES ON CAR. ABS/ESP LIGHT STAYS ON”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FAILED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE READINGS, AND THE ENGINE, ABS, ASP, AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
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 Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Grand Vitara Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Grand Vitara 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Grand Vitara Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Grand Vitara 4WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Grand Vitara 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| 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 |
4 safety recalls 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 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (3), electronic stability control (esc) (3), electrical system (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara at 19–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).