2008 Suzuki XL7Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 74 owner complaints for the 2008 Suzuki XL7. Most complaints involve steering (25) and engine (19). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Steering25
- Engine19
- Electronic stability control (esc)14
- Electrical system10
- Structure9
- Air bags7
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Service brakes4
- Power train4
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Steering
“FALL 2018 HAD OBD CODE FOR TIMING CHAIN- REPLACED TIMING CHAIN AND TENSIONER, END OF NOVEMBER 2019 PULSATING AT LOW SPEEDS- ALIGNMENT, NEW BRAKES, NEW TIRES. JANUARY 2020 MADE A U TURN AT LOW SPEEDS APPROX. 2 MPH AND VEHICLE MADE GRINDING NOISE AND SHUT OFF WHEN STARTED IT BACK UP STEERING BECAME VERY STIFF PARKED VEHICLE UNTIL MARCH 2020 WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT TO A MECHANIC, DURING DIAGNOSIS MECHANIC NOTED CORROSION TO BOTH SERPENTINE BELT AND TIMING CHAIN DUE TO OIL LEAK FROM TIMING CHAIN COVER VALVES, HAD BOTH SERPENTINE AND TIMING CHAINS/TENSIONERS REPLACED WITH NEW PARTS AS WELL AS VALVES AND SEALS REPLACED, MECHANIC ALSO NOTED BALANCE HARMONIZER MELTED AND DETERIORATING DUE TO OIL LEAK SO REPLACED THAT AS WELL, POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED DUE TO METALLIC PIECES IN POWER STEERING FLUID AND SYSTEM WAS BLED AND FLUSHED ALSO REGULAR MAINTENANCE SPARK PLUGS AND OIL CHANGE DONE. STEERING WAS STILL STIFF SO MECHANIC PUT IN A NEW RACK AND PINION, TIE RODS, STEERING GEAR AND ANOTHER NEW POWER STEERING PUMP AT SAME TIME AND AN ALIGNMENT WAS DONE AFTER NEW RACK WAS PUT IN, STEERING STILL INTERMITTENTLY BECOMES STIFF DURING TURNS, VEHICLE HAS ALSO STARTED TO MAKE LOUD…”
Engine
“My car was running when I checked it into the vechicle repair shop at Firestone address of 2311 Military rd Niagara Falls, New York 14304. When it got tolled back to my address it did not turn over. They said it was the battery but when I had a knew battery adjusted in my vechicle it still did not work. Therefore the issues is on the Firestone repair to cover any charges at another shop to get repaired at the cost they charge.”
Electronic stability control (esc)
“MY STABILITY TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON WHICH TURNED STC OFF, IN ADDITION IT TURNED OFF THE AWD. THE POWER STEERING ONLY WORKS AT FASTER SPEEDS. I'VE ALMOST WRECKED THIS CAR ON MANY OCCASIONS DUE TO THIS. IT'S HORRIBLY UNSAFE IN THE RAIN. IT WILL LITERALLY GET STUCK IN A LITTLE MUD PUDDLE BC OF THE ST N AWD BEING OFF. SO MANY COMPLAINTS! IT SHOULD BE RECALLED SOON! IT'S 7 PASSAGE VEHICLE I'M ASSUMING MOSTLY FOR KIDS N IT'S STC,AWD,POWER STEERING JUST STOPS N IT SHAKES WHEN U SLOW DOWN. I'M SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE MINE ESPECIALLY IN BAD WEATHER!!!”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S5)
- Drive
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL7 AWD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| XL7 FWD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2008 XL7 questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Suzuki XL7 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Suzuki XL7 problems?
Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (25), engine (19), electronic stability control (esc) (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Suzuki XL7 get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Suzuki XL7 at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).