1999 Suzuki Vitara Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 20%of 50 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Suzuki Vitara, 20% of the 50 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When the clutch is pressed the engine will die. This has happened 10+ times since 2/2000. It happens sporadically and despite 6 returns to the dealer, the problem continues. When this happens approaching a stop light or leaving the highway, the steering locks and the brakes get very hard to depress. I have gone through at least one red light out of control as a result. The dealer cannot duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #744004, filed 2001-04“The transmission did not easily go into 3rd gear. There was a horrible vibration and noise when driving down the road and a feeling of loss of control of the vehicle when traveling on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10020833, filed 2003-06“Vehicle had been purchased more than 30 days ago & it already has stalled a couple of times. Also, gear shift shakes real badly, and engine check light comes on. Dealer can't find anything wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #862625, filed 2000-05“Transmission shifts hard, grinds when putting into gear, and sometimes won't go into gear. Dealer replaced transmission, but that did not solve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #720056, filed 2000-03“While trying to shift out of 5th gear the shifter gets stuck in the neutral gate between 5th and reverse, other times excessive force used to engage lower gear. Mjs”
NHTSA complaint #548044, filed 1999-08Related service bulletins
- 10021699Jun 15, 2007Front differential oil seal replacement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Suzuki Vitara
15 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Suzuki Vitara
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology