2000 Suzuki Vitara Problems
- Complaints
- 35filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 53,500miles, 9 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl RWD · 20 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Suzuki Vitara (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2000 Suzuki Vitara. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 8 complaints (23% of the total), followed by suspension (7) and brakes (6). 9 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 53,500 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 5 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Suspension complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling8 23%
- Suspension7 20%
- Brakes6 17%
- Air bags4 11%
- Equipment2 5.7%
- Body and structure2 5.7%
- Electrical system1 2.9%
- Fuel system1 2.9%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Steering (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “I was driving to work on 3/18/08 and as I left the gas station I heard this pop and all of a sudden the car cut off. Later after having it towed to a mechanic, I was told that the timing chain belt popped. I was also notified that this was a regular occurrence with the vehicle and Suzuki knew of this, but had no recall to fix or change it. I had no idea of this and was told when buying that having a chain rather than a belt was much better for your car. Not unless it pops and repairs of $2000 are needed. I am appalled that Suzuki would know of such a problem and in no way of fixing it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221852, filed 2008-03, 130,000 milesSuspension: “My suspension crossmember fail while hitting the brakes on an offramp on my 2000 Suzuki Vitara. My whole vehicle started shaking very badly. The passenger noticed the passenger side wheel shaking out of control and after I inspected it, I found that where the control arm is mounted to the crossmember, is completely rusted out. I found that there is a recall for the exact same part for the 2000 chevy tracker which is basically the same vehicle. Could not find a recall on this part for the Vitara however. I think this should also be recalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10348381, filed 2010-08, 108,519 milesBrakes: “Defects air conditioner condenser damage behind fan assembly. Failure of condenser in location consistent with other failures by other owners. Pull to right while driving even after alighnment, similar to other owner complaints. Vibration while braking and premature wear, similar problems with other owners. Items should be recalled and repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10030953, filed 2003-08, 1 milesAir bags: “While driving 30-40 MPH consumer lost control of vehicle and hit a tree, and vehicle rolled down into a 15 feet embankment. Upon impact, none of the airbags deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10059196, filed 2004-02Mileage when problems were reported
33% of the 9 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 29,000 and 94,545 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2000 Suzuki Vitara version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitara 2Door 2WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 26 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Vitara 2Door 2WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 22 | 25 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Vitara 2Door 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Vitara 2Door 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 22 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Vitara 2Door 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 25 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Vitara 2Door 4WD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 21 | 24 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Vitara 2Door 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Vitara 2Door 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 22 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Vitara 4Door 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Vitara 4Door 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Vitara 4Door 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Vitara 4Door 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2000 Suzuki Vitara in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 5 on record; the latest 5 are shown.
- 10216558Jul 8, 2022Suspension, Body and structure. Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.
- 10152052Nov 20, 2018Suspension, Equipment. This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension…
- 10021699Jun 15, 2007Transmission and drivetrain. Front differential oil seal replacement.
- 10017455Nov 9, 2005Engine cooling. Modification of main bearing oil clearance and the bearing selection procedure.
- 10015910Aug 16, 2005Engine cooling. Modification of main bearing oil clearance and the bearing selection procedure. 1999-2005 suzuki vitara sq420/sq625l, grand vitara sq625w, and xl-7 ja627
Other model years of the Suzuki Vitara
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 27 | 48,225 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 35 | 53,500 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 50 | 125,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Suzuki Vitara model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Suzuki Vitara have?
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 2000 Suzuki Vitara as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Suzuki Vitara is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 8 complaints (23% of the total), followed by suspension with 7.
Has the 2000 Suzuki Vitara been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Suzuki Vitara get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Suzuki Vitara (Vitara 2Door 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 20 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Suzuki Vitara reported?
Among the 9 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 53,500 miles and the middle half falls between 29,000 and 94,545 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.