Suzuki vehicles accumulated 13,006 complaints across 141 models before the brand exited the US market in 2012. The brand reported 20 deaths and faced 293 recalls during its time in North America. Suzuki's reliability record is mixed, with certain models showing persistent issues while others proved more dependable. Owners of remaining Suzuki vehicles should understand their specific model's problem history.

13,006
Total Complaints
293
Total Recalls
141
Models
20
Reported Deaths

Complaints Over Time

All Suzuki Models

Model Complaints Recalls Worst Year Best Year
FORENZA 2,720 8 2006 2004
GRAND VITARA 1,752 25 2006 2005
SX4 852 24 2008 2000
VERONA 678 3 2004 2006
XL7 662 1 2007 2009
SIDEKICK 596 0 1996 1988
RENO 522 6 2006 2008
XL-7 438 2 2004 2001
ESTEEM 382 0 2000 1996
VZR1800 344 10 2007 2009
VITARA 296 0 1999 2004
BOULEVARD M109R 292 0 2007 2011
AERIO 288 0 2003 2007
GSX-R600 232 15 2007 1997
SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE 224 0 2002 1998
INTRUDER 218 0 2000 1991
KIZASHI 216 22 2012 2013
GSX-R750 126 19 2007 1997
GSX-R1000 122 22 2007 2009
GRAND VITARA XL-7 114 0 2004 2005
SV1000S 108 0 2003 2006
SWIFT 106 0 1991 1998
VL1500 106 0 2005 2003
SAMURAI 96 0 1988 1998
SUZUKI 94 0 1996 1988
GSX1300R 90 18 1999 2012
GSXR750 82 0 2000 2001
DL1000 78 14 2014 2004
GRAND VITARA XL7 72 0 2002 2001
HAYABUSA 72 0 2000 2023
VL800 70 3 2005 2007
AN650 46 3 2009 2008
C50 (BOULEVARD) 44 0 2007 2005
DL650 38 11 2012 2004
X90 36 0 1996 1997
EQUATOR 34 7 2010 2012
TL1000S 34 0 1997 2000
AN400 32 11 2006 2009
GSX1300 32 0 2000 2011
SIDEKICK SPORT 30 0 1998 1996
SV1000 30 0 2003 2007
GSXR600 24 0 1999 1998
SV650 24 0 2001 2002
AN650 BURGMAN 20 0 2003 2004
C90T 20 0 2006 2006
C90 18 0 2005 2005
GSXR1000 18 0 2001 2003
KAZASHI 18 0 2010 2010
V-STROM 800 18 0 2023 2023
VZ800 16 0 2004 2003
TL1000SV 14 0 1997 1997
VOLUSIA 14 0 2001 2001
BURGMAN 12 0 2004 2004
GSF1250 12 0 2007 2007
GSX600FW 12 0 1998 1999
AN400K7 10 0 2007 2007
DR-Z400SM 10 2 2008 2007
GSF1200S 10 0 2001 2002
V-STROM 1000 10 0 2004 2004
VL1500T 10 0 2005 2006
VLR1800 10 5 2009 2008
BOULEVARD C50 8 0 2008 2008
DL800 8 2 2024 2024
DR-Z400S 8 3 2002 2002
GS500 8 0 2005 2005
GS650 8 0 1996 1996
GSX-1250FA 8 0 2011 2011
GSX750FW 8 0 2000 2000
KATANA 8 0 1999 1999
M109R 8 0 2014 2018
VINSON 8 0 2005 2004
VZ1500 8 4 2009 2009
DL650A V-STROM 6 1 2014 2014
DR650 6 0 2012 2012
EIGER 6 0 2005 2005
GS1100 6 0 1995 1995
GSF1200 6 0 2005 2005
GSX-1300RK8 6 0 2008 2008
GSX-R750X 6 0 1999 1999
GSX750F 6 0 2001 2001
GZ250 6 0 2006 2006
LT-A700 6 0 2005 2005
SFV650 6 9 2009 2013
SV650S 6 0 2004 2006
TU250X 6 0 2012 2011
V-STROM 1050XT 6 0 2020 2020
VL800K7 6 0 2007 2007
VS1400GL INTRUDER 6 0 2004 2003
VS700 6 0 1995 1995
C109R 4 0 2008 2008
DR350SE 4 0 1999 1999
GS500F 4 0 2006 2006
GSF1250S 4 4 2008 2008
GSX-600FK4 4 0 2004 2004
GSX-S1000 4 1 2023 2023
GSX-S750 4 1 2015 2015
LS650P 4 0 2005 2005
S83 4 0 2007 2007
TL1000 4 0 2001 2001
TL1000R 4 4 2002 2002
TL1000SW 4 0 1997 1997
VL1500K7 4 0 2007 2007
VS1400GL 4 0 1997 1997
VS1400GLPK4 4 0 2004 2004
VS800GL 4 0 2006 2006
VS800K7 4 0 2007 2007
1000 2 0 1978 1978
750 2 0 1991 1991
AN400 BURGMAN 2 0 2004 2004
B-KING 2 0 2009 2009
CAVALCADE 2 0 1986 1986
DL650A 2 0 2011 2011
DR200SE 2 0 2006 2006
GS550E 2 0 1983 1983
GSX-S1000GT 2 0 2022 2022
GSX1300B 2 0 2008 2008
GSX1300RAL8 2 0 2018 2018
HAYABUSA GSX1300RA 2 1 2013 2013
LS650 2 0 2012 2012
LT-F250 2 0 2002 2002
LT-R450K8 2 0 2008 2008
SJ410 2 0 1985 1985
TL1000RW 2 0 1998 1998
TZ250 2 0 2009 2009
VL1500BL 2 0 2015 2015
VL800TL 2 0 2012 2012
VS 1400 2 0 1998 1998
VZR1800K9 2 0 2009 2009
BURGMAN 200 0 2 2018 -
DL1050 0 6 2020 -
GSX-8R 0 1 2024 -
GSX-S1000A 0 1 2016 -
GSX-S1000FA 0 1 2016 -
GSX-S1000S 0 2 2020 -
GSX1300BK 0 2 2008 -
GSX1300RRQ 0 1 2022 -
GSX250R 0 3 2018 -
GSX250RZ 0 1 2018 -
GSX650F 0 5 2009 -
GW250 0 3 2017 -
UH200 0 4 2020 -

Suzuki Models to Avoid

The XL-7 has the most reported complaints among Suzuki's lineup, reflecting consistent transmission and electrical issues throughout its production run. The Forenza is another problem vehicle, with significant complaints related to engine failures and brake system defects. The Aerio also accumulated numerous complaints, primarily involving transmission performance and durability. Owners of these three models should budget for potential major repairs and monitor their vehicles closely for emerging issues.

Most Reliable Suzuki Models

The Grand Vitara and Vitara models represent Suzuki's most reliable options, with fewer complaint reports relative to other vehicles in the lineup. These compact SUVs demonstrate better longevity in key systems like transmissions and engines compared to Suzuki's sedans. If you own a Grand Vitara or Vitara, you have a more stable platform, though regular maintenance remains important for any aging vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Suzuki reliable?

Suzuki's reliability is inconsistent across its model range. With 13,006 complaints, 20 deaths, and 293 recalls, the brand's track record is concerning. Some models like the Grand Vitara held up better, while sedans like the Forenza and Aerio had significant problems.

What Suzuki models to avoid?

Avoid the Forenza and Aerio sedans, which both accumulated substantial complaints related to engine and transmission failures. The XL-7 SUV also has a poor complaint record, particularly for transmission issues. If you encounter these models used, expect potential major repair costs.

Most reliable Suzuki?

The Grand Vitara and Vitara SUVs are the most reliable Suzuki vehicles, with better durability in critical systems. These compact SUVs generated fewer complaints than Suzuki's sedan offerings. They remain the safer choice if you're considering a used Suzuki purchase.

Common Suzuki problems?

Transmission failures are the most common Suzuki problem across multiple models, appearing in sedans and SUVs alike. Electrical system defects and engine issues also appear frequently in complaint data. Brake system defects have also been documented in several model years.