This page covers 2 recalls, 13 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
20–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.8 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara, the dominant complaint pattern centers on the airbag warning light. Multiple owners report the airbag light illuminating and staying on, in some cases accompanied by the passenger seatbelt indicator light remaining lit as well. At least one owner notes a fault code pointing to the passenger seat occupant sensor mat. A smaller number of complaints involve the seats, and one isolated report describes the steering wheel feeling loose when turned in either direction. The airbag light issue appears to be the clearest recurring theme, with owners noting the light comes on during normal startup and persists without an obvious triggering event.
13
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
By System
The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara has two recalls, the most serious affecting manual transmission models where the gear shift shaft can break and leave the driver unable to change gears, raising the risk of a crash.
The second recall involves the front passenger seat's occupant classification sensor, which detects whether the seat is occupied by an adult or a child. High heat and humidity can cause the leather seat to shrink, pressing on the sensor mat and causing it to misread the occupant. If the system incorrectly identifies a child as an adult, the front passenger airbag may deploy in a crash when it should not, putting a small child at risk of injury from the bag itself.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger leather seat may shrink in high heat and humidity, causing the occupant sensor to fail to detect whether an adult or child is sitting there.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion at no charge.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The gear shift rear shaft may break, which prevents you from changing gears.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the gear shift rear shaft at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
