Used Suzuki Vitara 2015-present reliability
Category: Small SUV
The Suzuki Vitara is good to drive, spacious inside and well-equipped. It's a great used buy, too.
What should I look for in a used Suzuki Vitara 4x4?
The Vitara will have been used mainly in the urban jungle, so check the bodywork for scuffs picked up in tight car parks. The Allgrip four-wheel-drive versions may have had occasional off-road use, too, so check the undersides of the car front and rear. Check the interior for wear and tear and the seats for full operation. It’s also worth having a look at the alloy wheels on the higher-spec models, because these can pick up damage from kerbs.
What are the most common problems with a used Suzuki Vitara 4x4?
Unintended braking
Due to an error in the programming of the automatic emergency brake system, the car might brake unnecessarily in certain situations. This affects cars made between 7 January 2015 and 6 May 2015, so contact your local Suzuki dealer if you think your car is affected.
Rear axle bolts
There was a problem with the rear axle bolts of Vitaras made between 29 October 2015 and 17 December 2015. The fixing bolts were mixed at the factory with bolts that have no anti-friction coating, making it possible for the axle bolts to work loose on some examples, so contact your dealer for further information.
Is a used Suzuki Vitara 4x4 reliable?
According to our 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, the Vitara is the eighth most reliable small SUV compared to 22 rivals of the same class. It finished with a terrific overall score of 97.7%. It finished above the Renault Captur, Seat Arona, and the Volkswagen T-Roc but below the Audi Q2 and the Mini.
As a brand, Suzuki came third out of 31 manufacturers with an excellent overall score of 97.7%. This was above rivals including Audi, Mini, Renault, Skoda and Volkswagen.
Used Suzuki Vitara reliability: the owners' view
As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers generally praised the Suzuki Vitara for its strong reliability, though some concerns were noted.
Many owners reported few, if any, faults, with particular commendation for the durability of the petrol engines. However, there were isolated mentions of electrical issues, such as faulty warning lights and malfunctioning infotainment systems. Suspension components also drew occasional criticism for premature wear. Hybrid models were highlighted for intermittent battery-related warnings, though these were often resolved quickly.
Suzuki’s dealer network received largely positive feedback. Readers appreciated the affordability of repairs and servicing, as well as the helpfulness and efficiency of staff. Warranty claims were frequently described as straightforward and resolved without dispute. However, a few owners mentioned delays in sourcing parts, which slightly dampened their experience.
Overall, the Vitara’s reliability record remains strong, supported by generally excellent dealer service, cementing its reputation as a dependable choice.
