1999 Suzuki Vitara
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Suspension, Wheels & Tires
Suspension, Wheels & Tires leads by volume: 16 of 50 complaints (32%) mention it.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | vs. 1999 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,600–2,950 | 2,600–2,950 | 2,700–2,950 | |
| Combined MPG | 21–24 | 21–24 | 21–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19–22 / 22–26 | 19–22 / 22–26 | 19–22 / 22–26 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 370–423 | 370–423 | 386–423 | |
| Complaints filed | 50 | 35 | 27 | |
| Recalls issued | 5 | 1 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 3 | 5 | 3 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 2 | 3 | 3 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1999 Suzuki Vitara have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1999 Suzuki Vitara?
Suspension, Wheels & Tires: 16 of 50 NHTSA complaints (32%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Suzuki Vitara get?
EPA rates it 21–24 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1999 Suzuki Vitara?
EPA estimates $2,600–$2,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (12)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 1.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 22 mpg (high) | 25 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 22 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | 24 mpg (high) | $2,600 (low) | 370 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 20 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 19 mpg (low) | 23 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 1.6L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 21 mpg | 24 mpg | 22 mpg | $2,850 | 404 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.6L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 22 mpg (high) | 25 mpg | 23 mpg | $2,700 | 386 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 10 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 20 mpg | 22 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 11 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 12 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 19 mpg (low) | 23 mpg | 21 mpg (low) | $2,950 (high) | 423 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (5)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
Defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · Campaign 99V273002 · Oct 26, 1999
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH. IF THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE, A FAILURE IN THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH MAY ALSO PREVENT SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS FOLLOWING CLOSELY, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE · Campaign 99V155000 · Jun 30, 1999
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS WERE REMOVED TO FACILITATE THE REAR SPEAKER INSTALLATION AND MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION AFTER INSTALLATION OF THE SPEAKERS.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETORQUE BOTH OF THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS TO SPECIFICATION.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. · Campaign 99V154000 · Jun 30, 1999
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE VEHICLES WIRING HARNESS COULD HAVE BEEN PINCHED BETWEEN THE REAR STEREO SPEAKER AND SPEAKER RETAINING PLATE.
Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR DUE TO THE PINCHED WIRES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITION/CONDITION OF THE REAR WIRING HARNESS AND REPAIR THE WIRING HARNESS, IF NECESSARY.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR · Campaign 98V324002 · Feb 11, 1999
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE COUPLING THAT CONNECTS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS CRACKED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE STEERING SHAFTS TO SEPARATE.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT COUPLING.