JS3TD0D7XB41010212011 SUZUKI Grand VitaraL4 Limited (2.4L JLX-Leather)
2011 SUZUKI Grand Vitara was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 11 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
Executive Summary
2011 SUZUKI Grand Vitara
2011 SUZUKI Grand Vitara was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 4 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 11 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 4 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
- Common owner-reported issues: airbag warning
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
11 owner complaints filed — top areas: Safety Systems (36%), Other (9%), Body/Structure (9%). Common issues: airbag warning. 1 crash reported.
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- SUZUKI
- Model
- Grand Vitara
- Year
- 2011
- Trim / Series
- L4 Limited (2.4L JLX-Leather)
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- AWD/All-Wheel Drive
- Engine
- 4-cyl 2.4L
- Doors
- 4
- Manufacturer
- SUZUKI MOTOR OF AMERICA, INC
- Assembly
- IWATA, SHIZUOKA, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: IWATA, SHIZUOKA
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Airbag system recall
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Driver Assistance Features
ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database
NHTSA Safety Recalls
4 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 4 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 4 recalls is ~65%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
Recall completion rate data not available for SUZUKI. Industry average is ~85%. Verify any open recalls with a dealer before purchase.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~20 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
SEATS
SummarySuzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an adult or child is occupying the seat.Read full details...
~37% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
SummarySuzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The gear shift rear shaft on these vehicles may break, preventing the gears from being able to be changed.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
AIR BAGS
SummarySuzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child.Read full details...
~30% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
SummarySUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES; MODEL YEAR 2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 17, 2010; MODEL YEAR 2010 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES; AND 2011 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 14, 2010. THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FOR THE DRIVE BELT THAT OPERATES THE ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND POWER STEERING PUMP, HAS AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED INTERNAL SPRING THAT CAN BREAK DUE TO REPEATED STRESS. IF THE SPRING BREAKS, THE DRIVE BELT WILL NOT BE ADJUSTED PROPERLY AND CAN SLIP, CAUSING A SQUEAKING NOISE. OR THE DRIVE BELT COULD COME OFF CAUSING THE DRIVER TO INCREASE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS CAN ALSO CAUSE THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE INDICATION TO RISE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE ENGINE OVERHEATING, OR CAN CAUSE THE CHARGING LIGHT TO COME ON, WHICH CAN LEAD TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Manufacturer Recall Response Time
Time between first owner complaint and recall issuance
22 months elapsed between first complaint and recall issuance — a significant delay in consumer protection.
Complaint Intelligence
11 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories
Air Bags leads owner complaints (36%), most reported when the vehicle was 2 yrs old or newer. Also common: Unknown Or Other (9%), Structure (9%).
Based on 11 complaints with a reported incident date. Too few owners cited mileage (1) to report a reliable failure-mileage range.
45% of complaints filed in Dec & Aug — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME11 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW AND IT DOES HAVE RECALLS AND I HAD I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF THE RECALLS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED OR STILL NEED DONE PLEASE THANK YOU
LLEVE MI AUTO A TRIANGLE SUZUKI EN LA AVE. 65 INF. KM 5.4 EN CAROLINA CON TELFONO 787-776-3023 YA QUE SOY EL CLIENTE # 29676 DEBIDO A QUE TENIA LAS LUZ DEL AIR BAG ENCENDIDA. LUEGO DE ELLOS REVISAR DICHO SUZUKI QUIEN TENIA EL TAG 5406 ENCONTRARON EL COGIN DEFECTUOSO CON CDIGO B1312. DONDE ELLOS FACTURAN LA CANTIDAD DE $267.00 POR LA REPARACIN DEL MISMO. TENGO ENTENDIDO QUE LA VITARA TIENE UN RECALL DEBIDO A AIR BAGS. PODRAN ORIENTARME AL RESPECTO.
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR HOLDS WATER WHEN AIR CONDITIONER IS ON AND THE INSIDE FLOOR IS STARTING TO RUST THIS IS OF NO FAULT OF MY OWN THIS IS A DEFECT. *TR
I HAVE ALMOST 27,400 MILES ON MY TRUCK AND THE TIRES ARE DRY ROTTED WHICH THEY SHOULDNT BE LIKE THAT I DO NOT DRIVE FAR AT ALL I AM A VERY UNSATISFIED CUSTOMER THE TIRE SIZES ARE P225 70 R16. *JS
2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA RECALLED APPROX. OCT. 2013. SUZUKI SENT A LETTER SAYING THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND WOULD FIX WHEN AVAILABLE. IT'S BEEN 6 MONTHS. HOW LONG IS IT SUPPOSED TO TAKE TO MANUFACTURE THESE PARTS? DID THEIR PARTS SUPPLIERS GO BANKRUPT ALSO? DEALER NOW SELLS ANOTHER BRAND AND DOESN'T SEEM TO KNOW (OR CARE) ANYTHING ABOUT WHEN THIS WILL BE FIXED. *TR
BROWN DAUB DEALERSHIP KNOWS OF THIS RECALL AND THEY REFUSE TO HONOR THIS RECALL THERE PHONE NUMBER IS 484-298-0000. *TR
2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAG RECALL NOTICE AND AIR BAG MALFUNCTION DURING AN ACCIDENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE/SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A DEFECT WITH THE AIR BAGS. THE CONSUMER BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON AND OFF SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN 2012. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION, AND THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. DURING THE ACCIDENT, NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V055000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPAIR WAS PERFORMED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD SQUEAKING AND RATTLE NOISE WHILE MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION, WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TENSION CONTROL PULLEY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
THE POWER BRAKES DON'T WORK WHEN IT IS COLD LIKE 40 DEGREES. *TR
THIS IS AN UPDATE TO AN EARLIER COMPLAINT #10425314. THE VEHICLE IS A 2011, NOT A 2012 AS INDICATED IN ABOVE REFERENCE NUMBER. THANK YOU. *TT
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I REALIZED THAT THE REAR HEAD RESTRAINTS FOLDED FORWARD (TO ALLOW FOR EASE OF VIEWING THROUGH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DRIVER). THESE HEAD RESTRAINTS DO NOT LOCK UP AND FOLD OVER VERY EASILY. IT IS LIKELY THAT IF THE VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY OR STRIKE SOMETHING FROM BEHIND THAT THESE HEAD RESTRAINTS WOULD FOLD FORWARD. WHEN FORWARD THESE RESTRAINTS REST AT THE BASE OF MY NECK AT ABOUT THE C1-C2 JUNCTION. THIS LOCATION IS THE MOST COMMON SOURCE OF SEVERE SPINAL DAMAGE AND PARALYSIS WHEN INJURED. WHILE I AM HOPEFUL THAT NOONE HAS BEEN INJURED YET, I AM NOT PLEASED WITH SUZUKI'S RESPONSE WHICH WAS ESSENTIALLY THAT THE NHTSA TESTED THE VEHICLE AND PASSED SO IT MUST BE SAFE. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THIS HEAD RESTRAINT WAS A PARTY TO ANY DIRECT IMPACT CRASH TESTING WITH REAR OCCUPANTS (WITHER WITH OR WITHOUT THE RESTRAINT IN THE DOWN POSITION. MY HOPE IS THAT IT IS TESTED TO DETERMINE ITS SAFETY BEFORE SOME ONE'S LIFE IS FOREVER ALTERED. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY IN MY OPINION. AS FOR MY GRAND VITARA. I HAVE REMOVED MY HEAD RESTRAINTS AND WOULD RATHER RISK WHIPLASH THAN PARALYSIS. *TR
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Loss of power steering assist — vehicle becomes difficult to control especially at low speeds and during parking
▸ Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 11 NHTSA complaints on file for the SUZUKI Grand Vitara — a relatively low volume that spans from 2011 to 2019.
The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 91/100 in 2013.
The recalls (red dashed lines) followed the first complaints by 2 years — a typical response window; neither unusually fast nor a pattern of denial.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2013, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate
Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs
Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $39,114 (~$652/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2011 SUZUKI Grand Vitara — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JS3TD0D7XB4101021 |
| Model Year | 2011 |
| Make | SUZUKI |
| Model | Grand Vitara |
| Trim | L4 Limited (2.4L JLX-Leather) |
| Series | Class C Hard Top |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | AWD/All-Wheel Drive |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.4 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | SUZUKI MOTOR OF AMERICA, INC |
| Assembly City | IWATA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JS3 |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | X |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | B |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | 4 |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 101021 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 4 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 11 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 10/1/2026, 9:06:36 AM.