2003 Suzuki Vitara
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Suzuki Vitara is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 14 on record.
2003 Suzuki Vitara at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2003 Suzuki Vitara recalls 0
No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2003 Suzuki Vitara.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
2003 Suzuki Vitara common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2003 Suzuki Vitara safety ratings
Side barrier testSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2003 Suzuki Vitara 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
2003 Suzuki Vitara MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 8 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2003 Suzuki Vitara costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2003 Suzuki Vitara — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 2
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered.
Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.
Bulletin SUZ_016008 · Suspension, Structure · Jul 2022This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension lower arm ball joints to prevent the ball stud from becoming s…
Bulletin N-Q-G-045 · Suspension, Equipment · Nov 2018Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the VITARA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2003 Suzuki Vitara. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Other
Certain vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines may experience a condition where the accelerator may not return to idle. These vehicle, when operated in extremely low ambient temperature (-30 degrees Celsius) and at a fixed (constant) throttle position, may experience ice forming in the throttle valve that can prevent the throttle valve from closing when the drivers foot is removed…
Transport Canada #2004421 · Nov 2004Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Suzuki Vitara
The Suzuki Vitara is a series of SUVs produced by Suzuki in five generations since 1988. The second and third generation were known as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, while the fourth generation eschewed the "Grand" prefix. In Japan and a number of other markets, all generations have used the name Suzuki Escudo until 2024.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
2003 Suzuki Vitara vehicles on record
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAFTL52V00207278
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAFTL52V00200033
2003 Suzuki VitaraVSEETW04VNT203576
2003 Suzuki VitaraJS3TX92VX34106671
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAFTL52V00200573
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAFTL52V00207315
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAFTL52V30208833
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAFTL52V00209298
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAFTL52V00207370
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAFTL52V00207021
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAHTX92V00170585
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAFTL52V00207174
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAFT152V00206871
2003 Suzuki VitaraJSAFTL52V00208221