Should I buy a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara with documented steering problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented steering issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara steering problems

severe 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$700

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 18V667000 25/09/2018

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc

Broken pieces of the pulley can get caught between the pulley and the drive belt, causing the drive belt to come off, resulting in a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pump drive belt tension adjuster pulley, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2018. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is 4009. Note: The vehicles included in this recall were not previously recalled under 10V-250.

severe NHTSA 10V250000 09/06/2010

SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR MODEL YEAR 2006 GRAND VITARA AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 XL-7 VEHICLES

BROKEN PIECES OF THE PULLEY CAN GET CAUGHT BETWEEN THE PULLEY AND THE DRIVE BELT, CAUSING THE DRIVE BELT TO COME OFF AND RESULTING IN THE DRIVER NEEDING INCREASED EFFORT TO STEER THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

What owners are reporting 2 most recent

steering · filed 12/21/2007

2006 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 6,500 MILES STEERING COLUMN. BROUGHT TO DEALER FOR STEERING COLUMN BEING LOOSE. TOLD US THEY DID NOT KNOW WHY IT GOT LOOSE BUT THEY TIGHTENED UP. THOUGHT PROBLEM WAS FIXED. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER WHILE DRIVING STEERING COLUMN COLLAPSED ONTO LAP CAUSING DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF CAR. *TR

steering · filed 11/26/2007

I PURCHASED A SUZUKI GRAND VITARA IN JULY OF 2006. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, 4 WEEKS AT THE MOST, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED THE DEALER FAULKNER SUZUKI (HARRISBURG, PA) AND TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS AN OXYGEN SENSOR MALFUNCTION. THEY CHANGED THE SENSORS. BUT THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THEREAFTER, APPROXIMATELY EVERY 4 TO 8 WEEKS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME…

Common questions

How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara?

It's a meaningful issue. 22 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to steering?

Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.