2018 Suzuki Vitara

The 2018 Suzuki Vitara is a subcompact crossover SUV known for its fuel efficiency, agile handling, and available all-wheel drive. In the US market, it was primarily offered with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing around 117 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with either a five-speed manual (FWD only) or a six-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate its value and practicality, while others find the engine underpowered for highway driving and wish for more modern interior features.

Engine

1.6L Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report that their Vitara consumes an unusually high amount of oil between oil changes. This can manifest as needing to add oil frequently, seeing the low oil level warning light illuminate, or noticing blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: The specific solution varies depending on the cause and severity. Potential solutions can include using a heavier weight oil, replacing valve stem seals, or, in more severe cases, replacing the piston rings or the entire engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $5,000+ depending on the extent of repairs needed
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of engine misfires, leading to rough idling, reduced power, and potential stalling.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the root cause can require checking ignition coils, spark plugs, and fuel injectors. Replacement of faulty components may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Six-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced harsh or jerky shifting, especially between certain gears. This can be more noticeable when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush and filter change might help. In some instances, a software update or valve body replacement might be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1,000+ depending on repair needed
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have noted premature wear of suspension bushings, particularly in the front. This can lead to clunking noises over bumps, reduced handling precision, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn bushings with new ones. Depending on the damage, the entire control arm might have to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The factory infotainment system can sometimes freeze, become unresponsive, or crash intermittently. This can affect navigation, audio, and other features.
  • Solution: Often a software update will fix this issue. If not, the unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $600+ depending on if it’s covered under warranty and if you replace the infotainment system.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing unexpected battery drain, especially if the car is left unused for a few days.
  • Solution: Identifying the parasitic drain by testing different components and circuits. Replacement of faulty electrical components or wiring repairs might be needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling and Squeaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that they hear rattling and squeaking noises coming from the dashboard and other interior trim pieces while driving on rough surfaces.
  • Solution: The specific solution is to pinpoint where the sound is coming from. Some owners have been able to fix this by using foam padding.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners who live in regions with harsh winters have experienced rust on the undercarriage, especially the frame rails.
  • Solution: Applying rust inhibitor can slow down the rust. Affected areas can be sanded and painted. Severely rusted components may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Suzuki Vitara has some common issues, ranging from relatively minor infotainment glitches to more concerning engine and transmission problems. Engine oil consumption, harsh shifting, and electrical gremlins appear to be the most reported problems. While not every Vitara experiences these issues, potential buyers should be aware of them and carefully inspect the vehicle’s history and condition before making a purchase. The cost to repair these issues can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to potentially thousands for major engine or transmission work.