2020 Suzuki Vitara

The 2020 Suzuki Vitara is a subcompact SUV known for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and nimble handling. It came with two engine options: a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 115 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.4-liter Boosterjet turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 138 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices included a 5-speed manual (1.6L only), a 6-speed automatic (1.6L and 1.4L), and a CVT (1.6L only in some markets). Owners often praise its compact size for city driving and fuel economy. Common dislikes include a relatively basic interior, limited cargo space compared to some competitors, and occasionally underpowered feel with the 1.6L engine, especially when fully loaded.

Engine

1.4L Boosterjet Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the turbocharger, loss of power, engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level warnings, needing to add oil frequently between services, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the cause of consumption (e.g., piston rings, valve stem seals). Repair or replace the affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the cause and extent of the repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

1.6L Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (Applicable to Both 1.4L and 1.6L engines)

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky gear changes, hesitation when shifting, particularly between lower gears.
  • Solution: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. A fluid change may resolve the issue. If not, further diagnosis is needed, potentially involving valve body repair or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $3,000+ (depending on severity, fluid change to valve body replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

CVT

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Suspension Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, particularly when driving over bumps. Uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn bushings. Control arm bushings are a common culprit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side, depending on the specific bushing and labor rates.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or restarts unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Software update, if available. If the problem persists, the head unit may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if software update resolves it) to $800+ (head unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not in use. Difficulty starting the engine.
  • Solution: Identify the source of the parasitic drain. Common causes include faulty sensors, lights staying on, or a defective module. Repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source of the drain).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Rattling from Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or buzzing noise coming from the dashboard area, particularly when driving on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locate and secure the source of the rattle. This may involve adding padding or tightening loose components behind the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ (depending on the complexity of the repair).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Malfunctioning Window Regulator
  • Description/Symptoms: Window does not roll up or down smoothly or at all. Clicking noises may be heard when the window switch is activated.
  • Solution: Replace the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Suzuki Vitara generally has a good reputation for reliability, but some common issues have been reported. The 1.4L Boosterjet engine is prone to turbocharger issues and excessive oil consumption. The 6-speed automatic transmission can exhibit rough shifting. Electrical gremlins with the infotainment system and battery drain are also reported. Suspension bushing wear can lead to noise. The severity of these issues varies, and repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major repairs.