Used Suzuki Vitara 2015-present reliability review

Name: Used Suzuki Vitara 2015-present
Rating: 4
Author: Mark Pearson

The Suzuki Vitara is nice to drive, spacious inside and well-equipped. It's a good used buy, too.

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Used

Used Suzuki Vitara 2015-present infotainment

Used Suzuki Vitara 2015-present interior

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What should I look for in a used Suzuki Vitara?

The Vitara will have been used mainly in the urban jungle, so check the bodywork for scuffs picked up in tight car parks. The Allgrip four-wheel-drive versions may have had occasional off-road use, too, so check the undersides of the car front and rear. Check the interior for wear and tear and the seats for full operation. It’s also worth having a look at the alloy wheels on the higher-spec models, because these can pick up damage from kerbs.

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Is a used Suzuki Vitara reliable?

According to our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, the Vitara is the eighth most reliable small SUV compared to 22 rivals of the same class. It finished with a terrific overall score of 97.7%. It finished above the Renault Captur, Seat Arona, and the Volkswagen T-Roc but below the Audi Q2 and the Mini.

As a brand, Suzuki came third out of 30 manufacturers with an excellent overall score of 97.7%. This was above rivals including Audi, Mini, Renault, Skoda and Volkswagen.

Used Suzuki Vitara reliability: the owners' view

As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers generally praised the Suzuki Vitara for its strong reliability, though some concerns were noted.

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Many owners reported few, if any, faults, with particular commendation for the durability of the petrol engines. However, there were isolated mentions of electrical issues, such as faulty warning lights and malfunctioning infotainment systems. Suspension components also drew occasional criticism for premature wear. Hybrid models were highlighted for intermittent battery-related warnings, though these were often resolved quickly.

Suzuki’s dealer network received largely positive feedback. Readers appreciated the affordability of repairs and servicing, as well as the helpfulness and efficiency of staff. Warranty claims were frequently described as straightforward and resolved without dispute. However, a few owners mentioned delays in sourcing parts, which slightly dampened their experience.

Overall, the Vitara’s reliability record remains strong, supported by generally excellent dealer service, cementing its reputation as a dependable choice.

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About the writer

Name: Mark Pearson

Title: Used cars editor

Follow Mark Pearson on

Mark Pearson has been a motoring journalist for more than 15 years and is currently the used cars editor for What Car?.

Mark spent his formative years at the BBC, where, at various times, he scheduled, broadcast and archived television and radio programmes and researched, wrote and produced promotional material.

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