2008 Suzuki XL7 problems
Owners have filed 119 complaints about the 2008 Suzuki XL7 with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 21.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine at 16%.
Complaints119
Crashes6
Fires1
Injuries1
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 21.8% · 26
Engine 16.0% · 19
Electronic stability control (ESC) 11.8% · 14
Electrical system 8.4% · 10
Structure 7.6% · 9
Air bags 5.9% · 7
Unknown or other 5.0% · 6
Service brakes 3.4% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 6 describe a crash, 1 describe a fire and 1 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 11 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 63,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Driving the Suzuki on multiple occasion when I begin to turn the steering wheel stiffens and it almost impossible to turn. I must you both hands and forcefully turn the steering wheel. I have had the power steering replace 3 times and it is still occurring!!! It happens while motion on city streets and the highway. It so stiff its difficult to take an exit. This last occurred yesterday 7/4/2018. Steering · reported at 140,000 miles
At slow speeds the steering wheel makes noises when being turned in each direction. Almost feels like a loss of steering power and is difficult to turn. It was noticed after purchase and dealer could not identify the issue. Have continued to use the vehicle, and problem persists. Reviewed internet for recalls. Don't see any, but see plenty of other people with the exact same issue. Steering · reported at 22,000 miles
In turning the wheel left or right there is a zipping sound and a tightness in the steering. I took the car to the shop and had the fluids check to make sure that the power-steering fluid was accurate. I was told by the shop that the fluid levels were correct. However, there could be a problem with the steering column, which I have not gone to have checked out as of yet. Steering · reported at 30,659 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…