Model year guide

2002 Suzuki Vitara

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Suzuki Vitara is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

2002 Suzuki Vitara — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Suzuki Vitara at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints7
Combined21–22 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Suzuki Vitara recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2002 Suzuki Vitara.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 7 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2002 Suzuki Vitara common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2002 Suzuki Vitara MPG & running costs

Combined21–22 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway23 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,181
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Manual 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,906 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 8 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Suzuki Vitara costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,905
Fuel only$15,905
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2002 Suzuki Vitara trims & engines on record

Trims
JLS · JLX
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl

2002 Suzuki Vitara vehicles on record

Other Suzuki Vitara model years

2002 Suzuki Vitara — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Suzuki Vitara have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2002 Suzuki Vitara. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Suzuki Vitara?

Across all 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are fuel system, gasoline, suspension.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Suzuki Vitara get?

The 2002 Suzuki Vitara has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (8 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.