2008 Suzuki XL-7 Luxury 3.6 from North America
Summary:
Exciting and disappointing at the same time
Faults:
- Heated seat indicator occasionally doesn't function properly.
- Tire pressure sensors went on 2 wheels.
- Steering makes a whining noise, which started at about 65000 Km
- Power steering is failing.
General Comments:
I bought the vehicle based off of the reviews on this web site, as well as the 7 seated capacity, and of course the price.
Since owning the vehicle, I have been extremely impressed by the engine power on this vehicle; it really takes off when you want it to.
I have a family of 6, and the room is excellent. It could use a little more room for luggage, but overall it is good. I use it to haul a 12 foot tent trailer, and it does this without much difficulty, however gas mileage suffers a little.
Where my problems are with this truck, is with the steering. 07 to 09 XL7's have a design flaw with their rack and pinion, and it requires replacement almost every 50000k at 1500.00 a pop. The biggest problem is they repair it with a part with the same design flaw, so it is only a matter of when not if you will have to repair it again.
On top of that, my power steering is now failing, and has become a safety concern, as it will lock up without warning. This problem is all over the forums, but Suzuki has yet to recall the problem. It is too bad, because I really loved this truck up to this point, and was planning on driving it as long as I could. Now, we are looking at going back to Honda.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 26th February, 2012
9th Feb 2015, 23:24
I have had several rack and pinion repairs. The dealership cannot seem to correct this problem, and every time it breaks, there's a squealing, squeaky noise out of the steering column. There is no way this should continually happen, and a cursory Google search shows it's common, but Suzuki is doing nothing to address it. I'm thinking of starting a class action suit. Any interest out there? I can be contacted at dacouponmom at yahoo.com.
26th Feb 2012, 12:57
Since the dealer will not give you very much for it, and the public doesn't have a lot knowledge of Suzuki cars, it would be better you use it as second or emergency car.
Also, seek out a local person that works out of their garage, and cut the cost of fixing it up. You buy the parts and they do the labor. I have this arrangement with a local guy that works out of his house. The only problem is, since the economy went bad, a lot people are going to him, and I mean a lot. He is busy 24/7.