Are you looking to buy a used Suzuki XL7? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We have listed some of the most common issues found in a 2008 Suzuki XL7 and how to mitigate them without breaking the bank. However, we couldn’t fit everything into this article (especially not including all those lengthy replacement procedures), so if you plan on buying a used model, we would highly recommend getting a Suzuki XL7 repair manual beforehand. These manuals contain loads of information and should answer most of your questions.
The Suzuki XL7 has been around from 1998 to 2009. It was a good seller for Suzuki in several Asian countries and North America. But do high sales figures mean better reliability? In this article, we will find out whether a used Suzuki XL7 is worth your money or not.
How Reliable is the Suzuki XL7?
According to JD Power, the XL7 gets an overall rating of 77/100, an average score for the segment. However, when looking specifically at reliability and build quality, it manages only a disappointing 70/100. Still, it’s important to mention the XL7 does stand tall when it comes to the driving experience, securing a pretty satisfying 84/100 rating.
Let’s admit it, the XL7 might not be the best when it comes to reliability. Nonetheless, it’s also cheaper to maintain than most cars. Indeed, it only costs on average $333 in maintenance annually, which is definitely on the lower side. For example, a standard drive belt replacement costs $326, whereas replacing a windshield wiper motor will set you back about $600—not bad.
However, if you are into 7-seater SUVs, it’s important to keep in mind that there are plenty of alternatives in a similar price range. For instance, the 2008 Ford Edge has a higher reliability rating of 86, while the GMC Envoy bags a decent 84.
Long story short, the XL7’s average reliability rating but minimal maintenance costs make it kind of an “ok” vehicle to buy. It may break more often than most but it won’t cost that much to fix. While it might be a problem for some, it might not be one for you if you know your way around cars. Simply get yourself a trusted 2008 Suzuki XL7 owner’s manual and you’ll be able to fix most problems in no time. Don’t have one yet? Take a look at eManualOnline. Their manuals are highly affordable and cost a lot less than a single visit to the repair shop.
What Do XL7 Owners Complain About?
When it comes to the XL7, the 2008 model year is by far the worst model year one can buy, due to Suzuki going for a GM-source platform instead of the previous in-house model. Yes, the XL7 isn’t technically a Japanese vehicle since most of its parts are actually American.
Over the years, customers have reported numerous issues. Here are the most common ones and what you should really watch out for.
Timing Chain Stretched Prematurely
Widely regarded as the worst issue with the 2008 model is an excessively stretched timing chain after an average of 70,000-80,000 miles. Several owners even complained about a malfunctioning timing chain damaging the engine, incurring a hefty replacement cost (up to $2000). At one point, owners even wanted to start a class-action lawsuit against Suzuki regarding the matter.
Leaky Sunroof
The 2008 model is full of manufacturing defects, including leaking sunroofs. Hence, we recommend checking whether the sunroof is correctly fitted to the track and the drain hoses before getting into a vehicle. The last thing you would want is water coming in like it’s raining when you go to the car wash.
Stalling
This particular problem earns a 10/10 on our severity rating index, happening when the oil pickup at the bottom of the oil pan gets clogged up. The vehicle tends to slow down, and the engine dies while driving, without any prior warning. The issue is particularly prevalent in XL7s with more than 78,000 miles on the counter. Repair shops can charge as much as $1200 to replace the oil pickup screen.
Check Engine Light On
Numerous complaints have been made about the Check Engine Light lighting up after roughly 115,000 miles, even after repairing the engine. What is even worse is that customers have a hard time figuring out whether it’s an urgent matter or just another sensor misbehaving.
Ignition Switch
The XL7 develops a problematic ignition switch with time. Customers report that the SUV fails to start even after turning the ignition key. In most cases, this condition is caused by broken springs or worn-out switch contacts. Luckily, it can be fixed easily at a repair shop.
Steering System
Older XL7 models emit a groaning sound whenever the steering is turned, due to faulty top plate bearings or rusty steering and suspension components. The problem typically occurs in XL7s with more than 80,000 miles on them.
Another frequently reported issue is that the steering wheel becomes difficult to turn at times. This happens due to the power steering system leaking fluid. A fluid replacement and a new power steering pump can cost upwards of $500.
Electronic Stability Control
The 2008 XL7 is notorious for its ESC system issues, a potentially life-threatening situation. According to various owner forums, a malfunctioning traction control system may cause the vehicle to slow down and make the brake pedal significantly harder to press.
Others report that the stability control, traction control, and abs lights randomly turned on and off for no reason, once again due to faulty sensors.
Last Words
The 2008 XL7 does come with its own set of problems, and you might need to spend on a used model to make it roadworthy. Hence, it is always advisable to consult a mechanic or follow a Suzuki XL7 manual to make the necessary inspections and checks before buying it.
If you are a DIYer, these manuals can also guide you through most troubleshooting processes and repairs. A cost-saving approach would be to just buy the parts and replace them yourself, thereby saving hundreds on labor charges in the long term.
Put simply, if you plan to buy a used Suzuki XL-7, make sure to use a repair manual and get ready to invest some elbow grease.
