← Back to Search

1999 Suzuki Vitara JS 1.6 MT

The 1999 Suzuki Vitara JS 1.6 MT is a 93-hp 1.6-liter with a 5-speed manual. It starts at $13,919 MSRP.

It makes 93 horsepower and 97 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 22 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.

The Vitara measures 152.0 inches long on a 86.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,601 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$13,919 ($27,153 *)
Engine
Engine Type1.6-liter, SOHC 16-valve, four-cylinder (Suzuki G16B)
Displacement1.6 L
Horsepower93 hp
Torque97 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRear Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission5-Speed Manual
Fuel Economy
City22 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular Gasoline
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front15 in.
Wheels Rear15 in.
Dimensions & Weight
Length152 in
Width67.3 in
Height65.7 in
Wheelbase86.6 in
Curb Weight2,601 lbs
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Not crash-tested by NHTSA for this model year.

Recalls

5 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1999 Suzuki VITARA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Apr 7, 2009 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

NHTSA campaign 09E012000

Oct 15, 1999 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH. IF THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY BE INOPERATIVE. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE, A FAILURE IN THE BRAKE LAMP-ACTUATING SWITCH MAY ALSO PREVENT SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS FOLLOWING CLOSELY, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA campaign 99V273002

Jun 28, 1999 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS WERE REMOVED TO FACILITATE THE REAR SPEAKER INSTALLATION AND MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TORQUED TO SPECIFICATION AFTER INSTALLATION OF THE SPEAKERS.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RETORQUE BOTH OF THE FRONT SEAT BELT LOWER ANCHOR BOLTS TO SPECIFICATION.

NHTSA campaign 99V155000

Jun 28, 1999 · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PORT INSTALLATION OF REAR STEREO SPEAKERS, THE VEHICLES WIRING HARNESS COULD HAVE BEEN PINCHED BETWEEN THE REAR STEREO SPEAKER AND SPEAKER RETAINING PLATE.

Consequence: AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR DUE TO THE PINCHED WIRES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITION/CONDITION OF THE REAR WIRING HARNESS AND REPAIR THE WIRING HARNESS, IF NECESSARY.

NHTSA campaign 99V154000

Feb 9, 1999 · STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE COUPLING THAT CONNECTS THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT IS CRACKED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE STEERING SHAFTS TO SEPARATE.

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT COUPLING.

NHTSA campaign 98V324002

50 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1999 Suzuki VITARA

Owner Complaints

50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Suzuki VITARA (3 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Suspension15
Power Train10
Engine And Engine Cooling8
Structure4
Unknown Or Other4
Vehicle Speed Control4
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Aug 9, 2010 · Vehicle Speed Control Crash 1 injury
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUZUKI VITARA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES THEY FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO…”
Apr 1, 2010 · Structure
“WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, BRAKES WERE APPLIED IN AN EMERGENCY STOP TO AVOID HITTING A DEER RUNNING ACROSS THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS A LOUD BANG NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR.ANCHOR FOR THE RIGHT "A" ARM…”
Aug 18, 2008 · Structure
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUZUKI VITARA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS REPAIRING THE BRAKES, HE DISCOVERED CORROSION ON THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER (FRAME). THE CONTACT IS A MECHANIC AND STATED THAT IF THE FRAME…”
Aug 18, 2008 · Suspension, Structure
“FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER HAS RUSTED THROUGH ON MY 1999 SUZUKI VITARA. THE CHEVROLET TRACKER, WHICH IS THE SAME CAR HAS HAD A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THIS POSES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY…”
Jul 9, 2008 · Steering
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 SUZUKI VITARA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAS EXTREME DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING COLUMN BECAUSE IT REMAINS IN A FIXATED POSITION. HE INSPECTED THE STEERING FLUID AND…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1999 SUZUKI VITARA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

← Back to Search