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Suzuki Grand Vitara

Report: Oil Leak/Noise Due to Timing Chain Cover Gasket/Tensioner Failure

Suzuki Grand Vitara Problem
23 Reports

Model Years Affected: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Engine Affected: 2.5L V6

Average Mileage: 79,290 mi (7,900 mi - 190,000 mi)

Verified

The timing chain cover gasket and timing chain tensioner may fail, causing an oil leak or excessive noise. Because removing the timing chain is labor intensive, this can be an expensive repair.

  • Report #1
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     Rookie

    same problem not fixed yet!

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  • Report #2
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     Rookie

    in shop now for a new timer chains but mech said it might had done more damange to the motor it self

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  • Report #3
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     Rookie

    ive had an oil leak for over a year with this vehicle i bought used

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  • Report #4
    Visitor, 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 97,000 mi
  • Report #5
    Visitor, 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 74,000 mi

    mechanic looked at it and told me the tensioner could fail as the car was making a ticking noise on one side of the timing chain cover. kind of like a ticking sound. waiting for the warranty company to get it fixed

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  • Report #6
    Visitor, 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 90,000 mi

    Timing chain tensioner problem like everyone else that owns one. Not fixed yet.

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  • Report #7
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     Rookie

    KNOCKING NOISE....FLUIDS ALL OVER....CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WISH I HAD NEVER BOUGHT IT. cost 1000 UP not going to fix going to sell for scrap bought it for 2,500 might need that much in work had it ONE MONTH. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

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  • Report #8
    Visitor, 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 190,000 mi

    Timing chain tensioner stuffed just like everyone else who owns the v6 engine from suzuki, chain now causing water leak into the engine oil because its wearing into the engine itself , and Suzuki still have not fixed this problem for years , shame shame :/ not happy ! The coots should fix this problem for free for everyone !

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  • Report #9
    kendraskye, 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2.5L V6, 122,000 mi
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     Rookie

    I bought the car used and the first time i went up a hill, my car began smoking. I took it back and they said i had a leak from the gasket. They tightened it down, but i continue to have oil leaking fromm the engine, and the noise has gotten worse.

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  • Report #10
    Visitor, 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2.5L V6, 65,000 mi

    Got a quote of over $1600 from a Suuki dealer to fix it, so I didn't get it fixed.

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  • Report #11
    Visitor, 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 2.5L V6, 45,000 mi

    Bought used in January. The timing chain cover had a crack in it, as well and has been the most difficult part to get for this repair. When purchased the sound was not there then once it was there it increased. Was also told if not repaired it would eventually damage the engine, which I have also seen commented on in other posts on this site. Was surprised that a car with this low mileage would have such a significant and costly issue. Makes me wonder how long the repair will last?????? Other than this issue, we love the vehicle.

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