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Suzuki · Compact SUV · 2015–2018

Suzuki Vitara LY

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
5.0 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

140 PS

1.4L Boosterjet Benzin

Turbo SUV with real drive

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

120 PS

1.6L DDiS Diesel

4 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Suzuki Vitara LY is available with 3 engine variants — from 107 to 140 hp.

1.6L DDiS · Diesel· 120 PS
2015 2018
Good Choice 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.4L Boosterjet · Benziner· 140 PS
2015 2018
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
1.6L · Benziner· 120 PS
2015 2018
Good Choice 4 weaknesses

The Suzuki 1.6L DDiS (Diesel, 120 PS) has the D16AA (1.6L DDiS) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

The Suzuki 1.4L Boosterjet (Benziner, 140 PS) has the K14C (1.4L Boosterjet) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Suzuki 1.6L (Benziner, 120 PS) has the M16A (1.6L) — rated: "Good Choice", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Recall: rear axle retaining bolts (HUT3)

On Vitara vehicles produced between October and December 2015, the locking coating on the rear axle bolts was not always applied correctly. The bolts can gradually come loose in service.

Symptoms: Changed steering characteristics, unstable handling; no acute warning signs before the bolts loosen
Ad Hinterachsschraube Vitara LYfusesschrauben rear axle LY
 Low
!Recall: brake servo vacuum pump (97G5)

The vacuum pump check valve can swell due to engine and fuel additives and reduce brake servo assistance. Affects Vitara LY with K10C, K14C and K14D, production years 2015–2022.

Symptoms: Brake pedal harder than normal; noticeably more effort required, no brake failure
Ad Rückschlagventil vacuum pump Vitara LYbrake booster K14C
 Low
!Recall: faulty radar brake module

A faulty radar brake assist module in approximately 3,000 vehicles can trigger unnecessary brake interventions and cause rear-end collisions.

Symptoms: Automatic brake application without apparent cause; startling other road users
Ad Radar Bremsassistent Vitara LYAdaptive Cruise Control module Vitara
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 17 weaknesses have been documented for the Suzuki Vitara LY (2015–2018) — 11 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Brakes, HVAC. Considered reliable: M16A (1.6L), K14C (1.4L Boosterjet), D16AA (1.6L DDiS).

What to watch out for with the Suzuki Vitara? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Suzuki Vitara LY have? +
The Suzuki Vitara LY has 11 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Suzuki Vitara LY? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: M16A (1.6L), K14C (1.4L Boosterjet), D16AA (1.6L DDiS). The most reliable engine is the D16AA (1.6L DDiS) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the K14C (1.4L Boosterjet).
Which Suzuki Vitara LY engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Suzuki Vitara LY. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 4 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Suzuki Vitara LY engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Suzuki Vitara LY — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The 1.4 Boosterjet gives the Vitara genuine dynamism. The suspension is well balanced, the steering pleasantly direct — surprisingly engaging for a compact SUV.
Is the Suzuki Vitara LY worth buying used? +
The Suzuki Vitara LY is a good choice as a used car — 3 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Suzuki Vitara LY? +
The Suzuki Vitara LY is available with engine variants from 107 to 140 hp. Petrol: M16A (1.6L), K14C (1.4L Boosterjet). Diesel: D16AA (1.6L DDiS).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee