IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2018 Suzuki Vitara (LY)

The facelifted Vitara introduced the excellent Boosterjet turbo engines, which transformed the driving experience. These models are more reliable overall but still require careful checking of the brakes and infotainment.

What changed for 2018

  • •Introduction of 1.0 and 1.4-litre Boosterjet turbo engines
  • •Revised exterior styling
  • •Improved infotainment system

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front suspension arm bush wear
  • !A/C condenser damage from road debris
  • !Rear brake disc corrosion on low-mileage cars
3
Known Issues
0
Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

All Known Issues

Front Suspension Arm Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Front lower control arm bushes can wear prematurely, leading to imprecise steering or knocks.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£400
Warning Signs:

Knocking over bumps, Car wandering slightly at speed

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect bushes for cracks
  • Check MOT history for suspension play advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Rear Brake Squeal

MinorBrakes

A common issue where the rear brakes emit a high-pitched squeal, often requiring specific shim kits or aftermarket pads to resolve.

Est. Repair Cost: £50–£150
Warning Signs:

High-pitched squealing at low speeds, Noise stops when braking

What to Inspect:
  • Test drive in a quiet area at low speeds
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Infotainment System Freezing

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The SLDA head unit can occasionally freeze, lose GPS signal, or disconnect from smartphones.

Est. Repair Cost: Software Update / £0
Warning Signs:

Frozen touchscreen, Smartphone mirroring dropping out

What to Inspect:
  • Test DAB radio and smartphone connectivity stability
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2018 Suzuki Vitara (LY)

  • ✓Prioritise the 1.4 Boosterjet for the best performance and efficiency
  • ✓Check service history for regular oil changes
  • ✓Test the air conditioning system thoroughly
2016–20172019
Check a 2018 Suzuki Vitara (LY) by Registration