It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a new vehicle fresh off the lot or a used model with thousands of miles on the odometer. One of the most important things to consider when car shopping is the potential costs of maintenance and repairs. According to RepairPal, the average annual maintenance cost of a Suzuki vehicle is $503. However, two models — the XL7 SUV and the Kizashi sedan — stand out for their exceptionally high price of upkeep.

Suzuki XL7 maintenance costs are higher than average

After collecting data from eight years of Suzuki XL7 models (2002 through its final iteration in 2009), RepairPal determined the annual maintenance cost for this midsize SUV is about $539. This number varies depending on the vehicle’s age, mileage, and location.

The most expensive repair estimates are the sunroof motor replacement (on average $1,012 to $1,093), camshaft replacement ($990 to $1,131), and alternator replacement ($371 to $740). 

The most common problems owners have reported are a rattling noise caused by the failure of a failed timing chain tensioner, oil leakage at the right front axle, and a ticking sound coming from the engine (most likely from the hydraulic valve lifters) when starting the car cold. 

The XL7 was also involved in five recalls between 2003 and 2012. The reasons for these recalls were as follows: 

• Inner accelerator cable issues
• Potentially inoperative front brakes  
• Improperly mounted windshields   
• Power steering and A/C belt might come off  
• Potential fuel leaks  

Regardless of those issues, the XL7 is a typically reliable vehicle. RepairPal gives the SUV a 3.5/5 reliability rating. However, that score might change as the model ages. Suzuki stopped producing this SUV in the United States in 2009. 

The Kizashi costs more to maintain and repair than the average Suzuki model

The Suzuki Kizashi is a midsize sedan with plenty of fans despite being discontinued in 2016. But keeping this car running takes more money than any other Suzuki model. Kizashi annual maintenance costs are $587.

The most expensive repairs for this car are a fuel evaporative canister replacement ($1,326 to $1,486), purge valve replacement ($471 to $552), and horn replacement ($263 to $307). 

Kizashi models were included in seven recalls between 2010 and 2019 for the following reasons:

• The storage compartment might open in a crash.
• Possible cracks in the fuel tank could form due to negative pressure.
• Some models could have a faulty transmission shifter.
• Transmission control module failure could happen.
• Passenger airbags could deploy even if a child is in the front passenger seat.
• The frontal airbags might not deploy properly in a collision. 

RepairPal doesn’t have a reliability rating for the Kizashi, but J.D. Power gave the car a below-average 2.5/5 reliability score. 

Which Suzuki model has the lowest maintenance costs?

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Suzuki Swift. This subcompact car has the lowest annual maintenance costs at a mere $209. The highest repair prices are for replacing the power steering pump ($688 to $892), oxygen sensor ($186 to $349), and brake shoes ($215 to $249). 

RepairPal reports the most common problems are the following:

• Warped rotors could occur due to uneven lug nut torque.
• The dome light might stay on due to a faulty door jamb switch.
• An engine vacuum leak from the throttle-body base gasket might result in a rough idle and/or stumble on acceleration.
• The hood might not latch properly.
• Using low-quality fuel could lead the Check Engine light to illuminate.
• The antilock brake system (ABS) light might turn on, particularly in hot weather, due to binding in the ABS motor pack.

But none of those issues have been reported in models past 2001. The same goes for the Swift’s history of recalls. The car had four recalls, but the 2001 model was also the last to be affected. Like most Suzuki models, the Swift is considered a reliable long-term vehicle.