One problem related to loud engine noise has been reported for the 2001 Suzuki Vitara. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Suzuki Vitara based on all problems reported for the 2001 Vitara.
Driving and suddenly engine makes a horrible noise and stopped. All the dashboard light cameon, I did not start the vehicle. Had it towed to a mechanic. Once the mechanic got it started he told me that he thought I had major engine problems. Decided to have vehicle towed to my nephew's mechanic whom I would trust, and the found that the time chain appartently jumped stopped which caused major engine damage. Also, they had come to the conclusion the reason why the timing chain did this was due to a foreign piece of medal that looked like a washer which evidentially worked its way and got caught into the the chain. He said that the only way this piece of medal could have gotten there was during the time the vehicle was built. Suzuki was not much help. They said that I should have brought the vehicle to the dealer which was not close by nor did I know at the time what the problem was.