One problem related to timing tensioner 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.
At 48,000 miles the timing tensioner went out in my Suzuki grand Vitara. This has caused complete damage to the entire engine requiring a complete rebuild because of a part that was defective. Suzuki has denied responsibility and would not help fix this issue even though they say that their vehicles have zero-maintenance and self-adjusting timing chains. The part clearly failed long before it's rating and need for replacement (60,000miles) and I have found many other people on the web with the same issue (around 500 similar complaints). Suzuki has a part or manufacturing issue and this really needs to be looked into for the sake of all consumers out there.