What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga? A reality check for buyers

What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga? That question comes up almost immediately whenever someone starts looking for an affordable 7-seater family car in India. I’ve driven the Ertiga across cities, highways, and rough patches, spoken to long-term owners, and spent time at service centers. While the car has earned its popularity honestly, the reality is more layered than glossy brochures suggest. Let’s talk openly, like car buyers should, about where the Ertiga shines and where it quietly struggles.

What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga? A reality check for buyers

If you’re researching, “What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga?” You’re already thinking like a smart buyer. The Ertiga has remained a sales champion because it offers mileage, affordability, and Maruti’s legendary service network. But popularity doesn’t cancel out flaws. In fact, high sales volumes often expose weaknesses more clearly because more owners experience them.

From mechanical quirks to design compromises, the Ertiga asks you to accept certain trade-offs. Whether those compromises matter to you depends on how you plan to use the car.

Mechanical reliability and early ownership concerns

When people ask me, “What are common Ertiga problems?” I usually start under the hood. Older diesel models, before discontinuation, were frequently criticized for excessive engine noise. Yes, diesels are louder by nature, but many owners described the Ertiga’s clatter as intrusive, especially on long drives.

Another issue that surfaced repeatedly was power delivery. At highway speeds, the engine can feel breathless, particularly with a full load. Several drivers reported sudden drops in momentum while overtaking, which forced frequent downshifts. That’s not dangerous per se, but it does take confidence away from the driver.

Gearbox complaints also exist. Manual variants, especially earlier ones, suffered from notchy shifts between first and second gear. Reverse gear engagement was another sore point. While the newer 6-speed automatic has improved things, the older manuals still dominate used-car markets, where these issues remain relevant.

Clutch wear appears sooner than expected for some owners, and braking performance, though adequate, doesn’t inspire confidence during panic stops. These are the kinds of concerns that quietly fuel Maruti Suzuki Ertiga negative reviews in India across owner forums.

What are the weaknesses of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in daily use?

Beyond mechanical aspects, what the weaknesses of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are becomes clearer once you live with it. Space is the most talked-about compromise. On paper, it’s a 7-seater. In reality, the third row works best for children or very short adults. Long journeys with seven grown-ups quickly become uncomfortable.

Boot space takes an even bigger hit. With all seats up, luggage capacity is extremely limited. Weekend trips with family require careful planning or rooftop carriers. Unlike some rivals, the Ertiga doesn’t allow complete removal of rear seats, which limits flexibility.

Then there’s performance. The naturally aspirated petrol engine prioritizes fuel efficiency, not excitement. When fully loaded, the car feels strained on inclines and during overtakes. This is one of the biggest reasons cited when people ask, Why are people not buying Ertiga? despite its reputation.

Interior quality, features, and the “taxi image”

Another angle often missed in quick reviews is interior aging. Over time, owners report rattles, squeaky door hinges, and slow-moving power windows. None of these are deal-breakers individually, but together they reduce the feeling of solidity.

Feature distribution also raises eyebrows. Base variants feel bare, lacking essentials expected in a family MPV. Even higher trims miss out on features now common elsewhere, such as curtain airbags or advanced driver assistance systems. Safety-conscious buyers frequently ask, What is the common issue in the Suzuki Ertiga?, and the 3-star Global NCAP rating is often part of that discussion.

Then there’s image. The Ertiga’s massive success in the taxi and fleet market has given it a utilitarian reputation. For many private buyers seeking a premium family experience, this “cab car” perception becomes a psychological barrier.

Market data snapshot: ownership trends and feedback

Year	Stat	Source
2018	Ertiga becomes India’s top-selling MPV	SIAM Reports
2020	Diesel variant discontinued	Maruti Suzuki India
2022	Global NCAP safety rating: 3 stars	Global NCAP
2024	Rising competition from feature-rich rivals	Industry Analysis

This data explains why discussions around What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga? have grown louder in recent years.

The Ertiga vs rivals: a balanced comparison

Aspect	Ertiga Strength	Ertiga Limitation
Fuel Efficiency	Excellent mileage, CNG option	Lower power output
Space	Good second-row comfort	Cramped third row
Maintenance	Low cost, wide service network	Average long-term interior quality
Safety	Stable handling	3-star safety rating
Image	Trusted family car	Taxi-oriented perception

Looking at this table, it’s easy to understand what the disadvantages of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are. without dismissing its strengths entirely.

What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga from an owner’s lens?

I’ve spoken to owners who love their Ertiga and those who regret not exploring alternatives. Most complaints don’t stem from breakdowns but from unmet expectations. Buyers expecting SUV-like performance or premium interiors feel disappointed. Those who value mileage and reliability feel satisfied.

This gap between expectation and reality is why What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga? remains such a common search query online.

Long-term ownership and resale realities

Resale value remains strong, thanks to Maruti’s brand trust. However, heavy fleet usage affects perception in the used-car market. Buyers often worry about hidden wear and tear, especially when evaluating secondhand units.

Service experience varies widely by dealership. Some owners praise quick fixes and affordable parts, while others complain about unresolved rattles and generic responses to complaints like engine noise.

So, what are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga? really about?

At its core, what are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga? isn’t about the car being bad. It’s about clarity. The Ertiga is engineered to be economical, practical, and easy to own. Every weakness—average performance, limited space, basic features—is a direct trade-off for those strengths.

If you mostly drive within the city, prioritize fuel savings, and need occasional third-row seating, the Ertiga still makes sense. But if you frequently travel with seven adults, carry luggage, or want a modern, feature-rich cabin, the compromises become harder to ignore.

Final thoughts: buy with eyes wide open

After everything we’ve discussed, asking, “What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga?” is the right starting point, not a deal-breaker. The car succeeds brilliantly at being rational. It fails only when buyers expect it to be emotional or premium.

My advice is simple. Test-drive it fully loaded. Sit in the third row yourself. Drive it on the highway. If its limitations don’t bother you, the Ertiga will reward you with low running costs and peace of mind. If they do, the market today offers enough alternatives that you won’t feel stuck.

In the end, informed decisions lead to happy ownership—and understanding What are the problems of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga? is exactly how that journey should begin.