Common Issues in Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: Causes and Solutions

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is one of the most underrated sedans in the Indian market; despite this, it has earned its place as a reliable and comfortable vehicle. The Ciaz is known for its lower stance, space, excellent fuel efficiency and affordability. However, long-term users of the car have experienced some common issues. We aim to explore the most commonly reported problems with the Ciaz and provide insights into their causes and potential solutions.

Common Issues Faced by Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Owners

Power steering, gear shift, electrical glitches, connectivity issues, and more are some common problems in the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

Power Steering Issues in Ciaz

Several Ciaz owners have reported that the power steering feels unusually heavy, especially during U-turns. In some cases, the steering does not return to its centre position after a turn.

Probable Cause

• Fault in the electric power steering motor
• Alignment issues
• A stiff steering column
• Lack of lubrication in the steering rack

How to Identify the Issue

• Increased effort while steering at low speeds
• Steering doesn’t self-centre after turning

Professional Assistance

• Inspect and recalibrate the electric power steering motor
• Get the wheel alignment performed
• Inspect the steering rack for lubrication and wearing

Ciaz Gearshift Problems

Maurti is known to offer smooth-shifting manual gearboxes; however, with time, many Ciaz owners have reported notchy gear engagement, especially in first and reverse gears.

Probable Cause

• Worn-out clutch components
• Low transmission fluid or linkage issues

How to Identify the Issue

• Difficulty engaging reverse or first gear
• The gear lever feels stiff or grinds

Professional Assistance

• Inspect and replace clutch plates or cylinders if necessary
• Replace transmission fluid

Suspension and Ride Quality Issues

Some Maruti Suzuki Ciaz owners have experienced excessive bounce and pitching, particularly on uneven highways or at highway speeds.

Probable Cause

• Soft suspension setup
• Worn-out shock absorbers or bushings

How to Identify the Issue

• Bumpy ride on high highway speeds
• Thudding noise from the suspension when driving over potholes

Professional Assistance

• Replace suspension bushings
• Inspect for worn-out suspension components and replace them if necessary

Electrical Glitches in Maruti Ciaz

Ciaz owners have occasionally encountered electrical failures, such as power windows not working or infotainment glitches.

Probable Cause

• Faulty wiring harness or connectors
• Inconsistent power supply

How to Identify the Issue

• Flickering cabin lights or power accessories not responding
• Infotainment system freezing or restarting

Professional Assistance

• Electrical diagnosis with the latest tools and equipment
• Replacing damaged fuses or connectors

Clutch Judder and Idle Vibration

After the clutch replacement or major service, some Maruti Suzuki Ciaz owners raised concerns regarding juddering issues in the 1st gear and increased vibrations when idling.

Probable Cause

• Improper clutch fitment or low-quality parts
• Engine mount wear or misaligned clutch system

How to Identify the Issue

• The car shudders when releasing the clutch in 1st gear
• Vibrations felt in the cabin when the engine is idling

Professional Assistance

• Realign or refit the clutch assembly
• Check and replace engine mounts if found to be worn out

Low Rear Headroom

While the Ciaz offers excellent legroom, taller passengers often struggle with rear-seat headroom.

Probable Cause

• Sloping roofline impacts cabin height

How to Identify the Issue

• Passengers over 6 feet feel cramped at the back

Solutions

• Use thinner seat cushions to increase the vertical space

Small ORVMs and Visibility Concerns

Many drivers feel the outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs) are too small and impact the visibility of rear traffic. The A-pillar can also create a blind spot.

Probable Cause

• Compact mirror design to gel with the overall styling of the car

How to Identify the Issue

• Difficulty seeing vehicles in the rear
• A-pillar obstructs view at intersections, especially while making right turns

Solutions

• Use blind spot mirrors for enhanced visibility
• Lean away from the A-pillar to check traffic and other road users while making a right turn

Missing Engine Cover

Despite being a premium offering under the NEXA brand, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz lacks an engine cover, a feature which covers the exposed internals of the engine bay.

Probable Cause

• Cost-cutting measures

How to Identify the Issue

• Open engine bay with exposed wiring and components

Solutions

• Purchase and install an aftermarket engine cover

Bluetooth Connectivity Issues

Some Ciaz users have reported connectivity difficulties with their Phones via Bluetooth, though Android connectivity appears stable.

Probable Cause

• Compatibility issues with certain iOS versions

How to Identify the Issue

• Intermittent disconnection during calls or media playback

Solutions

• Update infotainment system firmware
• Use auxiliary cable or USB for stable connection

Power Lag in Diesel Variant

Ciaz diesel users, especially those driving under 2000 RPM, have reported noticeable turbo lag.

Probable Cause

• Engine tuned for fuel efficiency over performance

How to Identify the Issue

• Sluggish performance at low RPM
• Sudden surge in power post 2000 RPM

Professional Assistance

• ECU remapping or tuning (for enthusiasts)
• Downshift early and maintain RPM above 2000 for smooth response

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Owners

• Stick to Maruti Suzuki’s servicing intervals to keep the Ciaz in the best working condition.
• Opt for regular inspections, especially for clutch and suspension components.
• Monitor fluid levels (brake, transmission, coolant), whichever are applicable.
• Perform tyre rotation every 10,000 km and maintain the recommended tyre pressure for fuel efficiency, a balanced ride quality and increased tyre life.
• Get a complete car scan if new vibrations or warning lights appear on the dashboard.

Conclusion

The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is a solid and spacious sedan targeted at buyers who want an elegant and well-equipped car offering excellent value for money. Being aware of these common issues in the Ciaz can help you maintain it better and enjoy a better driving experience. Many of these Ciaz problems are age-related and can be resolved with timely diagnosis and servicing. But if you experience persistent issues, always consult with an authorised Maruti Suzuki service centre for professional support or visit a fully-equipped modern car workshop like FourDoor for proper diagnosis and repairs.

FAQs

Q. Why is my Ciaz’s cabin noisy?

The high cabin noise in the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz can be due to worn-out suspension components, high-speed riding over potholes or speed breakers and excessive engine vibrations.

Q. Why do my Maruti Suzuki Ciaz wheels not self-centre after turning?

A common issue in the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is that the tyres do not self-centre after turning. It could be due to misalignment, problems in the steering rack or power steering motor.

Q. How to extend the life of Maruti Suzuki Ciaz?

You can extend the life of your Ciaz by adhering to Maruti’s service intervals, getting a complete car inspection, and taking care of its tyres and wheels.

Q. What are the best service intervals to prevent issues with the Ciaz?

The recommended service interval for the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is 1 year or 10,000 km, whichever is earlier. Always report the issues with the service centre during scheduled services to rectify the problems in a single visit.

Q. What common issues should I check before buying a used Maruti Suzuki Ciaz?

The common issues to check before buying a used Maruti Suzuki Ciaz are:

• Health of Suspension Components
• Electrical glitches
• Excessive vibration while idling
• Suspension noise over rough terrains
• Difficulty in turning steering wheel
• Notchy gearbox