Suzuki is recalling 193,936 vehilces in the United States due to a possible problem with the passenger airbag. The affected vehicles include the 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4.
"In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child," said NHTSA in its official press release. "Airbag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child."
Owners will be notified of the recall in October and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired. Dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge. Meanwhile, owners can contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.
