Suzuki Recalling over 46,000 Grand Vitaras and XL-7s, India Not Impacted

Suzuki is recalling over 46,000 Grand Vitaras and XL-7 SUVs over a potentially defective hydraulic power assist steering pump. 2006 model Grand Vitaras and XL-7 SUVs made in 2005-2006 are found to be defective.

The tension adjuster pulley, for the drive belt that operates compressor and A/C compressor ,could get deteriorated with the time. The deterioration may lead to failure of the pulley and the power steering system. This will lead to an increased steering effort and may eventually lead to a crash.

Owners of affected vehicles can take their XL-7 or Grand Vitara to the nearest Suzuki dealer for a free repair, where the steering pump drive belt tension adjuster pulley will be replaced. There has been on impact in India due to this recall.

Suzuki Press Release

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
SUZUKI / GRAND VITARA 2006
SUZUKI / XL-7 2005-2006

Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP. Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 07, 2010
Component: STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
Potential Number of Units Affected: 46549

Summary:
SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR MODEL YEAR 2006 GRAND VITARA AND MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 XL-7 VEHICLES. THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FOR THE DRIVE BELT THAT OPERATES THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR (IF EQUIPPED) HAS AN OUTER PORTION THAT IS MADE OF PLASTIC. REPEATED HEAT STRESS CAN CAUSE THE PLASTIC MATERIAL TO DETERIORATE AND PIECES OF THE PULLEY CAN BREAK OFF.

Consequence:
BROKEN PIECES OF THE PULLEY CAN GET CAUGHT BETWEEN THE PULLEY AND THE DRIVE BELT, CAUSING THE DRIVE BELT TO COME OFF AND RESULTING IN THE DRIVER NEEDING INCREASED EFFORT TO STEER THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP DRIVE BELT TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JUNE 25, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

Notes:
SUZUKI SAFETY RECALL NO. SB. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

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