Suzuki is recalling 193,936 cars and SUVs because of a defective air bag sensor in the front passenger seat. Grand Vitara SUVs (2006-2011) and SX4 (2007-2011) are are involved.  The sensor mats that measure passengers’ weight and determine if the air bag should deploy can stop working after repeated flexing.  If that happens, the bag will deploy even if a child or small adult is in the seat.  This must be corrected because the force of an air bag can injure children or small adults.

Report Receipt Date: SEP 06, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V405000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 193,936
SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 2006-2011
SUZUKI SX4 2007-2011
Manufacturer: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
SUMMARY: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. 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.
CONSEQUENCE: Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
REMEDY: Suzuki will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge. Sufficient quantities of parts are not currently available to fix all of the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified of the recall in October 2013 and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki’s recall campaign number is VD.
NOTES: Note: Vehicles which previously had a countermeasure occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat installed under the special coverage campaign conducted by Suzuki distributors in the United States are not affected by this recall. 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 www.safercar.gov.