- Suzuki is recalling 32,291 2010-'11 SX4 vehicles and 2009-'11 Grand Vitara vehicles with four-cylinder engines because the drive belt could come off.
- If the drive belt comes off, it could require the driver to use increased steering effort or lead to engine stall, said NHTSA.
- The recall is expected to begin on February 16.
WASHINGTON — Suzuki is recalling 32,291 2010-'11 SX4 vehicles and 2009-'11 Grand Vitara vehicles with four-cylinder engines because the drive belt could come off, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"The tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, air-conditioner compressor and power steering pump has an improperly manufactured internal spring that can break due to repeated stress," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "If the spring breaks, the drive belt will not be adjusted properly and can slip, causing a squeaking noise. Or the drive belt could come off, causing the driver to increase to steer (sic) the vehicle. This can also cause the coolant temperature indication to rise, which can lead to the engine overheating or can cause the charging light to come on, which can lead to battery discharge and engine stall.
"If the drive belt comes off, requiring the driver to use increased steering effort, or the engine stalls, a vehicle crash could occur."
In other documentation filed with the federal government, Suzuki said there have been five reports in the U.S. concerning "failure of the drive belt tension adjuster in Grand Vitara vehicles."
Suzuki dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part. The recall is expected to begin on February 16. Owners can contact Suzuki via its Web site.
Inside Line says: If you own one of the aforementioned Suzuki vehicles, have it checked out ASAP with your dealer. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
8str8rollin says:
12:00 AM, 02/09/2011
Pchang7 - are you really so ignorant about cars that you don't know that almost all cars out there are engineered the same way as this Suzuki? That is precisely what the drive belt is for.... to provide power for the other systems!
So by your own measure, you better cross off most other car manufacturors off your list as well LOL. Talk about ignoramus comments!
Fantistic - They already have a replacement internal spring that is at fault and some vehicles have already received the replacement part.
Dgmail - The fact that you thought that Mitsubishi and Suzuki pulled out of the U.S. market pretty much indicates how misinformed you really are. Rather than wasting everyones time spouting your misinformed opinions why don't you spend that time instead informing yourself better on subjects before you make yourself sound so ignorant?
Fhwulala - Thanks for being one of the few people here that actually know what they are talking about lol.
Carguys - you do have a point when you suggest to Pchang7 that he could buy a Prius since it doesn't have drive belts. Oh wait.... then he would probably say something along the lines of.. "I can't beleive everything in this Prius car is dependent on electricity! Good call Toyota, you are now on my blacklist too" LMAO!
Anyhow.... I'm sure Suzuki will take care of the owners that are affected by the recall, it's free to have done and actually a pretty easy fix.
carguysc says:
06:06 PM, 02/08/2011
@pchang7 I think you should buy a Prius... It doesn't have drive belts :)
fhwulala says:
05:18 PM, 02/08/2011
umm... mitsubishi is still in the US market,
"What a not-so-bright way to engineer something. Lets make every part codependent on one another, so when one thing breaks, everything is affected."
LOL quote of the day.
I wish there is one car that has the driving belt separated from the alternator, water pump, air-conditioner compressor and power steering pump...oh wait... why would we need the driving belt for then?
dgmail says:
01:46 PM, 02/08/2011
I can't beleive there are that many Suzukis still left on the road.
I thought they pulled out years a go with Mitsubishi, Daihatsu, Isuzu, and Renualt
thatcarguy240 says:
11:59 AM, 02/08/2011
@pchange7
Fail.
you might as well cross everyone else of your list too then!
pchang7 says:
10:47 AM, 02/08/2011
What a not-so-bright way to engineer something. Lets make every part codependent on one another, so when one thing breaks, everything is affected. Good call. Suzuki is officially on my blacklist for car manufacturers to avoid for life.
So far it's Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Audi/VW, and the list keeps growing.
fantastic says:
07:38 AM, 02/08/2011
make one that fits well suzukkkki.....no big deal!!!