Suzuki Recalls 46,549 2005-'06 XL-7 and 2006 Grand Vitara SUVs

WASHINGTON — Suzuki is recalling 46,549 2006 Grand Vitaras and 2005-'06 XL-7 SUVs because of a steering problem that could increase the risk of a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"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," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "Repeated heat stress can cause the plastic material to deteriorate, and pieces of the pulley can break off.

"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."

In other documentation filed with the federal government, Suzuki said it received 33 reports from the U.S. market concerning abnormal noise and loss of power steering assist in the subject Grand Vitara and XL vehicles from June 2006 to April 2008. It said that after investigating the 33 reports from the U.S. market, the automaker concluded that there was not a safety defect involved.

But after further testing was conducted, Suzuki found that in February 2010, "it is possible for the drive belt to come off if broken pieces of the pulley get caught between the pulley and the drive belt." The chronology of events was signed by Kenneth M. Bush, America Suzuki Motor associate director of government relations.

Suzuki dealers will replace the power steering pump drive belt tension adjuster pulley. The recall is expected to begin on June 25. Suzuki owners can contact the automaker at (800) 934-0934.

Inside Line says: If you own one of the aforementioned Suzuki vehicles, have it checked out by your dealer ASAP. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent