Suzuki Motor Co announced a recall of 193,936 Grand Vitara SUVs and SX4s due to faulty air bag sensor mats.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the sensor malfunction could inhibit the vehicles' airbags from deploying. The sensor mats determine whether or not the weight in the front seat warrants the deployment of the airbag in the front passenger seat during an accident.
The faulty sensors endanger children, because they don't detect if they are sitting in the seat. The Daily Mail reports that the airbags in the affected models deploy in an accident, not being able to distinguish if the person is a child or an adult. Adults are also put in danger, because the sensor may not always detect the weight, keeping the airbag from deploying.
The recall applies to all Grand Vitaras models from 2006 to 2011 and SX4 small cars from 2007 to 2011, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration letter. In October, Suzuki will begin to contact the owners of the affected models – owners will then be able to get their sensor mats replaced for free at their local dealers.
No injuries or accidents have been reported.
Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
