Suzuki is recalling 193,936 vehicles in the United States because of a potential airbag malfunction, the company announced Monday.
The recall affects Grand Vitara SUVs manufactured during the 2006 through 2011 model years, and the smaller SX4 SUV made in the 2007 through 2011 model years.
Faulty sensors in the passenger seats of certain cars could produce false readings, leading to deployment of an airbag in a crash regardless of whether the passenger-seat occupant was an adult or child.
Sensors typically measure the weight of the front-seat occupant, and prevent airbag deployment if the person is a child or small adult. Children should never sit in the front seat. They could be injured or killed when airbags deploy.
Suzuki said it is unaware of any injuries or deaths related to this problem. The company stopped selling cars in the United States earlier this year, though it continues to sell other vehicles, such as boats and all-terrain vehicles, while continuing to honor warranties for its vehicles. Customers will be notified in October whether their car is affected, and have their seat-cushion assemblies replaced free of charge.
Pete Bigelow is an associate editor at AOL Autos. He can be reached via email at peter.bigelow@teamaol.com and followed on Twitter @PeterCBigelow.
Featured Gallery
Approximately 43 percent of Americans have what auto-loan lenders categorize as “bad” credit.
That means there’s a significant portion of people who might need a new car, but have a significant amount of trepidation when it comes to figuring out what they can afford.
Worse, many customers in such a predicament focus on the purchase price. But if they’re not careful, their new cars could cause them additional financial strain. When it comes to maintenance, insurance, fees and registration, purchase cost, depreciation and fuel, the costs can vary widely from vehicle to vehicle.
CarFinance.com has calculated the actual cost of ownership over five years for several different vehicles. Assuming a 10 percent downpayment and a 60-month loan, here’s a look at the five best car purchases for people with bad credit:
Sticker Price: $21,900 – $32,500Invoice Price: $20,422 – $29,981Fuel economy: 22 mpg City, 34 mpg Highway
TheFusion’s $21,298 purchase price for the study is less than half of its five-year costs. Assuming a driver puts 15,000 miles per year on the odometer, CarFinance.com estimates the fuel costs to be $9,965.
The Fusion has come along way. Once simple and dull, the new Fusion wins a lot of customers for its good looks. A good mid-size sedan, it could be a terrific family car for those who need a little extra room. CarFinance.com says the five-year cost of ownership is $48,180.Research the Ford FusionFord Fusion Photos & InformationFord Fusion Best DealsFord Fusion Local Dealer Price Quote
Sticker Price: $21,680 – $33,430
Invoice Price: $19,849 – $30,567
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg City, 34 mpg Highway
TheAccord is one of our favorite sedans, and it’s hard to argue with its decades-long track record of consistent reliability. The latest Accord is also more fun to drive and fuel efficient than previous iterations.
CarFinance.com says the five-year ownership cost for an Accord is $48,081. It wins points for the cheap cost of insurance and should hold its value more than the other cars on the list.
Research the Honda Accord
Honda Accord Photos & Information
Honda Accord Best Deals
Honda Accord Local Dealer Price Quote
Sticker Price: $21,760 – $30,560
Invoice Price: $20,356 – $27,929
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg City, 38 mpg Highway
There’s a reason the Altima is one of the best-selling vehicles in America. Currently, there’s no mainstream sedan that’s going to give drivers better gas mileage.
Fresh off a redesign last year, it’s a nice-looking car that provides comfort and space for occupants. And with five-year ownership costs at $47,054, according to CarFinance.com, it is another worthwhile option for families seeking space and value.
Research the Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima Photos & Information
Nissan Altima Best Deals
Nissan Altima Local Dealer Price Quote
Sticker Price: $17,965 – $26,465
Invoice Price: $16,707 – $25,095
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg City, 36 mpg Highway
Much like its bigger sibling, the Accord, theHonda Civic has been well known for its reliability over many decades. A redesign strayed too far from the car’s roots two years ago, but the automaker has been quick to rectify that and reclaim the Civic’s position as one of the best-selling compact cars.
CarFinance.com says the five-year ownership costs are $43,714. The Civic’s five-year fuel costs of $9,030 work out to be the lowest of any car on the list, and its maintenance bill of $1,713 is second-lowest among the final five.
Research the Honda Civic
Honda Civic Photos & Information
Honda Civic Best Deals
Honda Civic Local Dealer Price Quote
Sticker price: $16,230 – $20,550
Invoice: $15,338 – $19,045
Fuel economy: 27 mpg City, 34 mpg Highway
As it happens, the least-expensive car on this list is also the best buy over a five-year term. CarFinance.com calculates the five-year ownership costs as $41,261, making it the best value by nearly $2,500. That’s a lot of savings.
TheCorolla is an economical car that may lack a few of the frills that other cars possess, but it’s still a comfortable ride and it has the lowest maintenance and repair costs of the bunch.
Research the Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla Photos & Information
Toyota Corolla Best Deals
Toyota Corolla Local Dealer Price Quote