Lemon Law Center :: Suzuki Grand Vitara Xl7

certain passenger (111 my 2002 esteem, 777 my 2002 aerio, 2,368 my 2003 aerio) and sport utility (324 my 2002 grand vitara, 274 my 2003 grand vitara, 684 my 2002 grand vitara xl-7, and 781 my 2003 grand vitara xl-7) vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, øwindshield mounting.ø the windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body due to insufficient adhesion between the paint applied during the second-stage painting process and the paint applied during final-stage painting.

Corrective Action

if the windshield is not properly secured, it may separate from the vehicle during a crash which could result in the ejection of unbelted occupants, increasing the risk of severe injury or death.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect these vehicles. vehicles that are found to have insufficient paint adhesion will either have the problem remedied by repainting, or will be replaced, or repurchased and destroyed. owner notification began on july 8, 2003. owners should contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xl7

Component

Wheels

Consequence of Defect

equipment description: steel replacement wheels, part no. 4310-665d21-27s, used for spare parts on 1999-2001 suzuki grand vitara and 2001 suzuki grand vitara xl-7 multipurpose passenger vehicles. the affected wheels were produced from july 30 through september 20, 2000. the thickness of the steel wheel inboard of the area where the wheel rim is welded to the wheel disk is less than the design specification.

Corrective Action

this condition can lead to cracking of the wheel, gradual loss of air in the tire, and possible loss of vehicle control.

Recall Notes

dealers were notified to remove any of these affected wheels from the stock inventory and return to american suzuki motor company. suzuki will notify any end users which purchased the replacement wheels of the defect and to return their wheels to suzuki for a free replacement.