Suzuki issued a recall in America for 32,291 units of 2009-2011 Grand Vitara and 2010-2011 SX4 models. The problem is with a drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump.
This belt has a spring that can brake under stress causing it to come off which obviously kills all the operations mentioned above but more importantly makes the steering heavy and you will have to put in more effort to control the car.
As NHTSA reports: “Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 suzuki grand vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines; model year 2011 suzuki grand vitara multipurpose passenger vehicles produced prior to october 17, 2010; model year 2010 suzuki sx4 passenger vehicles; and 2011 suzuki sx4 passenger vehicles produced prior to october 14, 2010. 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. 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 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.“
Recall is expected to begin on or before February 16, 2011. Dealers will inspect your vehicle and replace the malfunctioning parts with improved ones free of charge.
