Suzuki Motor of America will recall almost 19,000 vehicles equipped with power steering pumps that can seize up and compromise steering ability.
The Brea, California-based manufacturer notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Nov. 14, 2018 they will recall 18,673 2012-2013 Suzuki SX4 vehicles built from Sept. 3, 2011 to April 5, 2013.
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Cold weather conditions can make the power steering pump’s internal pressure rise, causing pump seizure. This can abruptly cease steering assist at low speeds, increasing crash risk.
Suzuki first received field reports regarding low speed power steering failures in April 2016. The first vehicle in question had a replacement power steering pump installed following a September 2015 recall regarding power steering pump failure.
The power steering pump supplier, Hitachi Automotive Systems Steering of Tokyo, Japan, notified Suzuki that the new pump’s internal clearances were changed, but could not determine exactly why the pumps seized.
Suzuki has not determined a recall remedy or a recall notification schedule. The company will notify affected owners within 60 days of Nov. 14, 2018, and will notify the NHTSA when a notification schedule has been decided and a solution found. Concerned Suzuki consumers may also visit the NHTSA’s website, and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
Your vehicle’s manufacturer is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires car manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide your recalled vehicle’s loss value, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to help you. Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.