205,000 Suzuki SUVs under investigation in US over airbag sensors

U.S. safety regulators said they are opening an investigation into 205,000 Suzuki vehicles over airbag sensor complaints, which might result in a recall, local media reported Tuesday. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it launched the probe, which covers 205,000 small Suzuki SUVs including Grand Vitaras from the 2006 through 2011 model years and SX4s from 2007 through 2011, after received 128 complaints from car owners. The car owners complained about the problems with sensors in the front passenger seats that turn off the airbag when a child is sitting there, according to the NHTSA. In some cases, the sensors won't detect a child and airbags will inflate, which could cause a child hurt. While in other cases, warning lights go off because of software problems. NHTSA investigators will check to see if the problems are bad enough to cause a recall. The Japanese automaker has issued two service bulletins to address related issues, according to the Detroit News. In September, Suzuki notified affected owners and issued a special coverage for this problem for 10 years or 120,000 miles from the date of first use of the vehicle to replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly if needed. The second bulletin addresses airbag warning lights on 2009 Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles. This problem is apparently caused by a programming error related to detecting a change or shifting in load on the front passenger seat, the NHTSA said. American Suzuki Motor Corp. said last year it was exiting the U. S. market for cars, but would continue to sell motorcycles, All Terrain Vehicle and boat engines in the United States.