WASHINGTON, D.C. -

This past weekend, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicated Suzuki Motor of America is recalling 193,936 units due to a sensor issue that triggers air bags.

The recall covers the Grand Vitara from the 2006 through 2011 model years and the SX4 from the 2007 through 2011 models years.

The agency explained that over time in the affected vehicles, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat.

“As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child,” officials said.

“Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child,” they added.

Suzuki told NHTSA it will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge.

The OEM pointed out sufficient quantities of parts are not currently available to fix all of the affected vehicles. However, the automaker said owners will be notified of the recall in October and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired.

In the meantime, owners may contact Suzuki at (800) 255-2550 and mention recall campaign No. VD.

“Vehicles which previously had a countermeasure occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat installed under the special coverage campaign conducted by Suzuki distributors in the United States are not affected by this recall,” officials said.

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