Suzuki, Honda Recall Tens of Thousands of Vehicles Due to Various Problems

DETROIT September 2, 2004; The AP reported that Suzuki Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. have recalled tens of thousands of vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Suzuki recalled 172,093 Grand Vitara sport utility vehicles because a fuel-pressure problem, under very cold conditions, could result in a fire. The affected vehicles include 1999-2003 model year Grand Vitaras, 2001-2003 Grand Vitara XL-7s, certain 2004 Vitaras and one 2004 Grand Vitara XL-7.

The company said it expects to begin notifying affected owners during the week of Sept. 20.

Honda recalled 69,538 Honda Odyssey minivans because fuel pumps might fail, causing engines to stall. All the minivans are from the 2004 model year.

The company said it expects to begin notifying affected owners Sept. 24.

Under the Suzuki recall, for 1999 and 2000 vehicles, dealers will replace the fuel pressure regulator and vacuum hose, and change the system routing to prevent water from being sucked into the fuel pressure regulator. They also will replace the fuel delivery hose and replace the hose clamp with an improved clamp.

For vehicles from model year 2001 and later, the dealers will replace the fuel pressure regulator and vacuum hose, and change the system routing.

Under the Honda recall, dealers will check the electrical coupler terminal of the fuel pump. If any corrosion is found, the pump will be replaced.

Suzuki Motor Corp.: http://www.suzuki.com/

Honda Motor Co.: http://www.honda.com/

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/