The problem
Suzuki del Caribe (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2013 SX4 vehicles manufactured December 26, 2012, through February 4, 2013 and equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The bolts that fasten the drive plate to the torque converter may not have been installed with sufficient torque and may loosen and come out.
The risk
If the bolts detach they can get caught between the drive plate and cylinder block, which may cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix
Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque converter bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 7, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-572-1490. Suzuki's recall number is VE.
Contacts
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Suzuki dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 13V572000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.