Speed Control Cable problems of the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara

While driving 50 mph vehicle accelerated to a high rate, causing it to roll over. Dealership notified, but did not resolve the problem. When vehicle hit snow, airbags failed to deploy. Also, when incident occurred, consumer was driving home from having recall repair made on accelerator cable.

I did receive notice of a recall of the 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara regarding an problem with the accelerator cable and the plastic casing which attaches it to the firewall. I have had this problem looked at three times at the local Suzuki dealership over the past 3 years. The recall letter stated that all Suzuki dealerships had the parts in shop and were ready to correct. I have contacted the Suzuki dealership and was told that they did not have the parts in house and would need to order them and that they would call when they got them in. I made contact with them on Monday, January 11, 2004. The letter of recall specifically stated that all dealership had parts already on hand to care of this dangerous defect. I have waited 9 days to hear from them as they were supposed to call when the parts were in. This is an extremely dangerous recall matter and Suzuki has not followed through with correcting this problem expeditiously as their letter stated!.

Recall 03v512000 concerning accelerator cable casing cap failure. Dealer indicated to the consumer that the parts were on national back order, and won't be available for a couple of months.

After purchasing my used vehicle in April of 2003 the vehicle seemed to shift hard when taken out of park, or switching from forward to reverse and so on. Occasionally if felt like the gas pedal may be sticking a bit. The check engine light came on & the dealer had a mechanic look at it and replaced the oxygen sensor. But it didn't seem to help the shifting problem. On December 11, 2003 around 4:00 am, I was returning from down state on a two-lane highway, it was raining and around 34 degrees. The gas pedal stuck & the vehicle went out of control. Spinning around several times, striking a guard rail, and going backward into the ditch. The vehicle attempted to roll-over but caught on the bank and slammed back on it's wheels. It struck hard enough to bend 3 rims and explode the top of the radiator. I am currently recovering from multiple back & neck injuries, including two crushed vertebra and nerve damage causing loss of function and tremendous pain. I received your recall notice on the accelerator cable & casing 3 1/2 weeks after the accident. I think you should have issued the recall more expediently. Thank god my children weren't with me!.

Consumer expresses discontent regarding recall from Suzuki corporation the consumer stated he received a recall letter stating it was the second notice, but he never received the first notice. The consumer was told the repairs would need to be performed by trained mechanic which was 80 miles away.

Consumer received a recall notice concerning defective accelerator cable. Consumer was unable to make an appointment until February 26, 2004.