Suzuki Recalls Over 10,000 Cars in China

This is really a tough year for Japanese automaker, as most of them are forced to deal with serious safety issues affecting hundreds, thousands or, in some cases, millions of vehicles. After Toyota confirmed that approximately 8 million cars are equipped with what seems to be a faulty throttle pedal, Suzuki is also issuing a recall in China, saying that over 10,000 cars are presenting gas filter problems.

China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ) said in a statement that oil leaks could occur due to improper manufacturing, as People's Daily informed in a report.

Specifically, the problem concerns Alto models manufactured from July 6, 2009 to January 17 2010. Suzuki will fix the problems at no cost, with owners encouraged to contact Chongqing Chang'an Suzuki Automobile by phone on 400-1077988 or talk to the GAQSIQ on 010-65537365.

Curiously, Suzuki earlier this year promised to make the Alto a bit safer, after scoring only 3 stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

“Customers may have seen a story last week about the Alto earning a three star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP crash testing,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers when talking about the Australia-bound model. “The Alto tested was not indicative of the Australian specification car, which will come standard with six airbags, including head protecting side curtain airbags."

"Not only will the new Alto offer the fuel economy of a hybrid for around a third of the price, it will also be one of the safest cars in its category.”