NHTSA Complaint #10159467 — 2003 SUZUKI XL-7

LETTER OF COMPLAINT AND FRUSTRATION ON THE POOR QUALITY OF 2003 SUZUKI XL-7 AND SUBSEQUENT PATHETIC LACK OF SERVICE AT THE DEALER. *TS ***NAR*** THE MOLDING ON THE RUNNING BOARDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE CAME OFF. ALL THE SEAT BELTS EXCEPT FOR THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER LOCK FOR NO REASON. ONCE LOCKED THE SEAT BELTS CAN NOT BE LOOSENED. THE SEAT BELT HAS TO BE UNBUCKLED THE ALLOWED TO RETRACT FULLY BEFORE IT WILL FUNCTION PROPERLY. WHEN THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE IN AUTO MODE THE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON WHEN THE DOORS WERE OPENED. A CONSUMER SMELL A FOUL ODOR LIKE OIL OR SOMETHING BURNING. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE SMELL WAS FROM THE UNDERCOATING APPLIED TO PROTECT THE UNDERCARRIAGE AND THAT IT WOULD GO AWAY IN A FEW MONTHS. THE SMELL PERSISTED BEYOND A FEW MONTHS. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WOULD GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE BRAKES MADE NOISE. THE DEALER BLAMED THE NOISE ON THE BRAKES BEING NEW. THE BATTERY TERMINALS CORRODED. *NM