NHTSA Complaint #11572611 — 2012 SUZUKI SX4

The airbag sensor in the passenger seat failed. There is a known Supplemental Restraint System issue/recall in 2007-2011 Suzuki SX4s, however there has not been a recall for the 2012 model despite this being an issue beyond the aforementioned years. Affected vehicles may develop an electrical circuit disconnection within the front passenger sensing system sensor mat that is built into the front passenger seat bottom cushion. The disconnection is due to repeated flexing of the sensor mat from use of the front passenger seat. If this condition occurs, the “AIR BAG” light in the instrument cluster and, the front passenger’s seat belt reminder light will come on. Also, the “PASS AIR BAG OFF” indicator light will remain off because the front passenger air bag will remain enabled. In a frontal impact of significant magnitude, the front air bag will deploy with full force - even with a child, or small adult, in the front seat. Air bag deployment with a child or small adult in the front passenger seat increases the risk of severe injury or death to that occupant. Replacement front seats are backordered, likely because of the recall in 2007-2011 vehicles, and despite placing an order for a new seat in May 2023, I have been waiting 9 months for a pallet to ship from Suzuki. Given the danger of traveling with a passenger given the vehicle's condition, and the fact that this was a known issue for the 5 prior years of this vehicle, this is an unacceptable amount of time to wait for a replacement part, and this should be investigated as a potential necessary recall for 2012 Suzuki SX4s.