Recall 11V055 affects 32,291 2009-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles for a drive-belt tension pulley defect. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
Suzuki is recalling 32,291 2009-2011 Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles because the drive belt tension adjuster pulley has an internal spring that can break. If the belt slips or comes off, steering effort can increase, the engine can overheat, or the battery can discharge until the engine stalls; the Suzuki dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The drive belt tension adjuster pulley on the 2009-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara and SX4 keeps the engine's accessory belt tight while the engine is running. That belt turns the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor, and power steering pump, so the pulley has to hold steady spring pressure as engine speed changes.
On affected vehicles, the internal spring inside the tension adjuster pulley was not manufactured correctly. Repeated stress can break the spring, and once it breaks, the drive belt is no longer held at the right tension. The belt can slip and make a squeaking noise, or come off the pulleys entirely. When that happens, steering effort increases, coolant temperature rises as the engine loses water pump operation, or the charging light comes on as the alternator stops charging the battery.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices can be belt noise, harder steering, a rising coolant temperature indication, a charging light, or engine stall after the belt is already slipping or off.
Who's affected?
Covers the Grand Vitara for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 model years, plus the SX4 for 2010 and 2011, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara | electrical system |
| 2010 Suzuki SX4 | electrical system |
| 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara | electrical system |
| 2011 Suzuki SX4 | electrical system |
| Units affected | 32,291 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the drive belt comes off, steering takes more effort or the engine stalls, increasing crash risk. Schedule the recall repair soon. If steering suddenly feels heavy or the engine stalls, pull over safely and call for assistance. Repair will be free at any franchised Suzuki dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara or SX4 is included in this recall.
- Watch for Suzuki's owner notice, then contact a franchised Suzuki dealer when the free repair is open for your VIN.
- Ask the dealer about the tension-adjuster-pulley replacement that fixes the drive-belt spring problem tied to squeaking, higher steering effort, overheating, charging-light warnings, and stalling.
- Reference recall number 11V055 when you call, and bring the owner notice if you have it.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving and call the dealer if steering effort rises, the engine overheats, the charging light comes on, or the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Suzuki technician replaces the drive belt tension adjuster pulley with an improved part. That pulley keeps the belt tight for the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor, and power steering pump. Suzuki's recall remedy says this service is performed free of charge, and the safety recall began on February 16, 2011. The dealer repair will be free once available for an included VIN.
Timeline
| January 27, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 16, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V055?
Recall 11V055 covers 32,291 2009-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles with a drive-belt tension adjuster pulley spring that can break. If the belt slips or comes off, steering effort can increase, the engine can overheat, or the engine can stall.
What should I do if my 2009-2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara or SX4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 11V055. If it is, contact a franchised Suzuki dealer and ask for the tension adjuster pulley replacement. Reference recall number 11V055 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Suzuki says dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is increased steering effort or engine stall if the drive belt comes off. That condition increases crash risk. The same defect can also lead to engine overheating or battery discharge, so confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Warning signs include a squeaking noise from the drive belt, a rising coolant temperature indication, or a charging light on the instrument panel. These signs point to a belt or pulley problem. If they appear, contact a franchised Suzuki dealer and reference recall 11V055.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V055000 |
|---|---|
| Suzuki customer service | 1-887-697-8985 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V055 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V055000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →