The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara has 7 recalls, the most serious involving a cracked rear differential bearing retainer that can leak oil, cause the differential gears to lock up, and leave the vehicle unable to move.
Three recalls cover the same underlying problem with the passenger seat occupant classification system, which applies only to vehicles with leather seats. High heat and humidity can cause the leather to shrink and press against the sensor mat beneath the seat, causing the system to misread who is sitting there. In a crash, this can result in the front passenger airbag deploying in front of a child rather than staying off. There is also a separate concern with the ignition and shift interlock: it can fail to hold the shifter in park when the key is removed, leaving the vehicle free to roll. On the steering side, the power steering pump belt tension adjuster pulley has a plastic outer section that deteriorates under repeated heat, causing pieces to break off and knock the drive belt loose, which produces a sudden loss of power steering and raises the risk of a crash.