10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,000 miles

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problem #1

Dec 112003

Grand Vitara 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles
After purchasing my used vehicle in April of 2003 the vehicle seemed to shift hard when taken out of park, or switching from forward to reverse and so on. Occasionally if felt like the gas pedal may be sticking a bit. The check engine light came on & the dealer had a mechanic look at it and replaced the oxygen sensor. But it didn't seem to help the shifting problem. On December 11, 2003 around 4:00 am, I was returning from down state on a two-lane highway, it was raining and around 34 degrees. The gas pedal stuck & the vehicle went out of control. Spinning around several times, striking a guard rail, and going backward into the ditch. The vehicle attempted to roll-over but caught on the bank and slammed back on it's wheels. It struck hard enough to bend 3 rims and explode the top of the radiator. I am currently recovering from multiple back & neck injuries, including two crushed vertebra and nerve damage causing loss of function and tremendous pain. I received your recall notice on the accelerator cable & casing 3 1/2 weeks after the accident. I think you should have issued the recall more expediently. Thank god my children weren't with me!

- Lewiston, MI, USA