Suzuki Baleno, Vitara Recall R/1999/045: Possibility That The Drivers Side Airbag When Activated May Deploy With A Force Greater…, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 25 Jun 1999
- Launched
- 137
- vehicles in the UK
- R/1999/045
- DVSA reference
Suzuki recalled Baleno, Vitara vehicles built between 1 December 1997 and 31 January 1998. Of the airbag propellant module the propellant crystals were exposed to a high humidity environment which increased the moisture content to 1.2% with the result that during activation the airbag might deploy with a greater force than originally designed. The dealer will replace the drivers airbag with a quality assured unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Of the airbag propellant module the propellant crystals were exposed to a high humidity environment which increased the moisture content to 1.2% with the result that during activation the airbag might deploy with a greater force than originally designed.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBILITY THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG WHEN ACTIVATED MAY DEPLOY WITH A FORCE GREATER THAN ORIGINALLY DESIGNED Defect: During manufacture of the airbag propellant module the propellant crystals were exposed to a high humidity environment which increased the moisture content to 1.2% with the result that during activation the airbag might deploy with a greater force than originally designed. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace the drivers airbag with a quality assured unit.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: possibility that the drivers side airbag when activated may deploy with a force greater than originally designed.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the drivers airbag with a quality assured unit.
Are You Affected?
Baleno, Vitara built between 1 December 1997 and 31 January 1998 may be included. Suzuki estimates 137 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Suzuki, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Suzuki.
- Book with any franchised Suzuki dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/1999/045. See how to get a Suzuki recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Cross, VitaraCanister Replacement | Urgent | R/2025/127 | |
| S-Cross, VitaraLeft rear brake pipe inspection | Urgent | R/2024/032 | |
| Baleno, S-Cross, Swift, Swift Sport and 1 moreSome vehicles have an inappropriate design and material on check valve of vacuum pump | Urgent | R/2022/267 | |
| SX4 S-Cross, VitaraVehicle emission outputs may not be correct | Low | R/2021/059 | |
| Baleno, Ignis, SwiftIntegrated starter generator belt belt may fail | Urgent | R/2018/078 |
This is one of 90 Suzuki recalls in DVSA’s data. The Suzuki recall launched before it was R/1998/021 on 27 Jul 1998, for seat belt stalk. The one launched after it was R/2000/014 on 8 May 2000, for front suspension strut mounting studs may shear. You can also see every Suzuki recall, all recalls launched in 1999 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/1999/045, launched 25 June 1999. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.