In a significant move focused on customer safety, Maruti Suzuki India, the nation's leading automobile manufacturer, has announced a voluntary recall affecting 39,506 units of its popular Grand Vitara SUV. The decision comes after the identification of a potential flaw in the vehicle's fuel-level indication system.
Reason Behind the Grand Vitara Recall
The core issue prompting this recall involves the fuel gauge and its associated warning light, which are part of the speedometer assembly. The company has stated that in some vehicles, this system may not display the accurate amount of fuel remaining in the tank. This inaccuracy could mislead drivers about their actual fuel levels, posing a potential inconvenience and a safety concern, especially during long journeys.
The recall is specific to Grand Vitara units that were manufactured between December 9, 2024, and April 29, 2025. Maruti Suzuki has assured all affected customers that it will directly contact them to schedule an inspection at its authorised workshops spread across the country.
Remedial Action and Market Response
As part of the recall process, Maruti Suzuki has committed to inspecting and replacing the faulty component free of cost. This proactive step underscores the company's commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction. "Affected vehicle owners will receive communication from Maruti Suzuki authorised dealer workshops for inspection and replacement of the faulty part, free of cost," the company confirmed in a regulatory filing.
The announcement had a noticeable impact on the stock market. Following the news, shares of Maruti Suzuki closed at Rs 15,678 on the BSE, down by Rs 76.95 on the day of the announcement. This market movement highlights investor sensitivity to such corporate actions, even as the company recently reported strong financials, including an 8% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 3,349 crore for the second quarter ended September 30.
A Broader Trend of Proactive Recalls in India
This recall by Maruti Suzuki is part of a larger, growing trend within the Indian automotive industry. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting a proactive stance towards safety and quality control, often guided by the government's voluntary recall policy. In recent times, other major carmakers like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai, and Honda have also issued recalls for various issues, ranging from airbag malfunctions and software glitches to braking system faults.
For instance, earlier this year, Kia recalled over 30,297 units of its Carens MPV to address a potential issue with the digital instrument cluster. Similarly, luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has also issued multiple recalls for models like the EQS sedan and S-Class.
The Grand Vitara: A Flagship Model
The Grand Vitara stands as Maruti Suzuki's flagship offering in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment, rivalling models like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Lauded for its blend of technology and efficiency, the SUV was the recipient of the prestigious 'Car of the Year' and 'Midsize SUV of the Year' awards in 2024.
Its key selling propositions include:
- Choice of Strong Hybrid and mild-hybrid powertrains.
- Advanced AllGrip all-wheel-drive technology.
- Premium interiors equipped with connected car features.
- A robust safety package, including six airbags in higher variants.
The model has been a resounding success for the automaker, having crossed the 300,000 sales milestone in just 32 months since its launch. The sales momentum, particularly for the Strong Hybrid variants, saw a impressive 43% year-on-year growth in FY24-25, cementing its position as a key player in Maruti Suzuki's portfolio.
