Maruti Suzuki announced on Wednesday the recall of 13,157 diesel models of the Swift (6,841 units), the Swift Dzire (4,505) and the Ritz (1,811) to inspect and fix a possible defect in the ‘connecting rod bolt' in the engine, which could cause it to stall.

The cars affected are those whose engines were manufactured between November 13, 2010 and December 4, 2010.

“We received 25-30 cases where customers complained of similar problems. After studying the issue, we were prompted to issue a recall as we realised that a particular batch had the defect. Some process during the manufacture of the bolt was not followed strictly. If the connecting rod breaks, the engine could stall,” a company official told Business Line .

The company, which accounts for about half the market share for passenger cars in the country, said in a statement the fix would be free for customers. It has already dispatched replacement parts to its dealers, who will now contact their customers.

Customers who have purchased these car models after November 13, 2010, can visit the company Web site to check if their vehicle is covered under the recall. The petrol variants of the same models and other Maruti vehicles, including export models, have not been impacted.

“Customers need to fill in the engine number (D13A followed by seven digits) on the computer screen. The engine number is embossed on the vehicle ID plate and also on the vehicle registration documents,” said the statement.

With the official announcement coming minutes before the markets closed, there was little impact on the company stock.

However, Maruti Suzuki shares fell 1.40 per cent to Rs 1,294.65 on the BSE on Wednesday.

The current development follows the recall of more than one lakh units of the A-Star compact hatchback to replace a faulty fuel pump gasket at a cost of around Rs 32 crore (shared with supplier).

roudra.b@thehindu.co.in

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