Suzuki Motor of America Inc. is recalling 193,936 2006-2011 model-year Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles because of a malfunctioning air bag sensor. An air bag might deploy with a child in the front passenger side seat in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of injury.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over time the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail because of repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash requiring deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child. This condition increases the risk of injury to that child.

Suzuki dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly -- which includes the OCS sensor mat -- free of charge.

There’s currently a shortage of parts to fix all of the affected vehicles. But owners will be notified of the recall in October and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired.

Vehicles that previously had a countermeasure occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat installed under a special coverage campaign conducted by Suzuki distributors in the United States aren’t affected by this recall.

Last year, the automaker announced its plans to discontinue new auto sales in the continental U.S.

Owners can reach Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.