Suzuki Halts Fronx Sales in New Zealand as SUV Scores Just 1 Star in ANCAP Test

Suzuki halts Fronx sales in New Zealand after a 1 star ANCAP rating and a serious rear seatbelt failure prompts a recall and safety warning.

Suzuki New Zealand has halted sales of the Fronx in the market because of its poor performance in ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) crash tests. Owners have been cautioned against transporting passengers in the rear seats following a failure of the seatbelt mechanism during a recent crash test. The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has additionally released a notice to the owners of 1,115 Fronx vehicles registered in the nation, alerting them to the significant safety concern associated with the vehicle.

Suzuki Fronx sales are paused in New Zealand following poor ANCAP crash test results and a rear seatbelt defect affecting passenger safety.

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Suzuki New Zealand has now issued a manufacturer's recall for the Fronx. The statement says, “The functionality of the rear seat belt retractor mechanism may not perform as designed and as a potential consequence excessive belt length may release in the event of collision. This may result in injury.”

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Customers have been advised to stop using the rear seats with immediate effect. Suzuki Motor Corporation, along with Suzuki New Zealand Ltd, has begun urgent investigations into the issue. Once the investigation is complete, Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki Australia will take the necessary steps to address the concern and ensure the safety of all affected vehicles.

ANCAP crash test

The Fronx delivered only average results across ANCAP’s four main evaluation categories. It scored 48 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection, 40 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, 65 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 55 per cent in the Safety Assist category. While the vehicle performed reasonably well in certain crash scenarios, one major test failure significantly affected its overall safety outcome.

Rear seatbelt malfunction flagged as major concern

The most alarming issue occurred during the full-width frontal crash test. The rear seatbelt retractor malfunctioned and released unexpectedly, leaving the rear occupant unrestrained. As a result, the crash test dummy was thrown forward and made contact with the front seat.

Such seatbelt failures are extremely uncommon and are treated as a serious safety risk. In response, ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg advised that both adults and children should refrain from using the rear seats of the Suzuki Fronx until the root cause is identified and appropriate corrective measures are implemented.