Suzuki Fronx warning: Owners told not to use rear seats after safety test

Owners of a Suzuki car model have been warned not to carry passengers in their rear seats because of serious risk.

Testing by the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (Ancap) on the Suzuki Fronx gave it a one-star safety review over poor performance in crash tests and low levels of occupant protection.

Testing also found a “serious” safety concern after the rear seatbelt failed in a full-width frontal crash test.

A Suzuki Australia spokesperson said they acknowledge the Ancap assessment and are “taking decisive action”.

Ancap CEO Carla Hoorweg said the seatbelt component failure is “rare and serious”.

“What concerns us is that this particular vehicle could have been purchased by an ordinary consumer, and in an on-road crash this failure could have had serious consequences for the person sitting in the back seat.”

Suzuki Fronx owners have been advised to not have passengers travel in the rear seats. Photo / Ancap

A New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) spokesperson said there are 1115 Fronx cars on NZ roads. Officials have met with Suzuki NZ to encourage it to urgently address the issue, including considering enacting a recall.

Sales of the Fronx have stopped in NZ and owners are being contacted with advice that passengers should not travel in rear seats.

Ancap gave the Suzuki Fronx a one-star safety review. Photo / Ancap

“Ancap’s view is that adult and child passengers should not travel in the rear seats of the Suzuki Fronx until the reason for the failure has been determined and relevant rectifications have been carried out,” Hoorweg said.

“Consumers expect, and deserve, vehicles that meet the fundamental standards of occupant protection.

“We are calling on Suzuki to act quickly and decisively to ensure that all affected vehicles are identified and rectified without delay.”

Suzuki Fronx owners have been urged to contact Suzuki NZ or their local dealer. Photo / Ancap

NZTA said further regulatory action depends on the steps Suzuki takes to address the issues.

Suzuki Australia said a “thorough investigation” is underway.

“Customer safety is non-negotiable and remains Suzuki’s highest priority across Australia and NZ,” a spokesperson said.

“Suzuki aims to meet the necessary safety standards in the markets where our vehicles are sold, from the design and manufacturing stages.

“We consistently prioritise safety and strive to improve safety technologies from multiple perspectives.”

Fronx owners who have not been contacted by Suzuki NZ yet are urged to contact the company or their local dealer urgently.

Customers can contact Suzuki NZ by email at enquiry@suzuki.co.nz, or by phone on 0800 929 394.