[ad_1]
Published: Dec 24, 2025 03:17 pm IST
Suzuki halted sales of the Fronx in New Zealand following a 1 star ANCAP rating and serious rear seatbelt failure and issued a recall and safety warning.
Suzuki New Zealand has stopped selling the Fronx in the market due to poor performance in ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests. Owners have been cautioned against carrying passengers in the rear seats after the seatbelt mechanism failed during a recent crash test. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has additionally issued a notice to owners of 1,115 Frontx vehicles registered in the country, alerting them to a significant safety concern associated with the vehicle.
Suzuki New Zealand has now issued a manufacturer’s recall for the Fronx. “The functionality of the rear seat belt retractor mechanism may not function as designed and could potentially result in excessive belt extension in the event of a collision. This could result in injury,” the statement said.
Customers have been advised to stop using the rear seats with immediate effect. Suzuki Motor Corporation, together with Suzuki New Zealand Limited, has launched an immediate investigation into this 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 Ford Focus gave only average results in ANCAP’s four main evaluation categories. It scored 48 percent for adult occupant protection, 40 percent for child occupant protection, 65 percent for vulnerable road user protection and 55 percent in the safety assist category. While the vehicle performed quite well in some crash scenarios, a major test failure significantly affected its overall safety result.
(Also Read: Made in India Suzuki Fronx gets 1 star in ANCAP crash test)
Rear seatbelt malfunction flagged as major concern
The most worrisome problem occurred during full-width frontal crash testing. The rear seatbelt retractor malfunctioned and released unexpectedly, throwing the rear occupant out of control. As a result, the crash test dummy was thrown forward and contacted the front seat.
This type of seatbelt failure is extremely uncommon and is considered a serious safety risk. In response, ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hurweg advised that both adults and children should avoid using the rear seats of the Suzuki Fronx until the root cause has been identified and appropriate corrective measures have been implemented.
[ad_2]
