Words: Richard Edwards
Published 23 December 2025
Suzuki New Zealand has implemented urgent measures to ensure owners of its Fronx SUV can still travel this Christmas, following a one-star ANCAP safety rating and a ‘do not use’ recommendation for the rear seats by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
The Whanganui-based distributor confirms it has contacted all Fronx customers to explain the issue, which stems from a critical failure of the rear seatbelt retractor during ANCAP testing. Suzuki Japan has reportedly commenced a thorough investigation into the Indian-built vehicle.
According to Marketing Manager Fiona Bridgford, while there are over 1,000 Fronx vehicles registered in New Zealand, the brand has identified just 137 vehicles that specifically contain the affected rear seat component. The brand is actively working to contact all affected owners.
To ensure holiday travel plans remain uninterrupted, Suzuki is working with customers who need rear-seat capacity by offering replacement loan vehicles from both its own fleet and the fleets of its dealer network.
“It is a mix of loan cars with our dealerships in support and most of them have been sorted in that way,” Bridgford says.
While the NZTA has urged owners not to carry passengers in the rear due to the risk of the seatbelt extending excessively in a collision, Bridgford emphasised that the brand remains confident the car itself is safe to be on NZ roads for drivers and front-seat passengers.
Key Safety Details:
- The Issue: During ANCAP’s full-width frontal test, the rear passenger seatbelt retractor failed, allowing the rear occupant to strike the front seat.
- The Rating: The Fronx received a 1-star rating, with scores of 48% for Adult Occupant Protection and 40% for Child Occupant Protection.
- Contact: Concerned owners can contact Suzuki NZ at 0800 929 394 or enquiry@suzuki.co.nz.
Read the full background on this developing story:
