Suzuki Fronx stop sale ends in NZ as fix and recall work confirmed

Suzuki New Zealand has confirmed the stop sale on the Suzuki Fronx has been lifted, following a ‘serious’ safety-related recall.

The small Fronx SUV was pulled from sale in December after receiving a one-star ANCAP safety rating. During testing, a rear seatbelt retractor failed, causing the dummy to become unrestrained and strike the back of the front seat.

ANCAP described the result as “rare and serious”, and notified safety regulators in both New Zealand and Australia. NZTA subsequently advised owners to avoid carrying rear passengers.

“It is ANCAP’s view 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,” the safety body said at the time.

Suzuki New Zealand says the problem has now been identified and recall work on affected vehicles will now take place through April, with more than 100 units understood to be impacted. The distributor is currently in discussions with NZTA regarding the replacement parts fitted to those vehicles.

Owners are being contacted to arrange the recall, which will be completed through authorised Suzuki dealerships.

The update was announced during the local launch of Suzuki’s first fully electric model, the e Vitara.

Prior to the stop sale, the Fronx had been one of the brand’s best-selling models in New Zealand, with 1078 registrations recorded.