“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.”

A NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) spokesperson said there are 1115 Fronx cars on New Zealand 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 New Zealand and owners are being contacted with advice that passengers should not travel in rear seats.

“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.”

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

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.