“As our investigation continues, we have identified a VIN [vehicle identification number] range of potentially affected vehicles for which a voluntary safety recall has been announced.

“It appears that the functionality of the rear seatbelt retractor mechanism may not perform as designed, and as a potential consequence, excessive belt length may release in the event of a collision. This may result in injury,” Suzuki Australia said.

Safety recall

The Suzuki Australia spokesperson said customers currently driving affected vehicles within the VIN range will be contacted and advised to immediately stop using the rear seats.

The recall notice said the impacted cars are the Fronx model A3L415, 2025.

This affects 249 units.

“Customers are also encouraged to contact the customer call centre should they have any concerns,” the spokesperson said.

Ancap chief executive 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.”

An NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) spokesperson said there are 1115 Fronx cars on New Zealand roads.

Sales of the Fronx have stopped in New Zealand.

“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.”

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.”