Why did Suzuki halt Fronx sales in New Zealand?

Suzuki halted Fronx sales in New Zealand after the vehicle received a one-star safety rating due to a rear seatbelt failure during crash testing.

What is the ANCAP safety rating for the Suzuki Fronx?

The Suzuki Fronx received a one-star safety rating from ANCAP, indicating poor performance in crash tests and low occupant protection.

What action has NZTA taken regarding the Suzuki Fronx?

The NZTA has urged Fronx owners not to use the rear seats and has met with Suzuki New Zealand to ensure urgent action is taken.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Fronx Safety Fiasco: Rear Seatbelt Fails, Sales Halted

Fronx Safety Fiasco: Rear Seatbelt Fails, Sales Halted

24 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Suzuki Fronx sales stopped in New Zealand after one-star safety rating.
A rear seatbelt retractor failed during crash testing, releasing excessive belt.
Authorities urge owners not to use rear seats due to injury risk.

Fronx Safety Fiasco: Rear Seatbelt Fails, Sales Halted

Suzuki has suspended sales of its Fronx model in New Zealand following a concerning one-star safety rating from ANCAP. The decision comes after a rear seatbelt retractor failed during laboratory crash testing, releasing too much belt and leaving a dummy unrestrained.

This critical failure prompted the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to advise Fronx owners against carrying passengers in the rear seats. Suzuki New Zealand has issued a manufacturer's recall, dated December 23, 2025, urging owners to immediately stop using the rear seats due to increased injury risk in collisions.

The Fronx was introduced in New Zealand in June 2025 and in Australia in August 2025. While sales have been strong in India, where it is sold as the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, its safety performance in that market is yet to be assessed by local agencies.