Made-In-India Suzuki Fronx Recalled In New Zealand After ANCAP Seatbelt Failure

The Made-in-India Suzuki Fronx has been recalled in New Zealand following a serious seatbelt-related failure observed during Australian NCAP crash testing. The issue emerged after the Fronx received a 1-star ANCAP safety rating. This prompted Suzuki to halt sales and initiate a recall in the New Zealand market. The development has drawn attention as the Fronx sold in New Zealand and Australia is sourced from India. While the recall impacts overseas markets, Suzuki has clarified that the situation does not affect the India-spec Fronx, which follows a different regulatory framework.

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What Triggered The Recall

The recall was initiated after ANCAP testing revealed

a failure of the rear seatbelt retractor during a full-width frontal crash test. According to ANCAP, the rear seatbelt did not restrain the occupant dummy as intended, resulting in excessive forward movement and a higher risk of injury. Due to this critical restraint system failure, the Fronx scored zero points in the test, significantly impacting its overall safety rating and leading to a 1-star result.

ANCAP Findings Explained

ANCAP stated that seatbelt failures are considered rare and serious, as restraint systems are fundamental to occupant protection. The Fronx’s Adult Occupant Protection score was heavily affected by the rear seatbelt issue, despite the vehicle being equipped with multiple active safety features. Child Occupant Protection scores were also impacted due to inadequate restraint performance in certain test scenarios. As a result, ANCAP issued a consumer alert alongside the rating announcement.

Suzuki’s Response In New Zealand

Following the test results, Suzuki suspended Fronx sales in New Zealand and announced a recall of affected vehicles already delivered to customers. Owners have been advised not to use the rear seats until a fix is implemented. Suzuki has confirmed it is investigating the cause of the seatbelt failure and will work with safety authorities to develop and validate a corrective solution before resuming sales.

Impact On India-Spec Suzuki Fronx

Suzuki has clarified that the recall and ANCAP rating apply only to export-spec Fronx models sold in Australia and New Zealand. The India-spec Fronx is built to comply with local regulations and is not part of the recall. However, the incident has renewed discussion around safety ratings, testing protocols, as well as export-market compliance for Indian-manufactured vehicles.

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What Happens Next

Suzuki is expected to submit updated test data to ANCAP once corrective measures are implemented. Until then, sales of the Fronx remain paused in New Zealand. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether the model can return to the market with an improved safety rating. The recall highlights how component-level failures can significantly affect crash test outcomes, even in vehicles equipped with modern safety technologies.