Drivers of a Suzuki SUV recently launched in New Zealand have been warned not to carry passengers in the rear seat after a seat belt mechanism failed during a recent laboratory crash test.
The Suzuki Fronx, which was introduced to New Zealand in June, received a one-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) after the seat belt mechanism failure.
Suzuki NZ has said it is launching an immediate "thorough and disciplined investigation" into the safety assessment findings.
ANCAP said the rear passenger seatbelt retractor of the Suzuki Fronx failed during the full-width frontal test, which simulates a head-on collision.
This resulted in an uncontrolled seatbelt release where the rear dummy became unrestrained and struck the rear of the front seat.
Government vehicle safely regulators in New Zealand and Australia had been notified.
"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 report read.
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NZTA said the failure of the component was of "significant concern" as a similar failure in an on-road crash could result in serious injuries or death for passengers sitting in the rear seat.
There were currently 1115 Suzuki Fronx vehicles registered for use on New Zealand roads.
"While the seatbelt failure is serious, the low ANCAP rating reflects the vehicle’s poor performance across all aspects of ANCAP’s testing," an NZTA spokesperson said.
NZTA said officials had met with Suzuki NZ to encourage the company to address the issue, including considering enacting a recall.
"Whether further regulatory action is required will depend on what steps Suzuki takes to address the issue," the spokesperson added.
"NZTA is advised that Suzuki NZ has stopped sales of the Suzuki Fronx in New Zealand and is contacting vehicle owners from today to provide them with further information, including advice that passengers do not travel in the rear seats at this time."
Customers who had not been contacted by Suzuki NZ should contact the company or their local dealer urgently.
In a statement to 1News, Suzuki NZ acknowledged the ANCAP assessment and said it was launching a thorough investigation.
"Customer safety is non-negotiable and remains Suzuki’s highest priority across Australia and New Zealand. This review is being progressed with urgency and at the highest levels of the organisation," a spokesperson said.
"Suzuki will take any actions required to uphold our safety standards and the trust our customers place in our brand."
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