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Suzuki Australia is recalling certain 2025 Fronx Hybrid models and advising owners not to use the rear seats after ANCAP testing revealed a seatbelt failure.

Testing of the Suzuki Fronx late last year saw the vehicle narrowly achieve a one-star ANCAP safety rating, following poor performance in key crash tests and low levels of occupant protection for both adults and children.

ANCAP testing also identified a rear seatbelt failure during the full-width frontal crash test.

Suzuki Australia said in a statement that it acknowledged the ANCAP assessment of the 2025 Fronx Hybrid and had launched a thorough investigation.

“As our investigation continues, we have identified a VIN range of potentially affected vehicles for which a voluntary safety recall has been announced,” Suzuki Australia said.

“It appears that the functionality of the rear seat belt retractor mechanism may not perform as designed and as a potential consequence excessive belt length may release in the event of collision.”

The Federal Government’s Vehicle Recalls website said in an accident or under hard braking, if the Fronx’s rear seat belt did not operate as intended, it could increase the risk of injury or death to a vehicle occupant.

Suzuki Australia said Fronx Hybrid customers with affected vehicles should immediately stop using the rear seats.

“We continue to undertake immediate and urgent investigations of this phenomenon,” the company said.

“Upon completion of the investigation, Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki Australia will facilitate further actions to ensure the safety of all listed vehicles.”

Customers driving the 249 affected vehicles within the VIN range will be contacted by Suzuki Australia. Those with concerns can contact the Customer Call Centre on 1300 054 555.

ANCAP’s one-star rating reflects the Fronx’s overall crash performance – particularly the performance of its structure and restraint systems – and was not a consequence of the separate seatbelt component failure.

ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said the seatbelt component failure was 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,” Ms Hoorweg said.

“This is the third component failure revealed through independent safety testing in recent months.

“ANCAP encourages all manufacturers to bring their vehicles forward for testing ahead of market release as it allows the opportunity for issues to be identified and rectified before vehicles reach consumers and are driven on Australian and New Zealand roads.”