IT SEEMS SUZUKI JUST can’t take a trick recently. After finally reintroducing the Jimny three-door (some reports have suggested it was withdrawn after poor safety ratings, although others suggest it was supply problems) and upgrading the Swift from its previous abysmal one-star ANCAP rating to a more acceptable three-star rating, Fronx has just scraped over the threshold for a one-star ANCAP rating.
ANCAP’s independent testing of the Suzuki Fronx revealed poor performance in key crash tests and low levels of occupant protection for both adults and children.
In addition to its poor overall crash performance, ANCAP testing identified a serious and separate safety concern, with a rear seatbelt failure occurring during the full width frontal crash test. This component failure has been reported to Australian and New Zealand vehicle safety regulators.
Crash testing showed the Suzuki Fronx delivered poor levels of occupant protection for both adults and children. In the full-width frontal test, excessive chest loads were recorded for the rear passenger, exceeding ANCAP performance thresholds and resulting in the score being capped under ANCAP assessment protocols.
Key body regions of both the 10-year-old and 6-year-old child occupants were also capped at zero points, due to high head acceleration and excessive neck tension.
During the full width frontal test, the rear passenger seatbelt retractor of the Suzuki Fronx failed, resulting in an uncontrolled seatbelt release where the rear dummy became unrestrained, allowing it to strike the rear of the front seat.
While the component failure is serious, the vehicle had already received zero points in the full-width frontal test before the failure occurred, due to the high chest load recorded.
Importantly, the one-star rating reflects the Fronx’s overall crash performance – particularly the performance of its structure and restraint systems – and is not a consequence of the separate seatbelt component failure.
ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg, said the findings highlight the importance of independent vehicle safety testing.
“The seatbelt component failure is rare and serious. ANCAP exists to give consumers confidence, and when our tests reveal results of this nature, we will act in their best interest by communicating our findings promptly and transparently.”
“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.”
Approximately 1300 Fronx vehicles have already been sold in Australia, with a further 1,000 sold 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.”
ANCAP advises consumers to be aware of this component failure if considering purchasing a Suzuki Fronx prior to Suzuki demonstrating that the component failure has been investigated and addressed.
“Consumers expect, and deserve, vehicles that meet the fundamental standards of occupant protection. We are calling on Suzuki to act quickly and decisively to ensure that all affected vehicles are identified and rectified without delay,” 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.”
| MODEL | ANCAP SAFETY RATING | ADULT OCCUPANT PROTECTION | CHILD OCCUPANT PROTECTION | VULNERABLE ROAD USER PROTECTION | SAFETY ASSIST |
| Suzuki Fronx | ONE STAR | 48% | 40% | 65% | 55% |
| STAR RATING THRESHOLDS | ||||
| ★★★★★ | 80% | 80% | 70% | 70% |
| ★★★★ | 70% | 70% | 60% | 60% |
| ★★★ | 60% | 60% | 50% | 50% |
| ★★ | 50% | 50% | 40% | 40% |
| ★ | 40% | 40% | 30% | 30% |
| ZERO STARS | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
The Suzuki Swift was recently upgraded from one ANCAP star to three
In a quick response to the disappointing ANCAP result, Suzuki has commendably taken action, acknowledging the assessment and conducting a thorough investigation.
Suzuki Australia is working directly with the Suzuki Motor Corporation in Hanamatsu, Japan and Suzuki New Zealand to fully understand the implications of the ANCAP results.
“The Fronx Hybrid was developed with the aim of being a vehicle that meets the safety standards of Australia and New Zealand, and has been certified as such, providing safety and peace of mind for our customers. Suzuki aims to meet the necessary safety standards in the markets where our vehicles are sold, from the design and manufacturing stages. We consistently prioritize safety and strive to improve safety technologies from multiple perspectives,” they said.
The Suzuki Fronx was officially introduced to the Australian market in August 2025, selling over 1600 units to date. It is equipped with a full range of safety features, including Collision Mitigation Braking (DSBS II), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKA), Lane Departure Prevention System (LDP), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), 360-degree camera, rear camera and parking sensors, and driver drowsiness warning function. DSBS II can now detect motorcycles and cyclists, which could not be detected by the previous system. With the adoption of the improved DSBS II, the assist range of the Lane Departure Prevention System (LDP) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKA) has been expanded beyond lane markings to include boundaries such as asphalt and grass/soil, curbs, and guardrails. In addition, the Fronx is equipped with a head-up display, making it a product that reduces driver burden and improves comfort.
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. This may result in injury.
Suzuki Australia will advise all Fronx Hybrid customers of the listed vehicles to immediately cease using the rear seats and will continue to undertake immediate and urgent investigations of this phenomenon. Upon the completion of the investigation further action will be taken to ensure the safety of all listed vehicles.
Customers currently driving affected vehicles within the VIN range will be contacted by Suzuki Australia. Customers are also encouraged to contact the Customer Call Centre should they have any concerns.