The Suzuki Fronx city SUV has been hit with a one-star ANCAP safety rating after a crash test revealed low levels of occupant protection and a serious rear seatbelt failure. The malfunction allowed the rear dummy to headbutt the front passenger seat, a problem referred to government regulators, though it did not further lower the vehicle’s score.
The Fronx narrowly avoided a zero-star rating, earning just 40 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, the lowest score in that category since 2017. ANCAP said the issue highlights weaknesses in both adult and child passenger safety, particularly during frontal crashes.
Suzuki Halts Sales as Investigation Underway
In response, Suzuki Australia has temporarily pulled the Fronx from sale while it investigates the problem. The company stated that customer safety is its top priority and is working with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan and Suzuki New Zealand to understand the ANCAP findings.
ANCAP warned that, until the issue is resolved, passengers especially children should not travel in the rear seats. CEO Carla Hoorweg stressed that rear seatbelt failures in real-world crashes could have serious consequences, underscoring the importance of robust safety standards for all vehicles.
The Fronx had met Australian and New Zealand government safety standards, which are less stringent than ANCAP’s. The SUV also scored moderately in other categories, including Safety Assist and Vulnerable Road User Protection, but these could not offset the poor crash performance.
This is the second Suzuki model in 18 months to receive a one-star ANCAP rating, following the 2025 Swift hatch. Past issues were later rectified with structural upgrades and improved safety scores, a process Suzuki says it is prepared to follow again with the Fronx.
