Suzuki Celerio brake failure recall work begins - updated

Recall work on the Suzuki Celerio hatchback has begun, following the recent suspension of sales following two brake failures during Autocar and What Car? testing.

Suzuki has identified an issue with the brake pedal release mechanism and issued revised components for customer vehicles to its dealer network. The work to fit the new part takes 30 minutes to complete.

In an update on the investigation, a Suzuki spokesperson told Autocar: “We have a solution to the problem. It has been worked on within Suzuki Motor Corporation; this is its answer.”

"Safety is of the utmost importance to Suzuki and its expects to return vehicles to customers as soon as is possible," the company said in a statement.

Suzuki’s attention was drawn to the problem following independent Autocar and What Car? testing of its new budget hatchback on 30 January.

During an emergency stop test from 80mph under controlled conditions at Millbrook Proving Ground, the Celerio’s brakes failed entirely, with the brake pedal remaining in the fully depressed position yet having no effect on the car’s speed.

Suzuki promptly arranged for collection and inspection of the failed car and also supplied a second so that testing could continue. The second car displayed the same failure, however, and the matter was quickly escalated within the company.

It is understood that the failure is within the brake pedal assembly and that the affected part is only fitted to right-hand-drive Celerios sold in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

After Autocar reported the failures to Suzuki, Celerio sales were suspended in the UK and Republic of Ireland with immediate effect, and all customers advised not to drive their cars after the failures. Sales of Celerio models have now resumed.

“With regards to UK cars, we established that 37 had left dealers. We captured them very quickly and they are all off the road,” noted the spokesperson. “We also halted all dealer demonstrations and other related events.”

Both Suzuki GB and representatives from Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan – who flew to the UK following the incidents – were involved in the investigations.

“Suzuki wants to be completely transparent and show it has reacted as quickly as possible to the problem. Suzuki wants to get it fixed and get customers back in their cars,” said the spokesperson. “This problem has 100 per cent of our attention. Suzuki Motor Corporation is keen to show its honesty and how it has fixed the problem."

In order to provide the most accurate results for Autocar and What Car? group tests and road tests, cars are put through measured trials at the Millbrook Proving Ground. This allows the reviewers to accurately ascertain and compare the performance and handling characteristics of cars in controlled conditions.