Suzuki Celerio sales halted following brake failure during Autocar UK tests

Suzuki Celerio sales have been suspended in the UK and the Republic of Ireland with immediate effect, and all customers advised not to drive their cars, after two test vehicles suffered total brake failure during controlled tests by Autocar UK and What Car? UK.

The cause of the loss of braking power – which occurred during 80mph/128kph braking tests at Millbrook Proving Ground – is currently being investigated by both Suzuki GB and representatives from Suzuki Motor Corporation in Japan, who flew to the UK following initial investigations into the incidents.

A Suzuki GB statement said: "With reference to the condition experienced when carrying out an emergency braking test by a journalist from Autocar magazine on January 30, Suzuki is carrying out an immediate investigation into the cause of this condition. The condition was experienced during an emergency brake test from very high speed and relates to retraction of the brake pedal."

As a result, the Suzuki Celerio has now been taken off sale in the UK. All dealers have been instructed not to conduct test drives and owners are being contacted and advised not to drive their cars. Affected owners will be given courtesy cars until the issue is rectified.

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.

One section of this test is an emergency stop, carried out from 80mph/128kph, which allows for assessment of the car's behaviour during heavy braking, the functionality of its stability systems and the stopping distance and time itself.

Several acceleration tests had been carried out on the first Suzuki Celerio, which had been driven to Millbrook from a press event the day before, prior to the 80mph emergency braking test. Ahead of that test a more gentle braking assessment had been completed successfully, in order to assess the surface conditions and general behaviour of the vehicle. 

During the first full-force braking test, however, all stopping power was immediately lost upon application of the brakes. The brake pedal became stuck in the fully depressed position and had no effect on the Suzuki's speed. No braking effort could be exerted by forcing the pedal up and reapplying it.

The combined use of the handbrake and engine braking allowed for controlled deceleration of the Celerio to a safe stop. Suzuki immediately arranged for collection of the car in order to inspect it and identify the nature of the failure.

The company also delivered a second Celerio, in order for pre-arranged testing to continue. The same test resulted in the failure repeating itself, culminating in a complete inability to slow the car in a conventional fashion. Suzuki UK subsequently escalated its investigations in to the failures.

Autocar UK understands that the focus of the investigations is on right-hand-drive versions of the Celerio and includes those sold in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Cars sold in Japan, India and Thailand are not affected, according to the manufacturer.

"The Celerio model has been on sale in India and Thailand since 2014 and so far Suzuki has no prior experience or knowledge of this phenomenon," concluded the official release.

A Maruti spokesperson said “The braking system of the Celerio in India is different to the Thai version and hence the India model is not affected.” 

The UK Celerio is manufactured at Suzuki’s Rayong plant in Thailand, where production of the car began in May 2014.

Additional information will be made available by Suzuki as soon as it is available.