Update: Suzuki Celerio sales halted in the UK following brake failure

Suzuki is working to resolve the problem with the braking system on its new Celerio hatchback, following brake failure on two cars tested by What Car? UK and Autocar UK.

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

The safety recall relates to a possible fault in the brake pedal release mechanism. A rectification by Suzuki Motor Corporation is currently being implemented and delivery of modified brake components is expected in the coming weeks.

"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 UK and What Car? UK testing of its new budget hatchback on 30 January.

During an emergency stop test from 80mph/128kph 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 UK 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.

“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."

Right-hand-drive cars sold in India and Thailand are not affected by the problem, Suzuki has confirmed.

"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.

The Suzuki Celerio was originally revealed at the Auto Expo in New Delhi in early 2014. It made its European debut at the Geneva motor show in March 2014. Indian-market Celerios are built at the Maruti Suzuki plant in India; the UK versions are made in the Rayong plant in Thailand.

Autocar India, Autocar Professional's sister magazine, conducted an emergency braking test of the Made-in-India Maruti Celerio at 130kph. As per the findings of the test, the Maruti Celerio took 77.18 metres and 5.84 seconds to smoothly come to a halt from 130kph. While these figures are not the segment best, the Celerio’s ABS-equipped brakes worked reliably even after multiple tests.