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Suzuki Celerio recalled over brake issue days before local launch – UPDATE

The right-hand-drive version of the Suzuki Celerio light-car has been recalled with immediate effect after two vehicles suffered total brake failure when being tested in the UK by Autocar magazine.


Suzuki’s Thai-made replacement for the Alto is due to launch in Australia officially this week, with full pricing and specifications on the Mitsubishi Mirage rival to be announced tonight. 

As reported yesterday, the UK publication was testing the newly launched model following the market launch there over the weekend. Two different Celerios suffered total brake failure under full-force stopping. 

“During the first full-force braking test, however, all stopping power was immediately lost upon application of the brakes,” the publication said. 

“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 issued a response on the same day, saying it would immediately recall all UK-market Celerios, as well as RHD models for other markets — Australia included. UK sales are also suspended.  

This safety recall relates to retraction of the brake pedal and affects right-hand drive vehicles for UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.  It does not affect left hand drive vehicles or other right hand drive markets.

“Suzuki is directly contacting its customers via its dealer network and will be providing a loan vehicle to them until full safety checks have been completed. As UK sales of the Celerio model have now been temporarily suspended, this of course applies to press vehicles,” the company said in a statement. 

“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,” it added. 

CarAdvice has contacted Suzuki Australia for comment and will update the story with the local response once we hear from the company. 

Update: Suzuki Automobiles Australia general manager Andrew Moore confirmed the Celerio was grounded until a fix was instigated, but stressed that no cars have been delivered to customers yet. All dealer stock will be fixed soon.

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