2006 Suzuki Forenza

Above average

Owners filed 280 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
55,000 milesMedian miles at failure

239 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train50
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission38
000
Electrical System34
031
Air Bags33
7113
Air Bags › Frontal11
517
Vehicle Speed Control10
100
Engine10
000
Exterior Lighting9
010
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch8
001
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module8
203

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights14V262000
Filed May 19, 2014184,244 vehiclesSuzuki Motor Of America, Inc.

Defect. Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Forenza vehicles, and 2005-2008 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2003, through July 30, 2008. In the affected vehicles, heat may be generated in the headlamp switch or daytime running light (DRL) module which could melt the headlamp switch or the DRL module.

Risk. If the heat generated within the headlamp switch or DRL module located on the left side of the steering column melts the headlamp switch or DRL module, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy. Suzuki will replace the signal switch and add a jumper relay kit and will replace the DRL Module in teh instrument panel harness. Suzuki distributed to owners an interim letter on July 30, 2014. The recall began October 29, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is XA.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights12V397000
Filed Aug 14, 2012101,688 vehiclesAmerican Suzuki Motor Corp.

Defect. Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Forenza and model year 2005-2006 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 23, 2003, through March 7, 2006. Increased resistance due to poor contact between the terminals of certain wires can generate heat that can melt the splice pack used to connect the power circuit wires for the headlamps. This can result in intermittent or total loss of low/high beam headlamp function.

Risk. If the headlamps fail to function, this will lead to reduced driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Suzuki will notify owners, and Suzuki dealers will reconnect the affected wires with two heat-shrink crimps, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 25, 2012. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-877-697-8985.

Exterior Lighting07V452000
Filed Sep 25, 200793,963 vehiclesAmerican Suzuki Motor Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEADLAMP LOW BEAM OR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT (DRL) FUNCTION MAY BE INOPERATIVE DUE TO A MELTED SPLICE PACK ON THE WIRING HARNESS.

Risk. INAPPROPRIATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY OF VEHICLES AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL SPLICE THE POWER CIRCUIT WIRES FOR THE LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS AND DRL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN THREE PHASES, STARTING AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2007 AND CONCLUDING BY THE END OF JANUARY 2008;. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly07V315000
Filed Jul 24, 200775,697 vehiclesAmerican Suzuki Motor Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT BELT TONGUE WILL NOT LATCH INTO THE BUCKLE AND, IN RARE CASES, EVEN THE LOCKED TONGUE WILL POP OUT BY LOW STRETCHING FORCE. IF THE BUCKLE DOES NOT LATCH COMPLETELY, THE BUCKLE COULD RELEASE WITHOUT PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON.

Risk. THESE BUCKLE MALFUNCTIONS, WHICH COULD PREVENT A PERSON FROM USING THE SEAT BELT OR COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TO FAIL TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED, CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH THE IMPROVED PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 14, 201982,000 milesAZ

ON MARCH 6TH 2018 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A VOLKSWAGEN GTI I WAS SITTING IN THE LEFT TURN LANE IN THE INTERSECTION WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR SO I COULD PROCEED WHEN I DID I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES PER HOUR ON A CITY STREET WHEN A RED LIGHT RUNNER OF COURSE RAN THE RED LIGHT AND PLOWED INTO ME GOING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR . ON IMPACT THE SEATBELT FAILED TO DO WHAT IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO. INSTEAD IT IMMEDIATELY UNLATCHED WHICH IN TURN CAUSED ME TO BE THROWN INTO THE PASSENGER DOOR, THE DASH AND THE BACK SEAT.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 10, 2019FL

IBA EN MI VEHICULO ANDANDO DE NOCHE CON LAS LUCES PRENDIDAS Y DERREPENTE SE PRENDIERON LAS LUCES ALTAS SIN QUE YO HCIERA NADA DESDE ESE MOMENTO PARECIERA QUE HICIERA UN CORTO LA LUZ Y SE PONEN ALTAS Y VUELVEN NORMAL MIENTRAS VOY CONDUCIENDO ADICIONAL LA PARTE DEL TABLERO SE ESTA RECALENTANDO MUCHO NO SE SI ES POR LA MISMA RAZON

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Nov 14, 2018120,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 20, 201886,000 milesID

WHILE DRIVING THE CARS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL SHOW UP. I LOSE ALL CONTROL OF SPEED EVEN WHILE PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL IN. THE ONLY WAY TO REGAIN CONTROL IS TO CYCLE THE KEY MULTIPLE TIMES AND LET IT IDLE IN NEUTRAL FOR FIVE MINUTES. AFTER I REGAIN CONTROL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON, AND THE CAR WILL JUMP REVOLUTIONS RANDOMLY. THIS WILL OCCUR ON BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IT DOESN'T ACT UP UNLESS I'M IN MOTION DRIVING. IT WILL REV I'N REVOLUTIONS WHILE I'M DRIVING OR AT A STOP.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 12, 2017FL

THE VEHICLE IS UNDER A RECALL CAMPAIGN (XA-XC) FOR DRL MODULE/IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT. THE OWNER IS PHYSICALLY UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE PERFORMED (HE IS PROHIBITED BY HIS PHYSICIAN TO DRIVE SUCH LONG DISTANCES). SUZUKI WILL NOT ALLOW ANY OTHER FACILITY, NO MATTER HOW WELL QUALIFIED, TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. SUZUKI OFFERS NO SOLUTION - LIKE OFFERING TO TOW THE VEHICLE - ASIDE FROM AN OFFER TO REIMBURSE FOR FUEL. I AM A NEIGHBOR AND CAN ATTEST TO THE OWNER'S PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS (HE HAD A STROKE). HE IS ALSO ELDERLY AND FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY - SO HIS COMPREHENSION OF THE ISSUE IS LIMITED. HE'S WORRIED THE CAR ISN'T RELIABLE ENOUGH FOR HIS DAILY TRIPS TO HIS DOCTOR AND VOICED WORRY ABOUT HIS OPTIONS TO GET IT FIXED. IT IS MY HOPE THE INTERVENTION OF SOMEONE FROM THE NHTSA MIGHT SWAY SUZUKI TO OFFER A VARIANCE FROM THEIR POLICY - SO THEY WOULD OFFER TO TRANSPORT THE VEHICLE TO AND FROM THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPAIRS TO BE COMPLETED (SINCE I WAS TOLD A DEALER MUST BE THE ONES PERFORMING THE REPAIR).

Air Bags
Filed Aug 12, 201798,900 milesWA

I STARTED MY CAR AND A FEW SECONDS LATER THE AIRBAG IN THE DRIVER SEAT WENT OFF AND THE AIRBAG HIT ME. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 26, 201736,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 23, 2017FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE LIGHT FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEAD LAMP BUT THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V397000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Feb 21, 2017113,164 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING TO THE RIGHT ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS 113,164.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 1, 2016150,000 milesFL

TAKATA RECALL: AND, DEFECTIVE FUEL PROPULSION AS THE CAR REVES UP SOME TIMES WHEN GOING AND SHUTS OFF BY ITSELF WHEN TRAVELING CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. 2). CAMPAIGN ID.# 14 V262000 AND 3.)12V397000 . I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT THE COMPANY BUT I KEEP GETTING A MESSAGE THAT I CALLED OUT OF SERVICE TIME AND TO LEAVE A MESSAGE. ONLY TO GET A AUTOMATED MESSAGE THAT SAYS THE SYSTEM ISN'T WORKING. I DO REALIZE THAT THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS PRODUCT CAR, LIKE THE TAKATA AIR BAGS.

Engine
Filed Sep 29, 2016119,000 milesOH

VEHICLE SPORADICALLY STALLS WHILE DRIVING, NOT A STOP LIGHT OR SIGN BUT WHILE THE CAR IS ACTIVELY BEING DRIVEN AND THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED. MOST RECENTLY IT HAS BEGUN TO REV UP BETWEEN 4,000 AND 5,000 RPM. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO TRY TO GET IT BACK TO NORMAL. 2 DAYS AGO WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT CAUSED ME TO HIT A POT HOLE HARD ENOUGH TO BREAK MY DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT AND LOWER CONTROL ARM. I SEE RECALLS FOR OTHER, SAME YEAR MODEL SUZUKIS THAT EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO REPAIR A KNOWN MECHANICAL DEFECT. THERE IS ALSO AN NHTSA ID DESCRIBING THIS ISSUE AS WELL. IT IS EXTREMELY SCARY TO HAVE THE CAR REVING THAT HIGH AND TRYING TO CONTROL IT. I AM THANKFUL THAT I ONLY HIT A POT HOLE AND NOT ANOTHER VEHICLE OR WORSE.

Engine
Filed Sep 6, 201680,000 milesMS

WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN GEAR IN EITHER REVERSE OR DRIVE, THERE IS A LOUD THUNK AND JUMPING FEELING. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN 'X' ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEXT TO THE 'D' FOR DRIVE ON THE SHIFT SELECTOR. I HAVE RESEARCHED WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AND IT IS THE THE RANGE TRANSMISSION SENSOR, IT APPEARS AFTER RESEARCHING THIS IS A VERY CHRONIC PROBLEM IN THE SUZUKI FORENZA.

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 2, 201657,000 milesWI

ONE OF MY CHILDREN WAS BUCKLED IN THE BACK PASSENGER SEAT. MY CHILD TIGHTENED HIS SEAT BELT, AND THE BUCKLE DETACHED FROM THE FABRIC. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE, MY CAR HAS ALMOST 57K ON IT. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AND IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED ASAP! THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN WAY WORSE! THANK GOD I WAS NOT DRIVING OR IN A ACCIDENT!

Electrical System
Filed Jul 19, 2016LA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM, HIGH BEAM, AND DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND 12V397000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed May 12, 2016100 milesAZ

SUZUKI HAS NEVER SENT ME A RECALL NOTICE: 2016 EXPLANATION- THEY ARE ONLY GOING BY EACH STATE'S VEHICLE OWNER RECORDED ADDRESS. I/ MY CAR HAVE HAD THE SAME LISTED ADDRESS SINCE PURCHASE. SUZUKI ON NIHTSA SHOWS 4 RECALLS; FORENZA ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS NOT THERE. WHAT ELSE IS MISSING? ORIGINAL FORENZA OWNER, UNDER 47,000 MILES. REPEATEDLY, WARNING LITES CAME ON WITH OVERHEAT. OCT.2006 ENGINE STALLED AT 35MPH IN INTERSECTION; WITH MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS SUZUKI, AWARE OF EWH FAILURE, FAILS TO DO A FOENZA ENGINE WIRING HARNESS RECALL. I SEE THE SAME SYMPTOM COMPLAINTS BY OTHER FORENZA OWNERS. TOOK 3 CAR STALLINGS BEFORE DIAGNOSIS MADE & ENGINE WIRING HARNESS REPLACED. FROM OCT.2006 COMPLAINED OF "OLD CAR CREAKING/RUFF SUSPENSION" NOISES/BOUNCING GOING OVER ANY SPEED BUMPS OR ROLLING STREETS. SUZUKI REPLACED SOME DAMAGED BUSHINGS BUT NOISES/BAD SUSPENSION RETURNED; I CONTINUED COMPLAINTS TO THE DEALER AND SUZUKI, & PAID FOR SEVERAL WHEEL ALLIGNMENTS. WITHOUT INFORMING ME, SUZUKI THE DEALER MECHANIC, AGAIN CHECKING ON MY COMPLAINT, NOTES "CRACKED STRUTS" ABOUT 1 MONTH AFTER MY 3YR FULL WARANTY EXPIRED. 2012, I LEARNED OF THE "OLD CAR SYMPTOM" SUSPENSION DAMAGE FROM A NON-SUZUKI MECHANIC REVIEWING THE CAR REPAIR HISTORY. THERE IS NOW A SUSPENSION SYSTEM CORROSION FAIURE RECALL FOR 2006 VITARAS BUT NOT FORENZAS; SAME YEAR VITARA AND FORENZA PROBLEMS SEEM ASSOCIATED ISSUES. 2006, SUZUKI RECALLS FOR OVERHEAT/FIRE IGNITION FROM HEADLIGHTS/ELECTRICAL SWTICHS ARE 2 OF 4 RECALLS LISTED WITH

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 28, 2016117,000 milesNC

THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY EACH TIME THIS OCCURRED (3 TIMES AT STOP LIGHTS, AND YESTERDAY, 4/27/16, IN A PARKING LOT). WHEN I COME TO A STOP (WITH FOOT ON BRAKE), THE CAR STARTS TO ACCELERATE HARD TRYING TO GO FORWARD. EACH TIME I PUT BOTH FEET ON BRAKE, AND IT STILL COULDN'T STOP IT, SO I JERKED IT INTO PARK, THEN TURNED OFF KEY. EACH TIME THAT KEPT ME FROM CRASHING. IT WAS SCARY BECAUSE I HAVE CHILDREN IN THE CAR. SUZUKI DEALERSHIP IN WINSTON-SALEM DIDN'T SEEM TO KNOW WHAT IT WAS, BUT SAID I COULD TOW IT IN TO GET IT LOOKED AT (COST $$$). THEN I CALLED SUZUKI DEALER IN RALEIGH NC AND THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN FOR $110 FOR THEM TO JUST LOOK AT IT. IT ONLY HAPPENS RANDOMLY, SO I DON'T TRUST THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO FIGURE IT OUT. PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING WEBLINK THAT DESCRIBED OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT NO SOLUTION (EVEN AFTER THEY TOOK IT TO BE WORKED ON AT SUZUKI PLACE). HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/SUZUKI/FORENZA/2008/ENGINE/VEHICLE_SPEED_CONTROL.SHTML THANKS.

Engine
Filed Mar 25, 201642,800 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,800.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Feb 29, 2016FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR A CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LEFT ARM INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT VALID.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 29, 201665,000 milesFL

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 1, 2016OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, A FIRE STARTED ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE CONSUMED THE REAR SEATS AND EXTENDED FROM THE REAR TO THE FRONT FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. A FIRE INSPECTION REPORT WAS NOT PROCESSED BY A FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED YET TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON A RESPONSE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

20 of 280 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20081521100Routine
20072562250High concern
2006 — this page280480Above average
2005156370Routine
200463550Routine

Compare every Forenza year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 19, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.