2007 Suzuki Forenza

High concern

Owners filed 256 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
56,000 milesMedian miles at failure

216 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train68
100
Power Train › Automatic Transmission34
200
Electrical System30
0140
Air Bags23
719
Engine14
050
Seat Belts9
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages8
000
Engine and Engine Cooling8
000
Vehicle Speed Control7
000
Air Bags › Frontal7
101

2 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.

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
Air Bags
Filed Dec 14, 2021NC

Air Bag light came on in the Dash, also passenger seat belt not on light came on in the clock. I took the car to Planet Automotive Group here in Charlotte, they ran a Diagnostic on the vehicle and found a b1448 code for passenger seat mat defect. I called the manufacture at [XXX] talked to a person named [XXX], I was told this is no longer under warranty and they could not help. I disagreed with her, told her this was a very serious safety issue and they should help with the cost of replaced/repair. Was told sorry. Need you help am 85 year old and don't have funds for new seat which cost $3750.00 INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 19, 201875,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO TURN ON WHEN PROMPTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 6, 201873,000 milesOH

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT IS ON EVEN WITH PASSENGER IN SEAT. I AM SURPRISE THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WHICH CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY AND EVEN FATALITIES. SUZUKI ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE GRAND VITARAS. THIS IS DOWN RIGHT PATHETIC AND IS A SLAP IN THE FACE TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. I WILL DEFINITELY BE FILING A LAWSUIT ABOUT THIS MATTER IF NOTHING DONE ABOUT THIS MATTER.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 10, 2018140,000 milesMI

CAR WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN 40-45MPH, ON A MAJOR TWO LANE ROAD. PAVEMENT WAS WET. CAR IN FRONT STOPPED FAST, SUZUKI REAR ENDED THAT VEHICLE. DRIVER ONLY OCCUPANT IN CAR SUZUKI-AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. FRONT OF CAR CRUSHED BACK TO ENGINE, ENGINE MOUNT BROKEN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 9, 201795,000 milesPA

THE CAR LOST POWER SUDDENLY AFTER STOPPING FOR A TRAFFIC SIGNAL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ENGINE NEVER STOPPED RUNNING BUT WOULD NOT GO FASTER THAN ABOUT 20MPH. TRANSMISSION UPSHIFTED AND DOWN SHIFTED. ORB ERROR CODES WHERE P2110, P2106, AND P161B. NO OTHER CODES WHERE STORED. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN 6 MONTHS. AFTER RESTARTING ENGINE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS NOT ON AND THE CAR RAN NORMALLY.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 2017CA

VEHICLE HAS ODOR OF SMOKE OR UNKNOWN SMELL ADVISED SUZUKI WHO REFERRED ME TO SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT HANDLE REPAIRS. I ADVISED THEM I WORK FOR AN AUTO BODY WHO STATES VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE- PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ALSO ON. RECALL NOTICE ADVISES OF SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. STEERING COLUMN LOOKS TO BE WARPED AND IGNITION SWITCH IS NOT WORKING.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Oct 17, 201740,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS MADE A CLICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AS IF THE LOCKS WERE GOING UP AND DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE LOCKS WERE IN THE DOWN POSITION, THEY WOULD INDEPENDENTLY POP BACK UP BEFORE THE CONTACT COULD OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

EngineFire
Filed Oct 12, 201775,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE DRIVER NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE DRIVER CALLED FOR ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE, OPENED THE HOOD, TURNED OFF THE RELAY SWITCH, AND ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN. THERE WAS NO FIRE REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (DWAYNE LANE SUZUKI, 10415 EVERGREEN WAY, EVERETT, WA, 425-267-9000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RELAY SWITCH (WHICH CONTROLLED THE FAN FOR THE HEATER AND THE AIR CONDITIONER) CAUGHT FIRE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 11, 2017100,000 milesIL

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY THE LIGHT FOR THE ENGINE CAME ON AND THE CAR DIED. AFTER BEING TOWED IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD WAS BLOWN. AFTER REPLACING THE ENGINE THE LIGHT REMAINS ON AND NOW THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THERE IS SUPPOSED TO BE A DEFECT IN A SENSOR FOR THE TRANSMISSION THAT KEEPS THESE PROBLEMS HAPPENING IN THIS VEHICLE.

Engine
Filed May 24, 201763,000 milesTX

POWER STEERING REPLACED, MANY TIRES REPLACED CONSTANTLY, TRANSMISSION REPLACED, TIMING BELT REPLACED, SEAT BELTS REPLACED, AIR BAGS ARE IN RECALL AND NEED TO BE REPLACED, HANDLES REPLACED, BAD PAINT CLIPPINGS ON OUTER HANDLES, CO2 SENSOR REPLACED, HEADLIGHT SWITCH RECALLED AND REPLACED, RANGE MOD SENSOR REPLACED TWICE, HEAD GASKET BROKEN.

Engine
Filed Feb 20, 20171 milesWA

MY CAR KEEPS OVER HEATING AND IT BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NOW I GOT EXHAUSE COMING OUTTA THE COOLANT TANK.NOW THE CAR HEADERS ARE BLOWN ARE FRIED DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE VEHICAL MAKING I WAS IN MOTION DURING THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT WHEN THE CAR STARTED ACTN UP....

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 7, 2016128,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IMMEDIATELY, SOMEONE SCREAMED OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AND ALERTED THE CONTACT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY. WHEN THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, SMOKE AND FLAMES SHOT OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO HAPPENED TO BE IN THE AREA, ADVISED TO OPEN THE HOOD SO THE BATTERY COULD BE DISCONNECTED. WHILE THE TECHNICIAN WAS DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE AND ASSISTED THE TECHNICIAN TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE OF THE CONTACT'S FRIEND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REQUESTED COPIES OF THE FIRE PICTURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 128,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 25, 2016178,000 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SECURE THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 12, 201666,000 milesSC

CAR FEELS LIKE IT SLIPS OUT OF GEAR , SOMETIMES ON FREEWAY FEELS ALMOST LIKE TRANSMISSION. IT IS THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR AND I HAVE ALMOST BEEN REAR-ENDED SEVERAL TIMES. AS YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER AND WAIT A WHILE BEFORE STARTING THE CAR BACK UP THIS IS ALWAYS IN MOTION NORTH CHARLESTON SC , GREENVILLE SC AND COLUMBIA SC THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN TOWED, I CAN SEND TOWING INFORMATION THROUGH STATE FARM, WHO DROPPED MY ROADSIDE BECAUSE OF THIS AND ONE TIME THROUGH TRAVELERS INSURANCE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE TRUCK FARM IN EASLEY SC TWICE THEY CAN NOT FIND A CODE ON IT RICK HENDRICKS NORTH CHARLESTON 3 TIMES EXPRESS AUTO IN COLUMBIA SEPT 17TH 2015 AND TRANSMISSIONS ON DORCHESTER RD NORTH CHARLESTON AND A+ ALSO NORTH CHARLESTON.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 11, 201695,000 milesTX

I BOUGHT 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA WITH ONLY 50 MILES ON IT. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IT AND NOW IT POSES A SAFETY RISK SINCE THE DEALERSHIP CAN'T FIND ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT SUDDENLY STOPS WHILE I AM DRIVING. I LOSE CONTROL AND NEED TO MOVE IT ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE COME SEVERAL TIMES CLOSE TO BEING HIT. ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ARE SHOWING EVEN THOUGH IT MIGHT NOT BE THE PROBLEM.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 2, 201686,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED AND THE PARKED VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Apr 17, 201699,000 milesDC

I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED FROM RAMSEY MOTORS AND DIDNT DO ANY HOMEWORK ON THE PAST OWNERS OR ACCIDENTS. SHOULD OF CHECKED INTO THAT. CAUSE I WAS SOLD A VEHICAL THAT HAD THE WIRING RIGGED INTO THE FUZE BOX. THIS WAS NOT NOTICABLE TO THE EYE .RIGHT BEFORE I HAD THE ACCIDENT THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED THANKFULLY I WAS ALONE AND ONLY TRAVELING AT 30 MPH. I WAS CROSSING A NARROW BRIDGE IN JASPER ARKANSAS AND SOMETHING CAUSED THAT WIRE TO LOOSE CONTACT WITH WHERE IT WAS RIGGD TO. I REGISTERED MY VEHICAL TO GET MORE INFO ON THE SITUATION AND HAD TO BRING IT HOME BY TRAILER. THE MECHANIC WAS INFORMATIVE TO WHAT COULD OF CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO MALFUNCTION. I SOON FOUND MYSELF WITH ALOT OF INFO I WISH ID A KNOWN BEFORE I PURCHED THE CAR NOW I AM DUE FOR COURT WITH SEVERAL CITATIONS DUE TO UNSAFE VEHICAL . SUCKS

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 12, 2016122,500 milesWA

I JUST BOUGHT A 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA ON MARCH 10TH, I DROVE IT FROM THE DEALER SHIP TO MY HOME, AROUND 40 MILES, DROVE IT AT 55 AND 45 AND 35 ALL GOOD UNTIL THE LAST MILE OF MY JOURNEY. I WAS GOING A STEADY 35 AND I COULD TELL MY CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN WITHOUT ME LETTING MY FOOT OFF THE GAS AT ALL. I LET OFF AND REAPPLIED GAS AND IT ACTED NORMAL FOR 1/16 OF A MILE AND DID IT AGAIN BUT WHEN I LET OFF AND REAPPLIED IT ACCELERATED A LITTLE AND THEN SLOWED DOWN AGAIN. I LOOKED AT MY GAGES AND MY TACHOMETER WAS GOING FROM 1500 TO 2000 RPMS MAKING THE CAR BOUNCE BACK AND FORWARD, AND SO I LET OFF AND REAPPLIED ENOUGH TIMES TO MAKE IT HOME. I'M LUCKY THERE WASN'T ANYONE ON THE ROAD. AND I DROVE IT ACROSS A 4 MILE LONG BRIDGE AND THANK GOD IT DIDN'T HAPPEN THERE! I SEE THAT THERE ARE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS TS ON THIS ISSUE AND SUZUKI IS CLAIMING IT'S ROUTINE MAINTENANCE.. YOU NEVER CAN TELL WHEN IT'S GOING TO GO OUT AND SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO REPLACE THEM EVERY 9 MONTHS.. THEY SHOULD MAKE THE PART GOOD ENOUGH TO LAST LONGER. IT'S A SAFETY HAZZARD IN ALOT OF PEOPLE'S OPINIONS. PULLING INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC CAN BE PRETTY SCARY WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW IF YOUR CAR IS GOING TO MOVE 5 FEET AND THEN NOT REGISTER YOUR FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT'S DANGEROUS.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 14, 201581,118 milesAL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,118. ...UPDATED 01/20/16 *BF *CN

Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2015120,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER FLASHING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE 02 SENSOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

20 of 256 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20081521100Routine
2007 — this page2562250High concern
2006280480Above average
2005156370Routine
200463550Routine

Compare every Forenza year →

Reading this record

A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.

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.