NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
63 reports60,000 miles · Jul 25, 2010
SuspensionTraction Control System
FRONT STRUT MOUNTS & BRAKING SYSTEM ARE BAD ON 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. WENT TO SEVERAL SHOPS TO GET THEM INSPECTED AND EVERY SHOP FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM WAS EVEN TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND A HAZARD TO DRIVE. RESEARCHED AND MANY CONSUMERS ONLINE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS. THE CAR SHAKES AND THE STRUTS WIGGLE …
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FRONT STRUT MOUNTS & BRAKING SYSTEM ARE BAD ON 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. WENT TO SEVERAL SHOPS TO GET THEM INSPECTED AND EVERY SHOP FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM WAS EVEN TOLD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND A HAZARD TO DRIVE. RESEARCHED AND MANY CONSUMERS ONLINE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS. THE CAR SHAKES AND THE STRUTS WIGGLE AND HARD TIME BREAKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10345123
50,185 miles · Nov 13, 2009
SuspensionUnknown Or Other
STRUT ASSEMBLY OF VEHICLE HAS AN INCH OF VERTICAL PLAY, HENCE VEHICLE NOT ABLE TO BE ALIGNED. VEHICLE IS 2004 SUZUKI FIRENZA. HAVE ADDRESSED ISSUE WITH 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND NONE CAN AGREE ON WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. ONE EVEN STATED THAT WAS NORMAL FOR VEHICLE. CALLED MANUFACTURER IN BREA CA, AND THEY REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE…
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STRUT ASSEMBLY OF VEHICLE HAS AN INCH OF VERTICAL PLAY, HENCE VEHICLE NOT ABLE TO BE ALIGNED. VEHICLE IS 2004 SUZUKI FIRENZA. HAVE ADDRESSED ISSUE WITH 3 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND NONE CAN AGREE ON WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. ONE EVEN STATED THAT WAS NORMAL FOR VEHICLE. CALLED MANUFACTURER IN BREA CA, AND THEY REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. FURTHERMORE I WAS REFUSED THE RIGHT BVTO SPEAK TO MANAGEMENT PERSON. SINCE MY VEHICLE CAN'T BE ALIGN, I HAVE A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292068
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2009
Exterior Lighting
I OWN A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD ISSUES WITH THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ON AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. I HAVE NOTICED A RECALL LISTED ON THE MODEL I OWN FOR THE PART. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS RECALL. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY 3 TIMES BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY SWITCH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292010
57,000 miles · Nov 3, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
CAR ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WHEN IT DOES BRAKES DON,T WORK ACTS LIKE ANTI LOCK BAD HAS JUST HARD PEDAL CAR WILL ACCELERATE UNTIL IT DECIDES TO STOP LAST TIME UP TO 105 MPH FOR ABOUT 20 MILES IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE ON HIGH WAY 3-4 TIMES IN CITY TOOK CAR TO DEALER THEY SAID IT COULD BE TRANS CONTROL MODULE OR ENGINE CONTROL …
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CAR ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WHEN IT DOES BRAKES DON,T WORK ACTS LIKE ANTI LOCK BAD HAS JUST HARD PEDAL CAR WILL ACCELERATE UNTIL IT DECIDES TO STOP LAST TIME UP TO 105 MPH FOR ABOUT 20 MILES IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE ON HIGH WAY 3-4 TIMES IN CITY TOOK CAR TO DEALER THEY SAID IT COULD BE TRANS CONTROL MODULE OR ENGINE CONTROL MODULE THEY REPLACED TRANS CONTROL MODULE TOLD ME CAR WAS FIXED . I ASKED THEM HOW DO THEY KNOW ITS REALLY FIXED BECAUSE ITS A INTERMITTENT PROBLEM . THEY ASSURED ME ITS FIXED I CALLED SUZUKI TO SEE HOW TO BE ASSURED ITS FIXED BECAUSE MY 17 YR OLD DAUGHTER DRIVES THE CAR THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT AND LET THEM KNOW IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, SO I THOUGHT WELL LETS SEE IF SOMEONE CAN GET KILLED AND DROVE CAR AS THEY SAID CAR WAS OK FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS WELL MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING CAR AGAIN AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN THIS TIME IN CITY SHE HAD TO RUN 3 RED LIGHTS AND FINALLY GOT CAR TO STOP THE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT PERSON AT SUZUKI TOLD ME THAT IF A SERIOUS INJURY ACCRUED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT THEY WOULD LET THE INSURANCE COMPANY WORK IT OUT, I ASKED SO WHAT DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO GET KILLED BEFORE YOU WILL DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE ( THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE ). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10290886
91,000 miles · Sep 17, 2009
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA AND TOOK IT IN FOR A SAFETY RECALL ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP DID THE RECALL BUT SAID THE WIRES WERE BURNT SO BAD THAT IT AFFECTED THE HIGH BEAM SIDE. NOW THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN PERFORMED, NONE OF THE LIGHTS WORK CREATING A BIGGER SAFETY HAZARD THAN BEFORE…
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I HAVE A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA AND TOOK IT IN FOR A SAFETY RECALL ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP DID THE RECALL BUT SAID THE WIRES WERE BURNT SO BAD THAT IT AFFECTED THE HIGH BEAM SIDE. NOW THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN PERFORMED, NONE OF THE LIGHTS WORK CREATING A BIGGER SAFETY HAZARD THAN BEFORE. THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT NIGHT AT ALL . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10284392
49,000 miles · Dec 30, 2008
Exterior Lighting
2004 SUZUKI FORENZA TURN SIGNAL AND FLASHERS FAILED. WHILE DRIVING NO RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS SPECIFIC DEFECT. MECHANIC UNABLE TO FIND SOURCE OF PROBLEM. CAR NEVER IN A MVA, ONLY 49,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10253287
43,000 miles · Nov 5, 2008
Air BagsCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MODERATE DAMAGES AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, BUT WAS REFERRED TO HER INSURANCE AGENCY. THE CONTACT HAS A COPY OF THE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MODERATE DAMAGES AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. SHE CALLED THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, BUT WAS REFERRED TO HER INSURANCE AGENCY. THE CONTACT HAS A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES OF THE FAILED INCIDENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 43,000.
NHTSA ODI #10247768
60,000 miles · May 19, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling
I PURCHASED A NEW 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA IN JULY OF 2004. I MUST SAY IT'S BEEN OK. IN APRIL OF 2008, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. I TOOK IT TO HAVE IT SERVICED AT JIFFY LUBE, AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC WITH A COMPUTER TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM AS IT COULD BE A NUMBER OF THINGS. I TOOK IT TO A …
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I PURCHASED A NEW 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA IN JULY OF 2004. I MUST SAY IT'S BEEN OK. IN APRIL OF 2008, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. I TOOK IT TO HAVE IT SERVICED AT JIFFY LUBE, AND THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC WITH A COMPUTER TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM AS IT COULD BE A NUMBER OF THINGS. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC SHOP, WAS TOLD THE COOLANT WAS LOW, AND THEY SAW A SPOT ON THE ENGINE AND MAYBE THE ENGINE WAS SUCKING UP THE COOLANT, TO BRING IT BACK IN 2 WEEKS AND THEY WOULD CHECK THIS. IN THE MEANTIME I THOUGHT THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND TOOK IT TO A SUZUKI DEALER AFTER I HEARD THE WORDS COULD BE AN ENGINE PROBLEM. THE SUZUKI REPAIR SHOP INITIALLY SAID, THE CAR NEEDED A COMPUTER UPDATE, AND THIS WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. THE SAME DAY, I PICKED THE CAR UP, AND IT WAS DRIVING WORSE THAN BEFORE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CAR WAS NOT STARTING IN THE MORNING . I TOOK THE CAR IN AGAIN, THE NEXT WEEK, PAID $244.00 FOR A $20.00 PART, THEY KEPT THE CAR 3 DAYS, (WAITING THE $20.00 PART TO COME IN SUPPOSEDLY), PICKED THE CAR UP ON FRIDAY 5/16, SUNDAY 5/18, SAME PROBLEM BACK AGAIN, CALLED SUZUKI DEALERSHIP, WAS TOLD TO BRING CAR BACK IN AND THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. IN THE MEANTIME MY EXTENDED WARRANTY IS NOW EXPIRED (OR COURSE) AND I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET FOR OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MODEL CAR AND READ 7 PRIOR COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEMS. MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS MENTIONED NO ONE COULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. IT APPEARS THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAPPENS BEFORE THE PAYOFF OF THE CAR, AND IT NO ONE CAN FIND THE PROBLEM, HOW IS THE CONSUMER TO HANDLE THE PROBLEM. THE PRIOR COMPLAINTS ALSO NOTED THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP 4 OR 5 TIMES, STILL NO SOLUTIONS. WITH OUR ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS TODAY, ISSUES WITH OUR CARS JUST ADD TO THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIX/ADVISE/CONSULT OR SOMETHING ABOUT HOW TO GET THIS ISSUE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND CAR NOT STARTING IN THE MORNING RESOLVED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228171
81,000 miles · Mar 10, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior LightingInterior LightingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE LIGHT SWITCH ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BEGAN SMOKING WHEN IT WAS TURNED ON. THE STEERING SUSTAINED BURNS. ON NOVEMBER 20, 2007, THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER FOR THREE WEEKS. SHE RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 15, 2007 AND RETURNED TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY. CURREN…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE LIGHT SWITCH ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BEGAN SMOKING WHEN IT WAS TURNED ON. THE STEERING SUSTAINED BURNS. ON NOVEMBER 20, 2007, THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER FOR THREE WEEKS. SHE RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 15, 2007 AND RETURNED TO THE DEALER THE FOLLOWING DAY. CURRENTLY, WHEN THE LIGHT SWITCH IS TURNED OFF, IT WOULD COME BACK ON. THE DEALER HAD THE VEHICLE UNTIL JANUARY 16, 2008. THE VEHICLE WENT BACK TO THE DEALER ON JANUARY 27, OR 28, 2007 BECAUSE THE SWITCH WAS NOT WORKING. NONE OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL OR EXTERIOR LIGHTS WERE WORKING. SHE RECEIVED THE VEHICLE BACK ON FEBRUARY 10, 2008 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS THE HARNESS IN THE SWITCH AND THE WIRES. THEY DID THE WIRING. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY WITH THE DEALER AND HAS BEEN THERE SINCE FEBRUARY 10, 2008. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY ARE STILL TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V452000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) WAS REFERENCED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,791 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
NHTSA ODI #10220694
50,000 miles · Feb 12, 2008
Electrical SystemPower Train
CAR HAS TROUBLE STARTING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. JULY 2007 TOOK CAR IN WITH 'HARD START" PROBLEM. THEY FOUND RESONATOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACING. THAT REPAIR WAS DONE ON AUGUST 3, 2007. CAR RAN FOR APPROX. 2 MONTHS AND WE TOOK IT BACK IN OCTOBER WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND THE SAME "HARD START"…
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CAR HAS TROUBLE STARTING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. JULY 2007 TOOK CAR IN WITH 'HARD START" PROBLEM. THEY FOUND RESONATOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACING. THAT REPAIR WAS DONE ON AUGUST 3, 2007. CAR RAN FOR APPROX. 2 MONTHS AND WE TOOK IT BACK IN OCTOBER WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND THE SAME "HARD START" PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE STARTER OCTOBER 18, 2007 AND STATED IT WAS ARCING TO HIGH. TOOK CAR BACK OCTOBER 21, 2007 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. OCTOBER 26, 2007 THE ECU COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. TOOK CAR BACK TO SHOP OCTOBER 29, 2007 WITH THE SAME "HARD START" PROBLEM. MOVED THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP NOVEMBER 7, 2007 AS NO ONE WAS WORKING ON THE CAR. THIS WAS SUGGESTED BY THE CORPORATION. A REPAIR WAS DONE ON THE CAR. DECEMBER 13, 2007 TOOK CAR BACK TO THIS DEALERSHIP WITH THE SAME "HARD START" PROBLEM. THEY CHECKED THE CODE AND RESET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DECEMBER 18, 2007 RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS. JANUARY 25, 2008 THE CAR IS HAVING THE SAME "HARD START" PROBLEM AND IS SITTING IN THE YARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10217841
Official recalls
5May 19, 2014
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Aug 14, 2012
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:headlights
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.
Consequence: 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.
Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash
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.
Consequence: 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.
Sep 25, 2007
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jan 28, 2005
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BECOME MISADJUSTED IF AN UPWARD/REARWARD FORCE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHTS, INCLUDING THE HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP, TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY WITHOUT BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION, WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE ON OR OFF POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON CONTINUOUSLY WHILE DRIVING,A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN YOUR BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO DISCHARGE THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY, AND, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH, CRUISE CONTROL AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, IF EQUIPPED, WILL BECOME DISABLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 16, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
Oct 29, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS, THE DUAL STAGE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYS IN AN IMPROPER SEQUENCE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYS IMPROPERLY DURING A FRONTAL VEHICLE CRASH, THE DRIVER COULD BE SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADAPTING WIRING HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 30, 2003, TO VERONA VEHICLE OWNERS. ALL FORENZA VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED AT THE PORT OF ENTRY. THERE ARE NO OWNER NOTIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE FORENZA MODEL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗