Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
120–25K
625–50K
1150–75K
575–100K
6100–150K
0150K+
40 reports with mileage · 23 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Exterior Lighting. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports5 fire reports3 injury reports
What owners actually said
63 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2005
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE REVVED, IT WAS RACING, AND THE RPM GAUGE RAN HIGHER THAN NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE AT ANY SPEED. THERE WILL BE A LOSS OF POWER, AND THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN POWER WENT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHI…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE REVVED, IT WAS RACING, AND THE RPM GAUGE RAN HIGHER THAN NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE AT ANY SPEED. THERE WILL BE A LOSS OF POWER, AND THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN POWER WENT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THE ECM HAD TO BE REFLASHED. DEALER DID THE WORK. THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE THEN. *AK ENGINE CHECK LIHT CAME ON, AND VEHICLE SEEMED TO RUN HIGHER WHEN COLD OUTSIDE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10141898
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2005
Seat BeltsCrashInjury
ON 7/14/04 MY DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO BUCKLE A REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT IN A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. SEAT BELT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO BUCKLE, AND SHE MOVED TO ANOTHER LOCATION IN VEHICLE. ON 7/16/04 SHE WAS AGAIN A REAR PASSENGER IN SAME VEHICLE. AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED BY FAULT OF A RED LIGHT RUNNER. SHE WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICL…
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ON 7/14/04 MY DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO BUCKLE A REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT IN A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. SEAT BELT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO BUCKLE, AND SHE MOVED TO ANOTHER LOCATION IN VEHICLE. ON 7/16/04 SHE WAS AGAIN A REAR PASSENGER IN SAME VEHICLE. AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED BY FAULT OF A RED LIGHT RUNNER. SHE WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. WITNESS AND MY DAUGHTER STATE SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO ONCE AGAIN CHANGE SEATS AS THE SEAT BELT WAS DIFFICULT TO LATCH (RIGHT REAR PASSENGER SIDE). THIS VEHICLE WAS TOTALED IN ACCIDENT AND IS NO LONGER IN USE. VEHICLE WAS OWNED BY A FRIEND. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10130646
85 miles · Jun 9, 2005
Power TrainStructure
DT: CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAREND. NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVETRAIN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. DEALER COULD FIND NO PROBLEM , CONSUMER TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK. THEN, DEALER SAID PROBLEM WAS COMING FROM THE FIREWALL OR THE ASHTRAY, THE SECOND TIME, AFTER THE VE…
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DT: CONSUMER'S VEHICLE REAREND. NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVETRAIN. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. DEALER COULD FIND NO PROBLEM , CONSUMER TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK. THEN, DEALER SAID PROBLEM WAS COMING FROM THE FIREWALL OR THE ASHTRAY, THE SECOND TIME, AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP BY THE CONSUMER, DID NOT RECEIVE PAPER WORK, WHEN CONSUMER RECEIVED PAPER WORK IT STATEDTHAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE RUSTED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10124853
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2005
Structure
I PURCHASED A SUZUKI FORENZA 9/2004. THE MAIN REASON I PURCHASED IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE MPGS. IT WAS SOLD AS 22-28 MPG. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED BETTER THAN 17 MPGS UNDER ANY CONDITIONS!!!! THIS IS NOT EVEN CLOSE. IT IS ALSO A 4 CYLINDER. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, AND STATED THAT THEY ARE GETTING A LOT OF COMPLAINTS. THEY STATED T…
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I PURCHASED A SUZUKI FORENZA 9/2004. THE MAIN REASON I PURCHASED IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE MPGS. IT WAS SOLD AS 22-28 MPG. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED BETTER THAN 17 MPGS UNDER ANY CONDITIONS!!!! THIS IS NOT EVEN CLOSE. IT IS ALSO A 4 CYLINDER. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, AND STATED THAT THEY ARE GETTING A LOT OF COMPLAINTS. THEY STATED THE GOVERNMENT FIXES THESE MPG'S-DOESN'T THAT MEAN THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE TO MEET THESE GUIDELINES. WITH GAS PRICES WHAT THEY ARE, THIS CAR IS NO LINGER FUEL ECONOMIC. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10116798
5,000 miles · Apr 1, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH CONSMER HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. ALSO, IT WAS HARD TO DOWN SHIFT THE GEARS. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10117248
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2005
Power Train
DRIVER NOTICED THAT WHILE SHIFTING THE CLUTCH A LOUD WINDING SOUND CAME FROM THE FRONT. THE CLUTCH FAILED. DRIVER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CLUTCH HOUSING ASSEMBLY BELL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10115905
Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2005
Air BagsEngine And Engine Cooling
THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN ON ITS OWN. THE AIR BAG CHECK LIGHT IMMEDIATELY TURNED ON AFTER THIS OCCURRED. MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED BY CONSUMER. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10113036
15,400 miles · Feb 18, 2005
Parking BrakeService Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED A GRINDING NOISE FROM THE BRAKES IS PRODUCED. THE DEALER STATES THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE RETURNED THE VEHICLE 7 TIMES FOR SERVICE ON THE REAR WHEELS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND…
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WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED A GRINDING NOISE FROM THE BRAKES IS PRODUCED. THE DEALER STATES THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE RETURNED THE VEHICLE 7 TIMES FOR SERVICE ON THE REAR WHEELS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TC
NHTSA ODI #10107359
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE CHECK ENGINE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND RODE ROUGHLY. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CAP WAS NOT SCREWED ON PROPERLY. THIS CAUSED AIR TO ESCAPE INTO THE CAP. DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM OC…
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THE CHECK ENGINE APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND RODE ROUGHLY. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE CAP WAS NOT SCREWED ON PROPERLY. THIS CAUSED AIR TO ESCAPE INTO THE CAP. DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE, AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10110913
200 miles · Jan 17, 2005
Exterior Lighting
MY 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA BEGAN JERKING UPON COMING TO A STOP. THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY BRAKE SWITCH. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE PART WAS BACK ORDERED SO THE BRAKE SWITCH WAS TAKEN OFF A NEW FORENZA. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK JUST THIS PA…
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MY 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA BEGAN JERKING UPON COMING TO A STOP. THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY BRAKE SWITCH. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE PART WAS BACK ORDERED SO THE BRAKE SWITCH WAS TAKEN OFF A NEW FORENZA. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK JUST THIS PAST FRIDAY AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO JERK UPON COMING TO A STOP. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER TODAY FOR THE FOURTH TIME AND HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE THE LAST TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE ME WITH ANY INFORMATION THAT YOU MAY HAVE AS I'M BECOMING VERY FRUSTRATED WILL THIS PROBLEM SEEING THAT I BROUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW. MY NEXT COMPLAINT WILL BE WITH THE DEPARTMNET OF MOTOR VEHICLE. THANK YOU. *JB
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
PE07039 · Headlight / Drl Malfunction
Opened Jul 24, 2007 · Closed Oct 2, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2007, SUZUKI NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL RECALL MODEL YEARS 2004 -2006 FORENZA AND RENO VEHICLES TO CORRECT A DEFECT THAT CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF HEADLIGHT AND/OR DRL FUNCTION.THIS RECALL AFFECTS 93,963 VEHICLES.NHTSA ASSIGNED NUMBER 07V-452 FOR THIS RECALL.NHTSA'S INVESTIGATION INITIALLY FOCUSED ON 2005 FORENZAS, THEN EXPANDED IT TO 2004-2005 FORENZAS (TOTAL OF 58,448 VEHICLES). SUZUKI BROADENED THE RECALL SCOPE TO COVER 2004-2006 FORENZAS & RENOS (93,963 VEHICLES).THE WIRING HARNESS BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTAINS A SPLICE PACK TO CONNECT THE POWER CIRCUIT WIRES FOR LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL).INCREASED RESISTANCE DUE TO POOR CONTACT BETWEEN TERMINALS CAN GENERATE HEAT WHICH CAN LEAD TO MELTING OF THE SPLICE PACK IN THE AREA OF WIRES AND THE LOSS OF HEADLIGHT AND/OR DRL FUNCTION. FOR THE REMEDY, DEALERS WILL SPLICE THE POWER CIRCUIT WIRES FOR THE LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS AND DRLS FREE OF CHARGE.SUZUKI'S RECALL CAMPAIGN (MANUFACTURER RECALL NO. NB) IS EXPECTED TO START AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2007.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
2004 Suzuki Forenza Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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