IllustrationCONSUMER'S VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT AT 20 MPH. UPON IMPACT,AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER WILL CONTACT MANUFACTURER.*AK
2004 Suzuki Forenza
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2004 Suzuki Forenza do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 156.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Forenza years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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 reportsTIRES OF NEW SUZUKI FORENZA WORE PREMATURELY. CAR HYDROPLANED ON A NIGHT WHEN IT WAS DRIZZLING AT A SPEED OF APPROX 35 MPH DURING LIGHT BRAKING INTO A SHALLOW CORNER. THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR LEAVING THE ROADWAY OUT OF CONTROL AND OVERTURNING. DRIVER WAS SHAKEN BUT APPARENTLY UNINJURED ALTHOUGH IS UNDER CARE OF A PHYSICIAN AS…
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TIRES OF NEW SUZUKI FORENZA WORE PREMATURELY. CAR HYDROPLANED ON A NIGHT WHEN IT WAS DRIZZLING AT A SPEED OF APPROX 35 MPH DURING LIGHT BRAKING INTO A SHALLOW CORNER. THIS RESULTED IN THE CAR LEAVING THE ROADWAY OUT OF CONTROL AND OVERTURNING. DRIVER WAS SHAKEN BUT APPARENTLY UNINJURED ALTHOUGH IS UNDER CARE OF A PHYSICIAN AS A RESULT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED DUE TO THE ROLLOVER. *AK
I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS REALLY A DEFECT OR NOT, BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. MY CAR WAS LEGALLY PARKED ON THE STREET WHEN IT WAS TOTALED BY A DRUNK DRIVER GOING 70 MPH IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION. SOME HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT DEPLOY BECAUSE THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION, BUT OTHERS (INCLUDING THE BODY SHOP OWN…
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I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS REALLY A DEFECT OR NOT, BUT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. MY CAR WAS LEGALLY PARKED ON THE STREET WHEN IT WAS TOTALED BY A DRUNK DRIVER GOING 70 MPH IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION. SOME HAVE TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT DEPLOY BECAUSE THE KEY WAS NOT IN THE IGNITION, BUT OTHERS (INCLUDING THE BODY SHOP OWNER) CLAIM THAT I HAD A FAULTY AIRBAG SENSOR ON MY CAR. IF THIS IS A DEFECT, I WANT THE SUZUKI MANUFACTURER TO KNOW ABOUT IT SO THAT NO ONE WILL GET HURT. IF NOT, JUST DISREGARD THIS MESSAGE. I FEEL STRONGLY THAT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MANUFACTURING GLITCH. MY NEW CAR HAD MANY ASSEMBLY LINE GLITCHES WHEN I BOUGHT IT NEW IN JULY OF THIS YEAR. FOR INSTANCE, THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD CONSTANTLY SWITCH ON AND OFF EVEN WHEN MY FOOT WAS NOWHERE NEAR THE BRAKE OR IF THE CAR WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. ALSO, A FEW DAYS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE, THE ALIGNMENT WAS SO BAD THAT I ALMOST FLEW OFF THE FREEWAY INTO A CONCRETE GUARD RAIL. THESE PROBLEMS WERE ALL SAFETY ISSUES. THEY BOTHERED ME SO MUCH THAT I DOUBT I WILL EVER BUY ANOTHER SUZUKI AGAIN. *AK
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED ALTHOUGH THE PEDAL WAS RELEASED. *NM THE PROBLEM ALSO DRAINED THE BATTERY. *JB
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER HIT A CURB, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, AND HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES, BUT REFUSED TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
WHILE DRIVING PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL UNEXPECTEDLY SHEARED OFF. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A CURB. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED ARM AND SHOULDER INJURIES, AND WENT TO THE HOSPITAL LATER. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE. *AK
THE CAR JUST DIES ON US IN TRAFFIC FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND THEN WE HAVE TO LET IT SET FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND IT WILL START RIGTH BACK UP. WE HAVE HAD IT IN AT THE DEALERS TO BE FIXED ON 2 DIFFERENT OCASSIONS AND THEY HOOK IT UP TO THEIR DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS AND IT SHOWS NO DEFECTS.THEY SAID THEY THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE CR…
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THE CAR JUST DIES ON US IN TRAFFIC FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND THEN WE HAVE TO LET IT SET FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND IT WILL START RIGTH BACK UP. WE HAVE HAD IT IN AT THE DEALERS TO BE FIXED ON 2 DIFFERENT OCASSIONS AND THEY HOOK IT UP TO THEIR DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS AND IT SHOWS NO DEFECTS.THEY SAID THEY THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL THEY HAD INSTALLED AFTERMARKET. SO THEY REMOVED THAT AND TOLD US IT WAS FIXED. THE VERY NEXT DAY IT STARTED DYING ON US AGAIN.*AK
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA FROM A SUZUKI DEALER IN TUCSON ARIZONA ON 05/21/04. FROM THE FIRST DAY WE DID NOT FEEL THAT A/C WAS WORKING CORRECTLY AND WAS COOLING AFTER A APPROX 30 MIN DRIVE. I BOUGHT A TEMP GAUGE TO CHECK THE VENT TEMP AND THE READING WILL NOT GO LOWER THEN 50F. ALL DRIVER'S SHOULD KNOW THAT A NICE …
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I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA FROM A SUZUKI DEALER IN TUCSON ARIZONA ON 05/21/04. FROM THE FIRST DAY WE DID NOT FEEL THAT A/C WAS WORKING CORRECTLY AND WAS COOLING AFTER A APPROX 30 MIN DRIVE. I BOUGHT A TEMP GAUGE TO CHECK THE VENT TEMP AND THE READING WILL NOT GO LOWER THEN 50F. ALL DRIVER'S SHOULD KNOW THAT A NICE COLD A/C SHOULD REACH 40F AT ITS BEST PERFORMANCE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FREON WAS LOW AND HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THE A/C WORKED GOOD FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND STARTED PERFORMING THE SAME AS BEFORE. SECOND TIME, I TOOK THE DEALER TECHNICIAN WITH HIS DIGITAL TEMP READER ON A DRIVE. THE OUTSIDE TEMP WAS 106F AND THE VENT TEMP WAS 48F. PLEASE NOTE WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR WAS RUNNING FOR MORE THEN 30 MINS. DEALERSHIP REFERRED TO THE SUZUKI TECH LINE AND TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE A/C. THERE EXPLANATION WAS THAT IF THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS 99F THEN THE VENT TEMP SHOULD BE HIGHER THEN 50F AND AS IT WAS 106F OUTSIDE, YOUR A/C IS WORKING FINE. THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE A SHODDY, CHEAP AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. PLEASE CHECK ALL ITEMS ON THE CAR PRIOR TO BUYING A SUZUKI AUTOMOBILE. *JB
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN. *MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE COMPUTER. *SC *JB
Official recalls
514V262000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights
May 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.
12V397000 · Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Exterior Lighting:headlights
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.
07V452000 · Exterior Lighting
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.
05V022000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
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.
03V426000 · Air Bags:frontal
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE07039 · 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.