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2005 Suzuki Forenza

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 156.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

124 reports with mileage · 32 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports7 fire reports7 injury reports

What owners actually said

156 reports
18,377 miles · Apr 2, 2007
Air Bags

WE'VE TAKEN OUR CAR IN AT LEAST 3 TIMES BEGINNING IN FEB 2006 BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. WHEN WE TAKE IT IN, THE RESET SOMETHING AND THE LIGHT GOES OFF FOR A COUPLE MONTHS THEN COMES BACK ON. NOW WE'RE OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE US TO FIX IT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10186720

30,000 miles · Mar 12, 2007
Electrical System

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. ONLY HIGH BEAMS WORK. ALL FUSES GOOD, REPLACED BULBS, STILL GOOD AND TO THIS DAY STILL UNFIXED. NO SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN JONESBORO ARKANSAS TO TEST ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO FIND OUT WHY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DO NOT OPERATE. NO RUNNING DAY LIGHTS EITHER. DAY LIGHT SWITCH SAYS ON BUT IS NOT ON. CONTINUING P…

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LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. ONLY HIGH BEAMS WORK. ALL FUSES GOOD, REPLACED BULBS, STILL GOOD AND TO THIS DAY STILL UNFIXED. NO SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN JONESBORO ARKANSAS TO TEST ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO FIND OUT WHY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DO NOT OPERATE. NO RUNNING DAY LIGHTS EITHER. DAY LIGHT SWITCH SAYS ON BUT IS NOT ON. CONTINUING PROBLEM AND DO NOT DRIVE CAR AT NIGHT. *JB EMAIL INTERVIEW UPDATE (MAY 7, 2007):THE DEALER HAD TO TAKE THE DASHBOARD APART AND GET TO THE WIRING BEHIND THE FIREWALL. (THE AREA BEHIND THE GAUGES). THE LOW BEAM WIRING WAS BURNT AS WAS THE PLASTIC HARNESS SUZUKI USED TO KEEP THE WIRES TOGETHER. THE WIRING FOR THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS WAS CUT AND REATTACHED OUTSIDE THE HARNESS. THE MECHANIC HAD TO CALL SUZUKI TECHNICAL SERVICE TO DISCOVER THIS, AS THE DEALER ORDERED A LIGHT SWITCH ASSEMBLY FOR MY CAR. IT WAS REPLACED BUT STILL NO LIGHTS SO THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED SUZUKI KNOWS OF THIS BUT BECAUSE NO DAMAGE HAS BEEN REPORTED THEY DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL OF HARNESS. MY HARNESS WOULD OF CAUGHT THE CAR ON FIRE BECAUSE IT WAS BURNT AND MELTED. THE DEALER WAS VERY HELPFUL BUT DID NOT STATE ON INVOICE THE AREA THEY REALLY FIXED AND CHARGED SUZUKI WITH THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY FIXTURE ONLY. THE LIGHTS WORK FINE NOW BUT I WANDER IF THE OTHER WIRES ATTACHED TO THIS AREA WILL DO THE SAME THING.

NHTSA ODI #10184870

12,500 miles · Feb 6, 2007
Power Train

TRANSMISION COMPUTER FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY AT A MOUTAIN. CARS TEMP. WENT HIGH. VEHICLE WAS STUCK IN 4 GEAR. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10181742

53,000 miles · Jan 27, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSteering

THIS IS A ROUGH DRAFT OF THE LETTER I WILL BE SENDING TO SUZUKI: I BOUGHT MY SUZUKI FORENZA IN FEBRUARY OF 2005. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR THREE TIMES TO SUZUKI OF WEST BROWARD FOR AN OIL LEAK. THE FIRST TIME THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD AN AFTERMARKET OIL FILTER (FROM MEINEKE). I HAD MY DOUBTS THAT THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. I AUTHORIZED THAT…

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THIS IS A ROUGH DRAFT OF THE LETTER I WILL BE SENDING TO SUZUKI: I BOUGHT MY SUZUKI FORENZA IN FEBRUARY OF 2005. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR THREE TIMES TO SUZUKI OF WEST BROWARD FOR AN OIL LEAK. THE FIRST TIME THEY TOLD ME THAT I HAD AN AFTERMARKET OIL FILTER (FROM MEINEKE). I HAD MY DOUBTS THAT THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. I AUTHORIZED THAT THEY CHANGE THE OIL FILTER. WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR HOME IT WAS STILL LEAKING. I WAS CHARGED $28.04 FOR THE SERVICE THAT DIDN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A POROUS OIL PAN. I WAS NOT REFUNDED (NOR OFFERED TO BE REFUNDED) MY $28.04 FOR THE OIL CHANGE AND FILTER CHANGE. THE PARTS WERE NOT IN STOCK AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD ARRIVE THE SAME WEEK. THEY ARRIVED THE FOLLOWING TUESDAY AFTERNOON. THE OIL PAN WAS REPLACED. THE CAR WAS STILL LEAKING OIL. I TOOK IT A THIRD TIME AND THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. BESIDES THE OIL LEAK, THE POWER STEERING HAS BEEN MAKING A HUMMING SOUND WHEN I WOULD TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS PROBLEM I TOOK TO BILL SEIDLES SUZUKI IN MIAMI. I WAS TOLD THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS DIRTY. THIS SEEMED TO WORK FOR SOME TIME BUT NOW THERE IS STILL A LOWER HUM. BEFORE THESE TWO SETBACKS, THERE WERE MINOR PROBLEMS THAT AROSE AFTER THE 36,000 MILE BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. A BULB WENT OUT IN THE DASH AND THE FOG-LIGHT BULBS WOULD CONTINUOUSLY BURN OUT. I BELIEVE THIS IS A GROUNDING PROBLEM IN THE CAR THAT PRODUCES INTERFERENCE ON THE RADIO DIRECTLY RELATED TO MY ACCELERATION OF THE CAR. AFTER THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNING THIS CAR, IT HAS BEEN PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE SERVICE CENTERS FOR SUZUKI IN SOUTH FLORIDA ARE OF THE POOREST QUALITY. THERE IS NO ATTENTION AND IT SEEMS THAT PARTS ARE NEVER AVAILABLE AT THE FACILITIES FOR REPAIRS. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF SUZUKI AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE OF THE COMPANY.

NHTSA ODI #10180894

14,000 miles · Nov 15, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 10 MPH, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. ON 11/15/06, THE SERVICE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE BROUGHT IN FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORN DOWN BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 10 MPH, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. ON 11/15/06, THE SERVICE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE BROUGHT IN FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKES WERE WORN DOWN BY THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THAT EVEN IF THE PADS WERE WORN DOWN, THE DEALER NEEDED TO CHECK TO SEE IF THE MANUFACTURER OF THE PADS WAS PRODUCING DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 14000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #10173579

14,000 miles · Oct 18, 2006
Air Bags

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHICH WAS CONNECTED TO A SCANNER TO RETRIEVE CODES; B1382, PASS SIDE INJ. AND RESET TO 0 HIGH. THERE WERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS PERFORMED AT THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT R…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHICH WAS CONNECTED TO A SCANNER TO RETRIEVE CODES; B1382, PASS SIDE INJ. AND RESET TO 0 HIGH. THERE WERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS PERFORMED AT THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ANOTHER SERVICE DEALERSHIP. THE SECOND DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE RESISTANCE WAS TOO HIGH. THE TERMINALS WERE CLEANED AND THE CABLE TIES UNDER THE SEATS WERE REMOVED. AFTER THE SECOND REPAIR, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. WHEN THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER SERVICE DEALER. THE THIRD DEALER IMPLEMENTED A TEMPORARY REPAIR REMEDY, WHICH WAS UNKNOWN. AFTER THE THIRD REPAIR, THE AIR BAG REMAINED OFF.

NHTSA ODI #10171225

3,465 miles · Oct 17, 2006
Electrical System

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION, THERE WAS NO ENGINE RESPONSE. THE PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED 3 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER TWICE FOR SERVICE. ON THE FIRST VISIT, THE ONBOARD COMPUTER WAS RESET. ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT, SO NOTHING …

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION, THERE WAS NO ENGINE RESPONSE. THE PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED 3 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER TWICE FOR SERVICE. ON THE FIRST VISIT, THE ONBOARD COMPUTER WAS RESET. ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT, SO NOTHING WAS DONE, AS THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE RECREATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE MODEL OF THE VEHICLE WAS A FORENZA. UPDATED 11/3/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ODI #10171070

1 miles · Sep 18, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

I TRIED TO RENEW MY TAGS BUT WAS DENIED PENDING VERIFICATION OF COMPLETION OF MANUFACTURERS RECALL. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW FROM A DEALER 09/05. I CALLED SUZUKI WITH THE VIN. THEY HAD ALL THE CORRECT INFORMATION ON RECORD BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL WHICH EFFECTS THE SMOG SYSTEM OF MY CAR. THEY TOLD ME ON THE PHONE TH…

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I TRIED TO RENEW MY TAGS BUT WAS DENIED PENDING VERIFICATION OF COMPLETION OF MANUFACTURERS RECALL. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW FROM A DEALER 09/05. I CALLED SUZUKI WITH THE VIN. THEY HAD ALL THE CORRECT INFORMATION ON RECORD BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS RECALL WHICH EFFECTS THE SMOG SYSTEM OF MY CAR. THEY TOLD ME ON THE PHONE THERE IS AN "OPEN RECALL" ON MY 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA, RECALL #DG. IT INVOLVES THE FUEL VAPOR VALVES, SO OBVIOUSLY CALIFORNIA WON'T ISSUE ME TAGS UNTIL IT IS FIXED. YOU DON'T EVEN LIST THIS RECALL ON YOUR SITE AND YOU ARE THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE US GOVERNMENT! WHY DO YOU NOT LIST IT? SUZUKI TOLD ME TO CHECK YOUR SITE TO CONFIRM THE RECALL. I CAN'T TRUST EITHER SUZUKI OR THE NHTSA? PLEASE RESEARCH THIS AND UPDATE YOUR SITE TODAY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10168556

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2006
Air BagsCrashInjury

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONTAL AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS WHEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 10 MPH, IT WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT LEFT SIDE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR AND DRY. THERE WERE TWO PERSONS INJURED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK, CHEST AND…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONTAL AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS WHEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 10 MPH, IT WAS STRUCK ON THE FRONT LEFT SIDE. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR AND DRY. THERE WERE TWO PERSONS INJURED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK, CHEST AND BACK. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, KNEE AND STOMACH INJURIES. BOTH WORE SEAT BELTS AND WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND AND PICTURES WERE TAKEN.

NHTSA ODI #10168136

17,437 miles · Sep 5, 2006
Air BagsElectrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

SUZUKI AUTOMOTIVE OF CERRITOS AND SANTA ANA HAVE FAILED TO TIMELY REPAIR AND/OR INSTALL DAMAGED/DEFECTIVE PARTS ON MY 2005 FORENZA. DEFECTIVE/DAMAGED PARTS INCLUDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES, AIR BAG HARNESS/WIRING, AC KNOBS, STEREO BUTTONS ATTACHED TO STEERING WHEEL. FURTHER, SUZUKI HAS FAILED TO PROPERLY CORRESPOND WITH ME CONCERNI…

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SUZUKI AUTOMOTIVE OF CERRITOS AND SANTA ANA HAVE FAILED TO TIMELY REPAIR AND/OR INSTALL DAMAGED/DEFECTIVE PARTS ON MY 2005 FORENZA. DEFECTIVE/DAMAGED PARTS INCLUDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES, AIR BAG HARNESS/WIRING, AC KNOBS, STEREO BUTTONS ATTACHED TO STEERING WHEEL. FURTHER, SUZUKI HAS FAILED TO PROPERLY CORRESPOND WITH ME CONCERNING THESE ISSUES. MOST CONTACTS WERE INITIATED BY ME. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10167380

Official recalls

3

14V262000 · 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.

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.