NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
156 reports130,000 miles · Feb 2, 2017
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE 2 SUZUKI FORENZAS OF THIS MODEL YEAR. ONE HAD A RECALL ON THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (XA RECALL). ONE OF THE SYMPTOMS WAS THE HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. FINALLY HAD IT DONE (HAD TO DRIVE 2 PLUS HOURS TO FIND A DEALER WHO COULD DO THIS BECAUSE OF IT'S ORPHAN STATUS). NOW THE SECOND FORENZA HAS THE SAM…
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I HAVE 2 SUZUKI FORENZAS OF THIS MODEL YEAR. ONE HAD A RECALL ON THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (XA RECALL). ONE OF THE SYMPTOMS WAS THE HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. FINALLY HAD IT DONE (HAD TO DRIVE 2 PLUS HOURS TO FIND A DEALER WHO COULD DO THIS BECAUSE OF IT'S ORPHAN STATUS). NOW THE SECOND FORENZA HAS THE SAME THING HAPPENING YET SOMEHOW IT'S NOT A PART OF THIS RECALL......THIS SEEMS TO BE A MISTAKE AND I AM STATING THAT OTHER VEHICLES THAN THE ORIGINAL GROUP ARE AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM. PROBLEM HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING WITH THE REGULAR HEADLIGHTS ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10949103
175,000 miles · Jul 25, 2016
Air BagsEnginePower Train
I BOUGHT A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THESE CARS ARE SO HAZARDOUS. ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER MY PURCHASE, THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT INTO REVERSE ON THE HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET IT OUT OF REVERSE AND COAST TO THE SHOULDER. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THIS IS AN ONGOING DEFECT THAT, AND THAT THERE…
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I BOUGHT A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. I HAD NO IDEA THAT THESE CARS ARE SO HAZARDOUS. ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER MY PURCHASE, THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT INTO REVERSE ON THE HIGHWAY IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET IT OUT OF REVERSE AND COAST TO THE SHOULDER. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THIS IS AN ONGOING DEFECT THAT, AND THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT SUZUKI HAS BEEN MADE AWARE BUT SITS BACK AND DOES NOTHING ABOUT IT. THIS CAR HAS THE POTENTIAL OF BEING DEADLY AND NEEDS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE MARKET SO THAT PEOPLE LIKE ME AREN'T FORCED TO DRIVE SOMETHING SO UNSAFE. I CAN'T AFFORD THE COSTLY REPAIRS AND I CAN'T SELL THIS CAR. I AM SCARED TO DEATH THAT IN ONE OF THE MANY STALLS SOME ONE IS GOING TO HIT ME. IT SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ON THE MARKET TO START WITH. I AM CONFIDENT THAT IF SOMEONE HASN'T ALREADY BEEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECTIVE CAR THAT THEY WILL BE.
NHTSA ODI #10888511
51,000 miles · Jul 18, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE SHOOK FORCEFULLY. THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE'S OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED. THE CONTACT ASSUMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A TUNE UP, SO HE HAD THE TUNE UP REPAIR PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE STILL P…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ENGINE SHOOK FORCEFULLY. THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE'S OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED. THE CONTACT ASSUMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A TUNE UP, SO HE HAD THE TUNE UP REPAIR PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
NHTSA ODI #10885544
78,000 miles · Jul 2, 2016
Power Train
2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. CAR HAS 78,000 MILES. MANUAL TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION JERKS, SLIPS AND IS NOW IS STUCK IN THE HIGHEST GEAR. WILL BARELY PULL OUT. THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE SLIPPING. THIS LEAD TO THE JERKING. THEN IS STARTED TO DOWN SHIFT VIOLENTLY WITH NO NOTICE THROWING YOU FORWARD. THESE EVENTS APPEAR TO ONLY PRESEN…
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2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. CAR HAS 78,000 MILES. MANUAL TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION JERKS, SLIPS AND IS NOW IS STUCK IN THE HIGHEST GEAR. WILL BARELY PULL OUT. THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE SLIPPING. THIS LEAD TO THE JERKING. THEN IS STARTED TO DOWN SHIFT VIOLENTLY WITH NO NOTICE THROWING YOU FORWARD. THESE EVENTS APPEAR TO ONLY PRESENT WHEN DRIVING IN TOWN CONDITIONS. HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY ISSUES ON HIGHWAY. I HAVE HAD IT TO MECHANICS TWICE WITH NO SUCCESS. THE LAST TIME THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. AT NO TIME HAS AN ERROR CODE BEEN PRESENT THAT WOULD LEAD A TRAINED MECHANIC TO A VIABLE REPAIR. THIS SITUATION IS DANGEROUS.
NHTSA ODI #10882296
100,000 miles · Mar 23, 2016
Air Bags
THE VEHICLE HAS SUFFERED FROM AN INTERMITTENT AIRBAG LIGHT FOR THE PAST 10K MILES BUT AT 110K MILES THE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. I HAVE ATTEMPTED SOME OF THE SUZUKI OWNERS RECOMMENDATIONS OF DISCONNECTING AND THEN RECONNECTING THE CONNECTORS UNDER THE SEATS TO NO AVAIL. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH…
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THE VEHICLE HAS SUFFERED FROM AN INTERMITTENT AIRBAG LIGHT FOR THE PAST 10K MILES BUT AT 110K MILES THE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. I HAVE ATTEMPTED SOME OF THE SUZUKI OWNERS RECOMMENDATIONS OF DISCONNECTING AND THEN RECONNECTING THE CONNECTORS UNDER THE SEATS TO NO AVAIL. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE FORENZA'S AND CERTAINLY A SAFETY ONE.
NHTSA ODI #10851246
155,000 miles · Mar 16, 2016
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT WHICH PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM INCREASING SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT WHICH PREVENTED THE VEHICLE FROM INCREASING SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFT CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
NHTSA ODI #10850029
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering
UPLOAD FORWARDED
NHTSA ODI #10822632
120,000 miles · Jan 19, 2016
Air BagsCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED FROM THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE THROAT, LEFT WRIST, AND KNEE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED FROM THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE THROAT, LEFT WRIST, AND KNEE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #10821032
112,000 miles · Dec 4, 2015
Exterior LightingInterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HIGH BEAMS DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000......UPDATED 02/11/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS, DASH PANEL LIGHTS, AND …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HIGH BEAMS DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000......UPDATED 02/11/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS, DASH PANEL LIGHTS, AND THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE ALSO INOPERABLE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10808396
55,000 miles · Dec 3, 2015
Air Bags
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON SINCE 07-2014 APPROX. 55,000 MILES ON CAR AT THAT TIME. DEALER SAYS THAT THERE IS NOT A RECALL AND SUZUKI WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRENTY, BUT THEY WILL BE HAPPY TO TAKE MY MONEY. THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN # TS050115B.ITS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING.
NHTSA ODI #10808241
Official recalls
3May 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗