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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
113,000 miles · Nov 24, 2015
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR WOULD HESITATE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR WOULD HESITATE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10806443

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2015
Exterior Lighting

2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS REPAIR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS POINTED TOWARD THE GROUND AND DID NOT PROJECT ENOUGH LIGHT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10806868

12,000 miles · Oct 6, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AS IT REMAINED IN THE OFF POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AS IT REMAINED IN THE OFF POSITION. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10780113

149,300 miles · Sep 11, 2015
Tires

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED AND TIRE BLEW OUT.

NHTSA ODI #10763231

119,115 miles · Jul 23, 2015
EngineExterior LightingFireInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, THE HEADLIGHTS, AND THE FLOORBOARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURN ON THE R…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, THE HEADLIGHTS, AND THE FLOORBOARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURN ON THE RIGHT LEG THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THERE WAS NO INCIDENT REPORT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,115.

NHTSA ODI #10736004

168,000 miles · Jul 20, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND HESITATED TO STOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.

NHTSA ODI #10735166

59,000 miles · Jul 1, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG, BACK, AND WAIST.THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG, BACK, AND WAIST.THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,000.

NHTSA ODI #10731503

125,000 miles · Jun 17, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine

FUSE FOR ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM BLEW AND CAUSED THE RADIATOR TO BLOW INTO PIECES. REPLACED RADIATOR, REPLACED BOTH COOLING SYSTEM FANS, CHECKED RELAYS, 3 DIFFERENT MECHANICS HAVE LOOKED AT IT AND CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT. IT HAS GOTTEN SO BAD THAT NOW IT BLOWS THE COOLING SYSTEM FUSE AS SOON AS YOU TURN THE KEY TO START THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10725664

Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2015
SteeringFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10713517

110,000 miles · Apr 28, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10713366

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.