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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
74,723 miles · Sep 1, 2014
Air BagsEngineFuel/propulsion System

RECURRING EVENT AIR BAG LAMP KEEPS TURNING ON NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT HAD IT REPLACED TWICE SUZUKI DEALER WAS OFF FOR YEARS, NOW HAS COME BACK AND STAYED ON FOR MONTHS. ON 3/20/2014 CAR SPUTTER LOST POWER WAS ABLE TO PARK IT IN A PARKING SPACE NOT ABLE TO TURN BACK ON, PROBLEM FUEL PUMP WENT OUT. 8/28/2014 RECENTLY, WHILE DR…

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RECURRING EVENT AIR BAG LAMP KEEPS TURNING ON NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT HAD IT REPLACED TWICE SUZUKI DEALER WAS OFF FOR YEARS, NOW HAS COME BACK AND STAYED ON FOR MONTHS. ON 3/20/2014 CAR SPUTTER LOST POWER WAS ABLE TO PARK IT IN A PARKING SPACE NOT ABLE TO TURN BACK ON, PROBLEM FUEL PUMP WENT OUT. 8/28/2014 RECENTLY, WHILE DRIVING MY CAR, MY SUZUKI FORENZA 2005 LOST COMPLETE POWER: WHEN CHECKED THE BELIEVED PROBLEM IS 4-3 SHIFT MALFUNCTION P1884 MANUFACTURER CONT TRANS AND P0700 TRANS CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME TO GET A HOLD OF SUZUKI, TO SEE IF UNDER WARRANTY, IF ITS GOING TO BE RECALLED OR WHERE IT CAN BE REPAIRED, STILL TRYING TO GET A HOLD OF THEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10629905

Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine

MY CAR LOSES POWER WHILE CAR IN MOTION, ALSO, AC WILL NOT POWER ON , BUT AFTER SOME TIME IT WILL POWER ON. MALFUNCTION LIGHT STAYS ON AT TIMES, AND WILL GO OFF AT TIMES, BUT FOR NOW IT IS ON , AND HAS BEGAN TO BLINK. CAR HAS BURNING SMELL AT TIMES AS WELL, LIKE PLASTIC IS BURNING OR SOMETHING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10629007

Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2014
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 14V262000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE DEALER WAS UNCERTAIN OF WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE IS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 14V262000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL. THE DEALER WAS UNCERTAIN OF WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10618630

90,000 miles · Jun 2, 2014
Air BagsElectrical System

THE AIR BAG SENSOR TURNED ON AND WOULDN'T TURN OFF. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR REASON FOR THE SENSOR TO TURN ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD TO HAVE THE SENSOR SYSTEM REPLACED. CONTACTED THE SUZUKI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS NOT GIVEN ANY INFORMATION WHY THE SENSOR WOULD SUDDENLY FAIL OTHER THAN THAT IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WAR…

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THE AIR BAG SENSOR TURNED ON AND WOULDN'T TURN OFF. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT OR REASON FOR THE SENSOR TO TURN ON. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD TO HAVE THE SENSOR SYSTEM REPLACED. CONTACTED THE SUZUKI CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS NOT GIVEN ANY INFORMATION WHY THE SENSOR WOULD SUDDENLY FAIL OTHER THAN THAT IT WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND SO THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE. THE CAR WAS RECALLED IN 2012 FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES DUE TO THE HEADLIGHTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10595671

Mileage unknown · May 23, 2014
Engine

WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOPPED FOR MORE THAN A MINUTE AND ITS HOT OUTSIDE, THE CAR WILL JUST TURN OFF. IF I PUT IT IN PARK IT WILL START RIGHT BACK UP. IT ONLY SEEMS TO DO THIS WHEN IT IS HOT OUTSIDE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. MECHANIC HAS REPLACED AND LOOKED EVERYTHING OVER AND CANNOT SEEM TO FIND ANYTHING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593724

147,000 miles · Mar 30, 2014
Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE IT IS SLIPPING IT WILL NOT SHIFT GEARS AND WILL NOT GO ABOVE 20MPH WITHOUT THE CAR BUCKING AND KICKING LIKE IT IS FIXING TO SHUT OFF. IT ONLY DOES THIS WHEN THE CAR IS NOT HOT. CHANGED THE RANGE SENSOR AND THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575685

112,000 miles · Dec 16, 2013
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY DOWN SHIFTED TO A LOWER GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

NHTSA ODI #10556272

29,141 miles · Oct 16, 2013
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT BLINKED TWICE AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APP…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT BLINKED TWICE AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,141 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,231.

NHTSA ODI #10548095

69,200 miles · Sep 3, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainUnknown Or Other

THE SENSOR GETS DAMAGED, ENABLING THE CAR TO ACTIVATE REVERSE AND ACCELERATES WHEN PLACED ON DRIVE MAKING HARD PUMPING MOTOR NOISE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10538474

95,746 miles · Jul 10, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

WHEN I HAD BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2010 I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS TURNING OFF AT NIGHT AND HAD TO DRIVE WITH MY HIGH BEAMS ON. SO I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL FOR MY CAR HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED. RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTICE IN 2012 REGARDING THE RECALLED SPLICE PACK. TOOK VEHICLE I…

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WHEN I HAD BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2010 I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS TURNING OFF AT NIGHT AND HAD TO DRIVE WITH MY HIGH BEAMS ON. SO I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL FOR MY CAR HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED. RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTICE IN 2012 REGARDING THE RECALLED SPLICE PACK. TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALER A SECOND TIME TO HAVE PART FIXED ON 11/12/12 PART 99963-85ZSC WAS REPAIRED AFTER FIXED I BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SPEAKERS, STOCK RADIO AS WELL AS THE TRUNK LIGHT BLINKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYING ON. ON JULY 1, 2013 I HAD PARKED MY SUZUKI FORENZA AT A COFFEE HOUSE AND WHEN I CAME OUT TO VEHICLE THE INSIDE OF CAB WAS FULL OF SMOKE. I HAD INSPECTED VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE THERE WASN'T A FIRE. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM DASHBOARD LEFT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. WE HAD DISASSEMBLED THE PLASTIC AROUND THE STEERING WHEEL TO DISCOVER THAT THE WIRING THAT CONTROLLED THE LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND BLINKER HAD BEEN MELTED INTO THE CONNECTOR CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO STAY ON WHEN VEHICLES IGNITION WAS OFF. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE DIAGNOSED. DESCRIPTION WAS; "VEHICLE SUFFERED INTERNAL FAILURE WITHIN MULT IFUNCTION SWITCH THAT HAS CAUSED A THERMAL MELTING OF THE CONNECTORS AT THE BACK OF THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH AND WIRING HARNESS" PART SM37420-85Z10 SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND SM36620-85Z70 HARNESS ASSEMBLY. ESTIMATED REPAIRS $1,570.. I BELIEVE THAT ALL THIS IS CAUSED BY IMPROPER REPAIR OF RECALLED SPICE PACK DUE TO THE COMPONENTS THAT MELTED ARE CONNECTED TO IT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE MY CAR IS STILL AT THE SUZUKI DEALERSHIP. AND HAS TAKEN ALMOST TWO WEEKS FOR THEM TO REPAIR. SAID VEHICLE WONT BE DONE UNTIL FRIDAY JULY 13, 2013 DUE TO NOT HAVING THE PARTS IN STOCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10524206

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.