Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
390–25K
2525–50K
2950–75K
775–100K
19100–150K
5150K+
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
100,000 miles · Sep 12, 2011
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY AND WOULD OFTEN FLICKER ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG OFF LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE SPORADICALLY AND WOULD OFTEN FLICKER ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10425085
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2011
Power Train
I PURCHASED A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. IT RAN GREAT FOR THE FIRST YEAR, AND THEN THE PROBLEMS BEGAN. MY TRANSMISSION KEPT SLIPPING AND IT WOULD FLASH D WITH A LINE THROUGH IT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10418292
2,500 miles · Jun 21, 2011
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE TURNING SIGNALS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHO ONLY REPLACED THE LIGHT BULBS. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE WIRING HARNESS BEING DEFECTIVE AND NEEDING TO BE REPLACES.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHTS AND THE TURNING SIGNALS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHO ONLY REPLACED THE LIGHT BULBS. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE WIRING HARNESS BEING DEFECTIVE AND NEEDING TO BE REPLACES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #10407782
50,000 miles · Dec 31, 2010
Air Bags
DRIVER'S AIRBAG WAS FIXED 2 OR 3 TIMES UNDER WARRANTY, AND FIXED ONE MORE TIME AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON ONCE AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10373603
36,000 miles · Nov 1, 2010
Exterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 07V452000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD NO DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS OR HEADLIGHTS AT TIMES; ONCE THE WIRING HARNESS COOLED OFF, THE LIGHTS WOULD TURN BACK ON. IF THE VEHICLE WAS WARM, THEY WOULD TURN OFF AGA…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 07V452000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD NO DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS OR HEADLIGHTS AT TIMES; ONCE THE WIRING HARNESS COOLED OFF, THE LIGHTS WOULD TURN BACK ON. IF THE VEHICLE WAS WARM, THEY WOULD TURN OFF AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO REFUSED TO REPAIR IT AGAIN UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
NHTSA ODI #10363499
67,000 miles · Jul 26, 2010
Exterior Lighting
LOWBEAMS FAILED AFTER RECALL SERVICES PERFORMED AND WARRANTY EXPIRED. FUSES AND RELAY SYSTEM FINE. CALLED SUZUKI, INFORMED THERE WILL BE A DIAGNOSTIC FEE FOR THIS BECAUSE THE RECALL WORK HAD BEEN PERFORMED ALREADY AND CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10345262
Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2010
Air Bags
I HAVE 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA AND THE AIRBAG PANEL LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF.THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED.THE FIRST TIME IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WHEN I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. THE LIGHT IS BACK ON AND HAS NOT GONE OUT. IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. ALSO SINCE IT HAS BEEN ON THE SECOND TIME M…
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I HAVE 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA AND THE AIRBAG PANEL LIGHT CAME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF.THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS HAPPENED.THE FIRST TIME IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WHEN I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED. THE LIGHT IS BACK ON AND HAS NOT GONE OUT. IT IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. ALSO SINCE IT HAS BEEN ON THE SECOND TIME MY LIGHTER KEEPS BLOWING A FUSE. I CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10343711
31,828 miles · Jun 19, 2010
Air Bags
JUNE 2010 AIR BAG DEFECT -- I OWN A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA WAGON. IN MAY 2010 I LISTED THIS VEHICLE FOR SALE ONLY TO FIND (THROUGH A CHECK UP) THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT. AT THE TIME OF THIS DISCOVERY THE CAR HAD A LITTLE LESS THAN 32,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WOULD COST $1,500…
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JUNE 2010 AIR BAG DEFECT -- I OWN A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA WAGON. IN MAY 2010 I LISTED THIS VEHICLE FOR SALE ONLY TO FIND (THROUGH A CHECK UP) THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT. AT THE TIME OF THIS DISCOVERY THE CAR HAD A LITTLE LESS THAN 32,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WOULD COST $1,500/$1,600 TO REPLACE THE PROBLEM SEAT. IT WAS ALSO TOLD TO ME THAT THERE EXIST AN "OUT OF WARRANTY ASSISTANCE" PROGRAM FOR SAFETY RELATED PROBLEMS. AFTER THREE WEEKS OF WAITING FOR AN ANSWER, SUZUKI DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE. I FEEL THAT SINCE THIS IS A "NO MAINTENANCE SAFETY SYSTEM" (THAT IS DEFECTIVE AS OF NO FAULT OF MINE) THAT THE AIRBAG SHOULD BE REPLACED OR FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURE. AFTER ALL THEY HAVE A 3 YEAR - 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. (MY CAR HAS 32,000 MILES) HOW DO I PROCEED AGAINST SUZUKI BEFORE SOME ONE IS INJURED BECAUSE OF A LACK OF SAFE AIR BAG? [XXX] CASE #[XXX] WITH SUZUKI COMPANY INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10339141
20,000 miles · May 26, 2010
Power Train
2005 SUZUKI FORENZA- TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO GET STUCK IN A HIGH GEAR- I DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND THE SYSTEMS SEEMS TO RE-SET. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 OR 4 TIMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10332300
103,000 miles · May 20, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
THE HEADLAMPS ON THE CAR DO NOT WORK ALL I CAN USE ARE THE HIGH BEAMS, THE INSIDE LIGHTING FOR THE RADIO DO NOT WORK EITHER AND THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE CAR. *TR
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.
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.
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.
2005 Suzuki Forenza Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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