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2006 Suzuki Forenza

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Suzuki Forenza do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 156.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

240 reports with mileage · 40 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.

  • Power Train. Review the 116 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports8 fire reports20 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

57 reports
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104,000 miles · May 25, 2014
Electrical SystemPower Train

WHEN TRYING TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE JUMPED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OUT OF DRIVE. WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE FORWARD IT TOOK A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF POWER TO GO 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PROPERLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT STAY ON WHILE THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593939

89,400 miles · May 19, 2014
Electrical System

AT FIRST THE KEY WOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION AND NOW I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE KEY EITHER GOING INTO THE IGNITION OR COMING OUT OF THE IGNITION. WITH ALL OF THE LIVES THAT HAVE BEEN LOST DUE TO THE IGNITION PROBLEMS IN OTHER VEHICLE'S, THIS HAS CONCERNED ME GREATLY. PLEASE RESPOND QUICKLY. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10592556

135,423 miles · Feb 20, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

I REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR IN OCTOBER 2013 AND 4 MONTHS LATER IT WON'T GO IN REVERSE. THE CAR DOES NOT WANT TO GO BACK. THE SENSOR GOES BAD REALLY QUICK AND IT KEEPS YOU PAYING MONEY TO GET IT FIX. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON AND HE AIRBAG LIGHT. I HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE IN 2012 AND 2013. THERE NEEDS TO BE A REC…

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I REPLACED MY TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR IN OCTOBER 2013 AND 4 MONTHS LATER IT WON'T GO IN REVERSE. THE CAR DOES NOT WANT TO GO BACK. THE SENSOR GOES BAD REALLY QUICK AND IT KEEPS YOU PAYING MONEY TO GET IT FIX. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON AND HE AIRBAG LIGHT. I HAVE REPLACED IT TWICE IN 2012 AND 2013. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS AND DON'T KNOW WHY IT HAS NOT HAPPEN BEFORE SOMEONE GET SERIOUSLY HURT. SUZUKI PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565060

112,000 miles · Aug 28, 2013
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING MY SUZUKI FORENZA WHEN IT WENT FROM "DRIVE" TO BASICALLY NEUTRAL. I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BEHIND BECAUSE MY CAR STALLED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE AND EACH TIME I'VE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH NOT TO BE HIT. THIS IS A SERIOUSLY DANGEROUS ISSUE BECAUSE IT HAPPENS MID DRIVE. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10537783

90,000 miles · May 30, 2013
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ACTUATOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY ACTUATOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10514338

113,000 miles · Mar 23, 2013
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

WHILE IN DRIVE CAR SUDDENLY SWITCHES TO IDLE AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE WITH THE PRESSING OF GAS PEDDLE. IT WAS ONLY ABLE TO COAST. THE RANGE SELECTOR PART IS THE ISSUE. IT CANNOT FUNCTION REPEATEDLY SINCE THIS IS A REOCCURING EVENT. THE ONLY WAY TO DRIVE IS IN DRIVE 3RD GEAR WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE GREAT CONCERN IS T…

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WHILE IN DRIVE CAR SUDDENLY SWITCHES TO IDLE AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE WITH THE PRESSING OF GAS PEDDLE. IT WAS ONLY ABLE TO COAST. THE RANGE SELECTOR PART IS THE ISSUE. IT CANNOT FUNCTION REPEATEDLY SINCE THIS IS A REOCCURING EVENT. THE ONLY WAY TO DRIVE IS IN DRIVE 3RD GEAR WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE GREAT CONCERN IS THAT WILL LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE TIME OF IT CEASING TO FUNCTION IS UNPREDICATABLE. FROM RESEARCH IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS IS A NEARLY UNIVERSAL PROBLEM WITH SUZUKI FORENZAS AND AS A SAFETY ISSUE IT NEEDS TO BE A PART PROPERLY REPLACED UNDER A RECALL BY DEALERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504248

48,000 miles · Mar 22, 2013
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrash

MY TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR HAS FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME IN AS MANY YEARS. EACH TIME I HAVE IT REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THIS MALFUNCTION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SPONTANEOUSLY THROW ITSELF IN TO NEUTRAL OR REVERSE EITHER WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A COMPLETE STOP. WHILE DRIVING MY CAR SUDDENLY JERKED VERY HARD THEN…

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MY TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR HAS FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME IN AS MANY YEARS. EACH TIME I HAVE IT REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THIS MALFUNCTION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SPONTANEOUSLY THROW ITSELF IN TO NEUTRAL OR REVERSE EITHER WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A COMPLETE STOP. WHILE DRIVING MY CAR SUDDENLY JERKED VERY HARD THEN SLOWED TO AN ALMOST COMPLETE STOP CAUSING THE CAR BEHIND ME TO SLAM ON ITS BRAKES AND HIT MY BUMPER. I STOPPED, RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND THEN WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE PAST 15MPH EVEN WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE GAS PEDAL. LIKE I SAID BEFORE, THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS FAILED AND I AM GLAD THAT THE PERSON WHO WAS BEHIND ME STOPPED QUICKLY AND ONLY TAPPED MY BUMPER. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND IS JUST AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. SUZUKI NEEDS TO DO A MAJOR RECALL!! I DON'T UNDERSTATND HOW SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM YET IT IS NOT BEING INVESTIGATED! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504131

97,000 miles · Mar 13, 2013
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT TO AUTO ZONE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, WE DISCOVERED THIS PROBLEM RUNS RAMPANT ON 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA MODELS. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANAGER OVER PARTS AND SERVICE CHANGED THE SENSOR FOR US. HOWEVER, THE CONNECTOR IT PLUGS INTO WAS BROKEN…

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MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT TO AUTO ZONE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, WE DISCOVERED THIS PROBLEM RUNS RAMPANT ON 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA MODELS. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANAGER OVER PARTS AND SERVICE CHANGED THE SENSOR FOR US. HOWEVER, THE CONNECTOR IT PLUGS INTO WAS BROKEN AND HE WOULD LOOK FOR A USED ONE, AS BUYING A NEW ONE MEANS BUYING A WHOLE NEW ENGINE HARNESS ($800-$900). ANYTIME I LOOK UP MY MAKE AND MODEL THIS IS ALL ANYONE HAS TO SAY AND SUZUKI WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT EXCEPT CHARGE MORE MONEY TO KEEP TRYING TO FIX IT.THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO RECALL ALL OF THESE VEHICLES UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS RESOLVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10502612

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2012
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WENT TO HAVE HER VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V397000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING: INTERIOR/UNDER DASH) AND WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER TOOLS TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MAN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WENT TO HAVE HER VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V397000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: WIRING: INTERIOR/UNDER DASH) AND WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PROPER TOOLS TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10480846

141,400 miles · Oct 1, 2012
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUSE TWICE BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER WHO INFORMED HER THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUSE TWICE BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V397000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH) THAT COULD HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,400.

NHTSA ODI #10478065

Official recalls

4

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.

07V315000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Jul 24, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT BELT TONGUE WILL NOT LATCH INTO THE BUCKLE AND, IN RARE CASES, EVEN THE LOCKED TONGUE WILL POP OUT BY LOW STRETCHING FORCE. IF THE BUCKLE DOES NOT LATCH COMPLETELY, THE BUCKLE COULD RELEASE WITHOUT PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THESE BUCKLE MALFUNCTIONS, WHICH COULD PREVENT A PERSON FROM USING THE SEAT BELT OR COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TO FAIL TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED, CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH THE IMPROVED PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2007. 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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.