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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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9,000 miles · Apr 3, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

AIR CONDITIONER WILL NOT MAINTAIN FORCED AIR AFTER TWO HOURS OF USE ON WARM OR HOT DAYS. MUST TURN OFF CONDITIONED AIR FOR ABOUT AN HOUR TO LET THE SYSTEM REST. THIS IS VERY ANNOYING WHILE TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES WITH CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEATS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10394076

41,000 miles · Apr 3, 2011
Electrical System

RANGE SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. THIS IS A KNOWN LATENT FAILURE THAT IS NOT COVERED AFTER 36,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE PART, ALTHOUGH PART OF THE MAIN ENGINE, IS A KNOWN FAILURE AND THAT THE REPLACEMENT WAS A $55 PART. THE MAIN DEALERSHIP IN HUNTSVILLE HAS REPLACED OVER 1000 RANGE SENSORS WHEN MY CAR WAS REPAIRED …

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RANGE SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE. THIS IS A KNOWN LATENT FAILURE THAT IS NOT COVERED AFTER 36,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE PART, ALTHOUGH PART OF THE MAIN ENGINE, IS A KNOWN FAILURE AND THAT THE REPLACEMENT WAS A $55 PART. THE MAIN DEALERSHIP IN HUNTSVILLE HAS REPLACED OVER 1000 RANGE SENSORS WHEN MY CAR WAS REPAIRED IN OCTOBER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10394075

100 miles · Mar 21, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineSteering

I OWN A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. SINCE PURCHASING NEW IN 2006, I HAVE HAD THE GAS GAUGE, GAS TANK, RADIO, CENTER CONSOLE, FRONT DOOR HANDLES & CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED. THE FACTORY TIRES WENT BAD WITHIN A YEAR, AND BECAUSE IT IS AN ODD TIRE SIZE COST OVER $400 TO REPLACE. CURRENTLY …

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I OWN A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. SINCE PURCHASING NEW IN 2006, I HAVE HAD THE GAS GAUGE, GAS TANK, RADIO, CENTER CONSOLE, FRONT DOOR HANDLES & CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED. THE FACTORY TIRES WENT BAD WITHIN A YEAR, AND BECAUSE IT IS AN ODD TIRE SIZE COST OVER $400 TO REPLACE. CURRENTLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON STATING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WHICH WAS JUST REPLACED ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. I LEFT THE CAR OVERNIGHT AT THE DEALER & GOT A RENTAL CAR (WHICH COST $75) AND THE DEALER AND SUZUKI TECH SUPPORT CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER ERROR CONTINUES TO SHOW UP. THE POWER STEERING LIGHT IS ALSO ON & I WAS TOLD THAT IT REQUIRES A SENSOR - NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY - THAT WILL COST OVER $300. I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE JERKING AND SLIPPING GEARS ON ACCELERATION. IT WOULD ALSO STICK IN NEUTRAL OR NOT CHANGE GEARS AND HESITATE TO THE POINT OF MOVING VERY SLOWLY. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS AN OXYGEN SENSOR WHICH COST ME OVER $300 TO REPLACE. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM ONCE SINCE. THE STRUTS - FRONT AND BACK - ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED WHICH IS A $1200 REPAIR BECAUSE THEY ARE LEAKING. CURRENTLY BOTH FRONT DOOR HANDLES ARE BROKEN CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS TO OPEN THE DOORS. I HAVE HAD THEM REPLACED ONCE BEFORE UNDER RECALL, BUT NOW IT WILL COST OVER $200 A PIECE TO REPLACE. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THERE WAS A LIGHT TO INDICATE THAT THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE WORKING UNTIL IT JUST APPEARED ONE DAY. THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS INDICATOR WON'T STAY ON - IT COMES ON, THEN GOES BACK OFF. I THINK SUZUKI NEEDS TO MAKE GOOD ON THESE CARS BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10392415

15,000 miles · Dec 2, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE WINDOWS OPENING INDEPENDENTLY, FAILED HEADLIGHTS, FLICKERING INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND A FAILED BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES WITH THE WINDOWS OPENING INDEPENDENTLY, FAILED HEADLIGHTS, FLICKERING INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS AND A FAILED BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ELECTRICAL FAILURES CAUSED THE BATTERY TO FAIL. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED THEREFORE; HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR COSTS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER PREVIOUSLY FOR THE FAILURES AND THE DEALER CLEARED THE COMPUTER CODES BUT THE FAILURES PERSISTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,401. UPDATED 01/11/2011*LJ

NHTSA ODI #10368632

20,000 miles · Nov 4, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO TURN THE LOW AND HIGH BEAMS ON AND THEN NOTICED THAT THEY FAILED TO TURN ON. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND WOULD CHARGE HER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FA…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND TRYING TO TURN THE LOW AND HIGH BEAMS ON AND THEN NOTICED THAT THEY FAILED TO TURN ON. THE DEALER WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND WOULD CHARGE HER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30000. UPDATED 1/21/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED ALL OF THE LIGHTS FAILED EXCEPT THE RUNNING LIGHTS. THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A BROKEN WIRE. UPDATED 02/14/11

NHTSA ODI #10364032

50,000 miles · Oct 8, 2009
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesPower Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT HER VEHICLE THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE AND LANDED IN HER HAND. THE SAME FAILURE HAS ALSO OCCURRED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOOR HANDLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT HER VEHICLE THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE AND LANDED IN HER HAND. THE SAME FAILURE HAS ALSO OCCURRED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOOR HANDLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,000. UPDATED 10/27/09.*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE SHIFT RELAY WAS INOPERATIVE. THE SHIFTER LOCKED UP AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. SHE WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE KEY IN INTO THE UNLOCK SAFETY LOCK AND PUSH THE SHIFTER IN AN UNLOCKED POSITION, THEN SHE WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION LOCKS UP. UPDATED 10/29/09

NHTSA ODI #10286744

34,000 miles · Feb 3, 2009
Electrical SystemFireInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. TWO HOURS PRIOR TO THE FIRE, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHECKED THE DASHBOARD COMPUTER. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE COMPUTER FAILED AND ANOTHER ONE HAD TO BE ORDERED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE COULD STILL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. TWO HOURS PRIOR TO THE FIRE, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHECKED THE DASHBOARD COMPUTER. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE COMPUTER FAILED AND ANOTHER ONE HAD TO BE ORDERED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HE COULD STILL DRIVE THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE AND THE WIRING HARNESS AROUND THE BLOW MOTORS MELTED AND BURNED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. HE SUFFERED FROM SMOKE INHALATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED BECAUSE THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNED, WHICH WOULD COST A LOT TO REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. UPDATED 03/18/09. *LJ

NHTSA ODI #10257299

42,000 miles · Jan 5, 2009
Electrical System

MY DOME LIGHT WENT OUT, THEN MY STEREO WENT OUT AND FINALLY MY LOW BEAMS KEEP FLICKERING AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10253825

13,000 miles · Jul 14, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANMISSION SHIFTED ERATICALLY SINCE PURCHASING IT IN JANUARY 2008. HE FIRST. WHILE DRIVING ON APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, SPED UP, LUNGED FORWARD AND SHIFTED INTO GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS ALSO A ROARING NOISE ON THE FRONT END OF…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE TRANMISSION SHIFTED ERATICALLY SINCE PURCHASING IT IN JANUARY 2008. HE FIRST. WHILE DRIVING ON APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, SPED UP, LUNGED FORWARD AND SHIFTED INTO GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WAS ALSO A ROARING NOISE ON THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, A CLICKING SOUND NEAR THE DASHBOARD, AND EVERY LIGHT TURNED OFF EXCEPT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE RADIO AND AIR CONDITIONER INTERMITTENTLY TURNED OFF AND AFTER FIVE MINUTES, THEY BOTH BEGAN OPERATING NORMALLY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE THE DEALER TO INSPECT OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. ON ONE OCCASION, THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT CLOSE CAUSING RAIN TO ENTER INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, 20 MINUTES LATER HE WAS ABLE TO CLOSE THE WINDOWS; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER WITH THE MOTOR ON AND FULLY FUNCTIONAL. THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE ACCELERATION PEDAL SENSOR COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ONCE AGAIN AUTHORIZED THE DEALER TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,800 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,000.

NHTSA ODI #10234303

Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2007
Air BagsElectrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHEN SOMEONE IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG SENSOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD IT REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE HEADLIGHT INDICATOR NO LONGER WORKS AND THE CONTACT IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ILLU…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHEN SOMEONE IS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG SENSOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD IT REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE HEADLIGHT INDICATOR NO LONGER WORKS AND THE CONTACT IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAS BECOME STIFF AND SHE FEELS THAT IT MAY PLACE A STRAIN ON HER LEG WHEN DRIVING LONG DISTANCES. THE POWERTRAIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

NHTSA ODI #10208799

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.