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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

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

27 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

2006 SUZUKI FORENZA WITH ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEMS. ORDERED AND REPLACED GAS CAP FROM MFR. ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE AUGUST 2007, IT GOES ON AND OFF. THE DEALER HAS SERVICED THE O2 SENSOR, TRANSMISSION SENSOR, AND NOW SAYS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THE PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED THE 3 TO 4 TIMES PRIOR TO WA…

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2006 SUZUKI FORENZA WITH ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEMS. ORDERED AND REPLACED GAS CAP FROM MFR. ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE AUGUST 2007, IT GOES ON AND OFF. THE DEALER HAS SERVICED THE O2 SENSOR, TRANSMISSION SENSOR, AND NOW SAYS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THE PROBLEM WASN'T FIXED THE 3 TO 4 TIMES PRIOR TO WARRANTY EXPIRATION, BUT TODAY IT IS NOT COVERED. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED TWICE ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10221032

26,548 miles · Oct 25, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATES. SHE ALSO NOTICED A GASEOUS ODOR INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE OXYGEN SENSOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE POWERTRAIN…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATES. SHE ALSO NOTICED A GASEOUS ODOR INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE OXYGEN SENSOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 26,548.

NHTSA ODI #10206878

14,075 miles · Oct 23, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

2006 SUZUKI FORENZA WITH ENGINE LIGHT AND GAS TANK PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT IT TOOK HIM 3 WEEKS TO GET A NEW GAS CAP. CUSTOMER HAS SPENT MORE THAN $330 AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT FIXED. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATED AFTER REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY…

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2006 SUZUKI FORENZA WITH ENGINE LIGHT AND GAS TANK PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT IT TOOK HIM 3 WEEKS TO GET A NEW GAS CAP. CUSTOMER HAS SPENT MORE THAN $330 AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT FIXED. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATED AFTER REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY A DIFFERENT MECHANIC THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW MAP SENSOR AND WIRING HARNESS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED TWICE WHILE ON THE FREEWAY WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10207153

27,500 miles · Aug 22, 2007
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingSeats

THE CHECK TRANS/MOTOR LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR .I MADE AN APPT. AT SUZUKI. IT WAS ON FOR 6 DAYS. IT WENT OFF, THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. IT STAYED ON. I MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE LOOSE WIRES HANGING UNDER MY SEAT WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF. THEY SAID A WIRE CAME LOOSE AND THAT I SHOULD NOT PUT ANYTHING UNDER MY SEAT .I SAY THAT T…

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THE CHECK TRANS/MOTOR LIGHT CAME ON IN MY CAR .I MADE AN APPT. AT SUZUKI. IT WAS ON FOR 6 DAYS. IT WENT OFF, THEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. IT STAYED ON. I MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE LOOSE WIRES HANGING UNDER MY SEAT WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF. THEY SAID A WIRE CAME LOOSE AND THAT I SHOULD NOT PUT ANYTHING UNDER MY SEAT .I SAY THAT THE WIRES ARE SO LOOSE THAT IF SOMEONE PUT THERE FEET UNDER THE SEAT, THERE FEET COULD GET CAUGHT UP IN THE WIRES AND UNHOOK THEM. THEN MY AIRBAGS WON'T WORK, CORRECT? .IF I GET IN AN ACCIDENT AND THEY DON'T WORK, WOULD THAT BE CONSIDERED UNSAFE? THE DEALER SAID THE WIRES HAD TO BE LOOSE BECAUSE THE SEAT MOVES AND THAT NOBODY COULD GET THERE FEET CAUGHT IN THE WIRES. LOOSE WIRES UNDER A SEAT THAT CONTROL A SAFETY DEVICE.. SOUNDS UNSAFE TO ME..I TOOK IT IN FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT IT.. THEY SAID WASN'T BROKE AND GAVE ME A LETTER THAT SAYS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT WILL COME ON IF THE PASSENGER IS NOT SEATED CORRECTLY IN THE SEAT.. SOMETIMES IT WORKS, SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. THEY FIXED IT THIS TIME, TOO MUCH RESISTANCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10200531

45 miles · Mar 3, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkages

WHEN I FIRST BROUGHT THE CAR ON 1/30/2006, IT STARTED GIVING ME PROBLEMS,SUCH AS NOT STARTING UP, THE ENGINE LIGHT ON AND OFF ALL THE TIME. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ON CONSTANTLY. THE POWER WINDOWS ROLLING UP AND DOWN BY THEMSELVES. THE POWER LOCKS STOP WORKING AND THEN WORK OVER AND OVER AGAIN. WHEN I'M DRIVING, THE CAR JERKS …

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WHEN I FIRST BROUGHT THE CAR ON 1/30/2006, IT STARTED GIVING ME PROBLEMS,SUCH AS NOT STARTING UP, THE ENGINE LIGHT ON AND OFF ALL THE TIME. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT ON CONSTANTLY. THE POWER WINDOWS ROLLING UP AND DOWN BY THEMSELVES. THE POWER LOCKS STOP WORKING AND THEN WORK OVER AND OVER AGAIN. WHEN I'M DRIVING, THE CAR JERKS AND PULLS ALL THE TIME. (THE PULLING IS COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION). I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO AND I FEEL REAL BAD ABOUT GETTING STUCK WITH A LEMON. AFTER I GET OUT OF SCHOOL I TAKE CLASSES AT NIGHT AND MY KIDS GO TO THE DAYCARE ON CAMPUS WHEN I PICKED THEM UP AFTER CLASS, GOT IN THE CAR, STARTED IT UP, AND THE FRONT TWO WINDOWS ROLLED DOWN BY THEMSELVES, AND WOULD NOT ROLL UP AND IT WAS SNOWING AND WE HAD TO RIDE ALL THE WAY HOME LIKE THAT. THE DEALERSHIP DOESN'T CARE. AS FAR AS THEY ARE CONCERNED, IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. IT IS A MESSED UP WORLD WE LIVE IN WHERE SOMEONE KNOWS THAT YOU REALLY NEED A CAR AND THEY SCREW YOU WITH A LEMON. UNTIL THIS PRESENT DAY, ALL THESE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED STILL EXIST BUT SO DO ME AND MY SON-3 AND MY DAUGHTER-6 IF ANYBODY CAN HELP, IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10184112

1,836 miles · Jan 22, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSteering

2006 SUZUKI FORENZA WITH SAFETY ISSUES REGARDING LOSS CONTROL AND STICKING AND ENGINE STALLING**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE GEARS WOULD STICK AND SHE HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL STEERING COMPONENT FAILURES. TO THIS DATE THE STEERING PROBLEM STILL HAD NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START, TH…

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2006 SUZUKI FORENZA WITH SAFETY ISSUES REGARDING LOSS CONTROL AND STICKING AND ENGINE STALLING**CC THE CONSUMER STATED THE GEARS WOULD STICK AND SHE HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL STEERING COMPONENT FAILURES. TO THIS DATE THE STEERING PROBLEM STILL HAD NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD NOT START, THE CONSUMER HAD TO WAIT 2 MINUTES BEFORE TRYING AGAIN. THE CONSUMER COULD NOT GET THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO REVERSE. THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, THE DEALER STATED THEY LUBRICATED THE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS. THE NOISE EVENTUALLY RETURNED. THE DEALER THEN STATED THAT THEY OVER-LUBRICATED THE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10179579

1,836 miles · Jan 11, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSteeringCrashInjury

STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION - LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND DROVE OFF THE ROAD MANUFACTURER AND CAR DEALERSHIP DID NOT HELP MULTIPLE OTHER DEFECTS, INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING/GEARS "STICKING" - PLEASE REFER DETAILS IN LETTER TO BE SENT TO YOUR OFFICE BY MAIL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10178450

100 miles · Oct 25, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

THREE WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED MY FORENZA THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP & WAS TOLD IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE FORENZA .THE PROBLEM HAD TO DO WITH THE '02 SENSOR' AND CURRENTLY THERE IS NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. AT THAT TIME THEY RESET THE CODE PROBLEM. EACH TIME THE PROBLEM RECURRED I WENT BA…

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THREE WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED MY FORENZA THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, SO I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP & WAS TOLD IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE FORENZA .THE PROBLEM HAD TO DO WITH THE '02 SENSOR' AND CURRENTLY THERE IS NO FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. AT THAT TIME THEY RESET THE CODE PROBLEM. EACH TIME THE PROBLEM RECURRED I WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CAUSED THE LIGHT TO TURN OFF. ON AUGUST 25 THE PROMISED FIXED WAS INSTALLED AND A FEW DAYS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AGAIN AND I RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CORRECTION HAS NOT WORKED AND I WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN ONE WAS AVAILABLE. AS OF OCTOBER 25, 2006, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON AND I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY NO ONE, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE CALLED, WRITTEN AND EMAILED TO EVERYONE CONNECTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10171850

Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

I BROUGHT A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA ON JULY 11, 2006. IN TWO OR THREE DAYS I NOTICED SOMETHING WRONG IN THE WAY IT WAS DRIVING. I TOOK IT BACK AND THE GENERAL MANAGER DROVE THE CAR AND STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY STATED IT WAS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND IT NEEDED NEW SPARK…

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I BROUGHT A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA ON JULY 11, 2006. IN TWO OR THREE DAYS I NOTICED SOMETHING WRONG IN THE WAY IT WAS DRIVING. I TOOK IT BACK AND THE GENERAL MANAGER DROVE THE CAR AND STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG. THE NEXT DAY THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY STATED IT WAS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND IT NEEDED NEW SPARK PLUGS. THE CAR WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED AN UPGRADED SOFTWARE. THE CAR DOESN'T START IT SOUNDS AS IF IT WANTS TO CUT OFF AND IT DRIVES ROUGH AND STALLS. THIS CAR IS BRAND NEW AND MONTGOMERY KEYSTONE MOTORS WERE FULLY AWARE OF THIS AND STILL DECIDED TO SALE ME A LEMON. I HAVE CONTACTED AN ATTORNEY REGARDING THIS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10170230

443 miles · Jul 30, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

ROUGH IDLING PROBLEMS / NO START PROBLEMS AFTER OWNING NEW 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA THREE DAYS. FIRST TIME HAPPENED AT GAS STATION. TOOK FOUR ATTEMPTS TO GET CAR RUNNING . HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP. REPLACED SPARK PLUG AND INSTALLED NEW COMPUTER. SAME PROBLEMS OCCURRED TWO DAYS LATER. HAVE HAD NEWER PROBLEMS OCC…

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ROUGH IDLING PROBLEMS / NO START PROBLEMS AFTER OWNING NEW 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA THREE DAYS. FIRST TIME HAPPENED AT GAS STATION. TOOK FOUR ATTEMPTS TO GET CAR RUNNING . HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP. REPLACED SPARK PLUG AND INSTALLED NEW COMPUTER. SAME PROBLEMS OCCURRED TWO DAYS LATER. HAVE HAD NEWER PROBLEMS OCCUR. CAR ON FOUR OCCASIONS HAS ALMOST DIED WHILE DRIVING, WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON WHEN THEY SHOULDN'T. I CONTACTED MANUFACTURER ABOUT THE ROUGH IDLE/NO START PROBLEM. AM IN PROCESS WITH THEM NOW TO TRY TO GET A REFUND. PROBLEM IS THOUGHT TO BE WITH SOFTWARE GLITCH DOWNLOADING IMPROPER FUEL DATA INTO CARS COMPUTER. REP FROM MANUFACTURER SAID SOFTWARE DOWNLOADED USAGE OF SUMMER FUEL RATHER THAN WINTER WHICH IS WHY I HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM WITH INTERMITTENT ROUGH IDLE , NO START, CAR TRYING TO DIE WHILE DRIVING. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THERE IS A FIX FOR AUTOMATICS BUT NOT FOR MANUALS LIKE MINE. ALTHOUGH ROUGH IDLE AND NO START PROBLEMS ARE MORE OF AN ANNOYANCE , THE CAR TRYING TO DIE IS MORE OF A CONCERN WHICH I FEEL IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10163900

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.