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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

Power Train complaints

116 reports
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37,000 miles · Jan 11, 2010
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CHANGED GEARS INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE BEGAN ON JANUARY 9, 2010 AND RECURRED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE WEEKEND. THE SPEED SENSITIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE CHANGED GEARS. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO SHIFT THE GEARS IN DR…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CHANGED GEARS INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE BEGAN ON JANUARY 9, 2010 AND RECURRED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE WEEKEND. THE SPEED SENSITIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VEHICLE CHANGED GEARS. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO SHIFT THE GEARS IN DRIVE 2 IN ORDER TO DRIVE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WILL NO LONGER SHIFT INTO DRIVE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE DRIVEN IN DRIVE 3 TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37000.

NHTSA ODI #10299005

Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2009
Power Train

2006 SUZUKI FORENZA, BRAKE SENSOR WENT OUT AND CAR WOULD NOT GO OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE. I FIXED THAT AND THEN ON DECEMBER 19, 2009 I WAS DRVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WENT OUT OF DRIVE AND INTO NEUTRAL. I ALMOST WRECKED BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET THE CAR BACK INTO DRIVE TO KEEP UP WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. IN A PANIC I …

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2006 SUZUKI FORENZA, BRAKE SENSOR WENT OUT AND CAR WOULD NOT GO OUT OF PARK AND INTO DRIVE. I FIXED THAT AND THEN ON DECEMBER 19, 2009 I WAS DRVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WENT OUT OF DRIVE AND INTO NEUTRAL. I ALMOST WRECKED BECAUSE I COULDN'T GET THE CAR BACK INTO DRIVE TO KEEP UP WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. IN A PANIC I PUT THE CAR IN 3RD GEAR AND I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME. THE MECHANIC HAS HAD THE CAR FOR OVER A WEEK TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10296983

21,000 miles · Oct 10, 2009
Power Train

2006 SUZUKI FORENZA WAGON. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET ONLY TO FIND THAT VERY MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE SHIFTING OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION JUST LIKE WE ARE. IT IS STUCK IN 2ND GEAR & VERY SLOW TO ACCELERATE, REVS WAY TO HIGH WHEN REACHING POSTED SPEEDS.BOTH ARE VERY DANGEROUS. WHY IS THIS NOT A…

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2006 SUZUKI FORENZA WAGON. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET ONLY TO FIND THAT VERY MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE SHIFTING OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION JUST LIKE WE ARE. IT IS STUCK IN 2ND GEAR & VERY SLOW TO ACCELERATE, REVS WAY TO HIGH WHEN REACHING POSTED SPEEDS.BOTH ARE VERY DANGEROUS. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL? WE FEEL WE ARE DESTROYING THE ENGINE. WE BOUGHT IT LAST YEAR,USED & WITH NO WARRANTY. WE FEEL WE HAVE BEEN TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF . THE DEALER WILL NOT HELP US(DODGE DEALER). WE CALLED A SUZUKI DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON BUT IT IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WHICH IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. WHAT CAN WE DO? PLEASE HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10287002

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

59,200 miles · Oct 2, 2009
Power Train

TRANSMISSION SPEED SENSOR ON 2006-2007 SUZUKI FORENZA AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS HIGH FAILURE RATE AND IS DANGEROUS. CAR KICKS INTO NEUTRAL WHILE MOVING CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10286106

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2009
Power Train

2006 SUZUKI FORENZA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE LIGHT. CONSUMER WANTS REIMBURSEMENT FROM SUZUKI. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD HIS TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AND WHEN HE STARTED THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE GEAR WOULD NOT GO INTO DRIVE, IT WOULD ONLY GO INTO NEUTRAL. THE MECHANI…

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2006 SUZUKI FORENZA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE LIGHT. CONSUMER WANTS REIMBURSEMENT FROM SUZUKI. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD HIS TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AND WHEN HE STARTED THE VEHICLE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE GEAR WOULD NOT GO INTO DRIVE, IT WOULD ONLY GO INTO NEUTRAL. THE MECHANIC THEN MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS. HOWEVER, 2 DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING, THE GEAR SLIPPED FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND THE SPEED DROPPED FROM 60 MPH TO 20 MPH. THE SERVICE CENTER STATED THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SELECT SWITCH SHORTED OUT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10269209

42,000 miles · Apr 6, 2009
Power Train

FUNNY HOW AFTER THE SERVICE WARRANTY WENT OUT ON THE CAR SO DID THE TRANSMISSION..TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT COST ME TO HAVE A SWITCH REPLACED ON THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED AS SUZUKI STATED THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY....EXACTLY 6 WEEKS LATER THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT ON THE CAR I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND…

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FUNNY HOW AFTER THE SERVICE WARRANTY WENT OUT ON THE CAR SO DID THE TRANSMISSION..TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT COST ME TO HAVE A SWITCH REPLACED ON THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED AS SUZUKI STATED THAT IT WAS NOT UNDER THE WARRANTY....EXACTLY 6 WEEKS LATER THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT ON THE CAR I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE SHAFT WALKED OUT OF THE PUMP...IMAGINE THAT...MY THINKING WAS DOES IT HAVE A MIND OF ITS OWN TO JUST WALK OUT. I STARTED DOING RESEARCH ON THE FORENZA AND TO MY SURPRISE I FOUND OUT THAT THE FORENZA IS NOT ACTUALLY A SUZUKI, IT IS DAEWOO WITH THE SUZUKI NAME...FUNNY HOW THAT WAS NEVER MENTIONED WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, HAD I KNOWN BEFOREHAND THAT I WAS PURCHASING A DAEWOO I WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED THE CAR. TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED IT IS COSTING ME $1000. AS I DID FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE CAR IT SEEMS THAT THE CEO OF SUZUKI IS AWARE THAT THE GM DAEWOO WAS SUCH A HORRIBLE BUY HOWEVER THEY ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO COMPENSATE ANY CONSUMERS WHO PURCHASED THE FORENZA, THEY HAVE JUST DECIDED IN 2009 THEY WILL NO LONGER MAKE THE FORENZA. I CHECKED THE BLUE BOOK VALUE FOR THE CAR THAT I PURCHASED IN 2006 AND IT IS WORTH 2300, MEANWHILE I STILL OWE 11000 ON THE CAR. IN ADDITION THE POWERSTEERING PUMP IS ON BACK ORDER, THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT ABLE TO OFFER ME A LOANER BECAUSE I AM OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND I HAVE NO MEANS OF GETTING BACK AND FORTH TO WORK. AS I LOOK THROUGH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS FILED ON THIS WEBSITE I SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO WAS/DID HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I DID WITH THE TRANSMISSION, DOOR HANDLES (WHICH I ALSO REPLACED MYSELF) AND THE POWERTRAIN. I WILL BE FILING A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST SUZUKI FOR THEIR FAILURE TO ADVISE ME BEFOREHAND THAT I WAS PURCHASING A DAEWOO (ANOTHER PIECE OF '!@#$% CAR). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10264285

7 miles · Aug 8, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF ONCE ON THE INTERSTATE AND ON THREE OTHER OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WOULD IMPROPERLY SHIFT AND REV WITHOUT WARNING. THERE ARE NO RECALLS PERTAINING TO THIS FAILURE. …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF ONCE ON THE INTERSTATE AND ON THREE OTHER OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WOULD IMPROPERLY SHIFT AND REV WITHOUT WARNING. THERE ARE NO RECALLS PERTAINING TO THIS FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,230 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7.

NHTSA ODI #10237431

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

30,000 miles · Mar 12, 2008
Power Train

2006 SUZUKI FORENZA...THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER STICKS AND APPEARS TO BE IN PARK ALL THE TIME. IT ALSO CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF GEAR AT ANY TIME. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I CANNOT DETERMINE SAFELY WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10220930

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.