NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
280 reports119,000 miles · Sep 29, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE SPORADICALLY STALLS WHILE DRIVING, NOT A STOP LIGHT OR SIGN BUT WHILE THE CAR IS ACTIVELY BEING DRIVEN AND THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED. MOST RECENTLY IT HAS BEGUN TO REV UP BETWEEN 4,000 AND 5,000 RPM. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO TRY TO GET IT BACK TO NORMAL. 2 DAYS AGO WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT CAUSED ME…
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VEHICLE SPORADICALLY STALLS WHILE DRIVING, NOT A STOP LIGHT OR SIGN BUT WHILE THE CAR IS ACTIVELY BEING DRIVEN AND THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED. MOST RECENTLY IT HAS BEGUN TO REV UP BETWEEN 4,000 AND 5,000 RPM. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO TRY TO GET IT BACK TO NORMAL. 2 DAYS AGO WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT CAUSED ME TO HIT A POT HOLE HARD ENOUGH TO BREAK MY DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT AND LOWER CONTROL ARM. I SEE RECALLS FOR OTHER, SAME YEAR MODEL SUZUKIS THAT EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO REPAIR A KNOWN MECHANICAL DEFECT. THERE IS ALSO AN NHTSA ID DESCRIBING THIS ISSUE AS WELL. IT IS EXTREMELY SCARY TO HAVE THE CAR REVING THAT HIGH AND TRYING TO CONTROL IT. I AM THANKFUL THAT I ONLY HIT A POT HOLE AND NOT ANOTHER VEHICLE OR WORSE.
NHTSA ODI #10910619
80,000 miles · Sep 6, 2016
EngineUnknown Or Other
WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN GEAR IN EITHER REVERSE OR DRIVE, THERE IS A LOUD THUNK AND JUMPING FEELING. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN 'X' ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEXT TO THE 'D' FOR DRIVE ON THE SHIFT SELECTOR. I HAVE RESEARCHED WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AND IT IS THE THE RANGE TRANSMISSION SENSOR, IT APPEARS AFTER RESEARCHING THIS IS A …
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WHEN PUTTING THE CAR IN GEAR IN EITHER REVERSE OR DRIVE, THERE IS A LOUD THUNK AND JUMPING FEELING. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN 'X' ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEXT TO THE 'D' FOR DRIVE ON THE SHIFT SELECTOR. I HAVE RESEARCHED WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE AND IT IS THE THE RANGE TRANSMISSION SENSOR, IT APPEARS AFTER RESEARCHING THIS IS A VERY CHRONIC PROBLEM IN THE SUZUKI FORENZA.
NHTSA ODI #10903791
57,000 miles · Sep 2, 2016
Seat Belts
ONE OF MY CHILDREN WAS BUCKLED IN THE BACK PASSENGER SEAT. MY CHILD TIGHTENED HIS SEAT BELT, AND THE BUCKLE DETACHED FROM THE FABRIC. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE, MY CAR HAS ALMOST 57K ON IT. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AND IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED ASAP! THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN WAY WORSE! THANK …
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ONE OF MY CHILDREN WAS BUCKLED IN THE BACK PASSENGER SEAT. MY CHILD TIGHTENED HIS SEAT BELT, AND THE BUCKLE DETACHED FROM THE FABRIC. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE, MY CAR HAS ALMOST 57K ON IT. THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN AND IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED ASAP! THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN WAY WORSE! THANK GOD I WAS NOT DRIVING OR IN A ACCIDENT!
NHTSA ODI #10903352
Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM, HIGH BEAM, AND DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM, HIGH BEAM, AND DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND 12V397000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10885814
100 miles · May 12, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemSuspension
SUZUKI HAS NEVER SENT ME A RECALL NOTICE: 2016 EXPLANATION- THEY ARE ONLY GOING BY EACH STATE'S VEHICLE OWNER RECORDED ADDRESS. I/ MY CAR HAVE HAD THE SAME LISTED ADDRESS SINCE PURCHASE. SUZUKI ON NIHTSA SHOWS 4 RECALLS; FORENZA ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS NOT THERE. WHAT ELSE IS MISSING? ORIGINAL FORENZA OWNER, UNDER 47,000 MILES…
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SUZUKI HAS NEVER SENT ME A RECALL NOTICE: 2016 EXPLANATION- THEY ARE ONLY GOING BY EACH STATE'S VEHICLE OWNER RECORDED ADDRESS. I/ MY CAR HAVE HAD THE SAME LISTED ADDRESS SINCE PURCHASE. SUZUKI ON NIHTSA SHOWS 4 RECALLS; FORENZA ENGINE WIRING HARNESS IS NOT THERE. WHAT ELSE IS MISSING? ORIGINAL FORENZA OWNER, UNDER 47,000 MILES. REPEATEDLY, WARNING LITES CAME ON WITH OVERHEAT. OCT.2006 ENGINE STALLED AT 35MPH IN INTERSECTION; WITH MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS SUZUKI, AWARE OF EWH FAILURE, FAILS TO DO A FOENZA ENGINE WIRING HARNESS RECALL. I SEE THE SAME SYMPTOM COMPLAINTS BY OTHER FORENZA OWNERS. TOOK 3 CAR STALLINGS BEFORE DIAGNOSIS MADE & ENGINE WIRING HARNESS REPLACED. FROM OCT.2006 COMPLAINED OF "OLD CAR CREAKING/RUFF SUSPENSION" NOISES/BOUNCING GOING OVER ANY SPEED BUMPS OR ROLLING STREETS. SUZUKI REPLACED SOME DAMAGED BUSHINGS BUT NOISES/BAD SUSPENSION RETURNED; I CONTINUED COMPLAINTS TO THE DEALER AND SUZUKI, & PAID FOR SEVERAL WHEEL ALLIGNMENTS. WITHOUT INFORMING ME, SUZUKI THE DEALER MECHANIC, AGAIN CHECKING ON MY COMPLAINT, NOTES "CRACKED STRUTS" ABOUT 1 MONTH AFTER MY 3YR FULL WARANTY EXPIRED. 2012, I LEARNED OF THE "OLD CAR SYMPTOM" SUSPENSION DAMAGE FROM A NON-SUZUKI MECHANIC REVIEWING THE CAR REPAIR HISTORY. THERE IS NOW A SUSPENSION SYSTEM CORROSION FAIURE RECALL FOR 2006 VITARAS BUT NOT FORENZAS; SAME YEAR VITARA AND FORENZA PROBLEMS SEEM ASSOCIATED ISSUES. 2006, SUZUKI RECALLS FOR OVERHEAT/FIRE IGNITION FROM HEADLIGHTS/ELECTRICAL SWTICHS ARE 2 OF 4 RECALLS LISTED WITH NIHTSA. 2007-2015, I COMPLAINED TO SUZUKI OF THE SAME SYMPTOMS (MULTIPLE FAILED BATTERIES, ELECTRICAL BURNING ODORS, LIGHT SHORTS...) SUZUKI DESCRIBES AS HIGH PRIORITY FOR REPAIR OF HEADLIGHT/ELECTRICAL SWITCH. ME, UNAWARE OF RECALLS, SUZUKI DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY!! MY A/C AIR SYSTEM, RADIO, AND RARELY USED DRIVER WINDOW SHORTED AFTER EPISODES OF BATTERY FAILURES IN 45MPH CITY TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI #10864598
117,000 miles · Apr 28, 2016
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY EACH TIME THIS OCCURRED (3 TIMES AT STOP LIGHTS, AND YESTERDAY, 4/27/16, IN A PARKING LOT). WHEN I COME TO A STOP (WITH FOOT ON BRAKE), THE CAR STARTS TO ACCELERATE HARD TRYING TO GO FORWARD. EACH TIME I PUT BOTH FEET ON BRAKE, AND IT STILL COULDN'T STOP IT, SO I JERKED IT INTO PARK, THEN TURNED OFF KE…
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THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY EACH TIME THIS OCCURRED (3 TIMES AT STOP LIGHTS, AND YESTERDAY, 4/27/16, IN A PARKING LOT). WHEN I COME TO A STOP (WITH FOOT ON BRAKE), THE CAR STARTS TO ACCELERATE HARD TRYING TO GO FORWARD. EACH TIME I PUT BOTH FEET ON BRAKE, AND IT STILL COULDN'T STOP IT, SO I JERKED IT INTO PARK, THEN TURNED OFF KEY. EACH TIME THAT KEPT ME FROM CRASHING. IT WAS SCARY BECAUSE I HAVE CHILDREN IN THE CAR. SUZUKI DEALERSHIP IN WINSTON-SALEM DIDN'T SEEM TO KNOW WHAT IT WAS, BUT SAID I COULD TOW IT IN TO GET IT LOOKED AT (COST $$$). THEN I CALLED SUZUKI DEALER IN RALEIGH NC AND THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN FOR $110 FOR THEM TO JUST LOOK AT IT. IT ONLY HAPPENS RANDOMLY, SO I DON'T TRUST THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO FIGURE IT OUT. PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING WEBLINK THAT DESCRIBED OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT NO SOLUTION (EVEN AFTER THEY TOOK IT TO BE WORKED ON AT SUZUKI PLACE). HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/SUZUKI/FORENZA/2008/ENGINE/VEHICLE_SPEED_CONTROL.SHTML THANKS.
NHTSA ODI #10861951
42,800 miles · Mar 25, 2016
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,800.
NHTSA ODI #10851650
65,000 miles · Feb 29, 2016
Air Bags
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME.
NHTSA ODI #10839090
Mileage unknown · Feb 29, 2016
Air BagsInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR A CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LEFT ARM INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR A CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LEFT ARM INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT VALID.
NHTSA ODI #10838878
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2016
Electrical SystemStructureFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, A FIRE STARTED ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE CONSUMED THE REAR SEATS AND EXTENDED FROM THE REAR TO THE FRONT FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. A FIRE INSPECTION REP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, A FIRE STARTED ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE CONSUMED THE REAR SEATS AND EXTENDED FROM THE REAR TO THE FRONT FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. A FIRE INSPECTION REPORT WAS NOT PROCESSED BY A FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED YET TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON A RESPONSE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10823594
Official recalls
4May 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.
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.
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.
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 ↗