SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING, CAR STALLS AND CUTS OFF DURING DRIVING, ONLY CRANKS UP IN NEUTRAL,AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GO OFF AFTER A REPAIR THEN LIGHTS BACK UP. ITS FRUSTRATING TO HAVE TO CALL ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE FOR A BATTERY CHARGE FREQUENTLY WHEN BATTERY LOSES CHARGE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *JS
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Forenza years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
What owners actually said
280 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START UNTIL AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND CAUSED INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START UNTIL AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND CAUSED INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS SHORTED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANU…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS SHORTED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD CAUSING IT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FACE, A BRUISED RIB, AND A FRACTURED CERVICAL VERTEBRAE WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD CAUSING IT TO CRASH INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FACE, A BRUISED RIB, AND A FRACTURED CERVICAL VERTEBRAE WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 9/18/2017*CN
VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW IN 2006. UNDER 16,000 MILES ONE OWNER. HARD SHIFTED OUT OF PARK OR REVERSE. LOST POWER WHEN IN DRIVE WITH NORMAL RPM'S~ DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR BY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. REPLACEMENT PART ALSO FAULTY. PLEASE NOTE MECHANIC USED TERM "FAULTY". EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. I EXPECT SUZU…
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VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW IN 2006. UNDER 16,000 MILES ONE OWNER. HARD SHIFTED OUT OF PARK OR REVERSE. LOST POWER WHEN IN DRIVE WITH NORMAL RPM'S~ DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR BY INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. REPLACEMENT PART ALSO FAULTY. PLEASE NOTE MECHANIC USED TERM "FAULTY". EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. I EXPECT SUZUKI MOTOR COMPANY TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL WITH PARTS THAT ARE DESIGNED NOT TO FAIL AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE. *TR
WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD MY AIRBAG FROM BEHIND ON THE DRIVER SEAT BUSTED AND MY HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND I STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD , NOT KNOWING WHAT WAS GOING ON AND MY I SEEN SMOKE COMING FROM THE SIDE OF MY DRIVER SEAT, AND I SEEN MY AIR BAG HAD BUSTED ON IT OWN. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
I BOUGHT MY 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA BRAND NEW. THE ENGINE GAVE OUT ON ME IN 2009. I REPLACED THE ENGINE ONCE. ADDITIONAL TO THE ENGINE PROBLEMS, ONE DAY WHILE EXITING FROM A MAJOR HIGHWAY, THE CAR JUST STOPPED GOING ABOUT 45 MPH AND STARTED GOING ABOUT 10 MPH, WHILE A NOTICEABLE FLASHING SQUARE WITH A BLINKING LINE COMES UP ON TH…
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I BOUGHT MY 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA BRAND NEW. THE ENGINE GAVE OUT ON ME IN 2009. I REPLACED THE ENGINE ONCE. ADDITIONAL TO THE ENGINE PROBLEMS, ONE DAY WHILE EXITING FROM A MAJOR HIGHWAY, THE CAR JUST STOPPED GOING ABOUT 45 MPH AND STARTED GOING ABOUT 10 MPH, WHILE A NOTICEABLE FLASHING SQUARE WITH A BLINKING LINE COMES UP ON THE GEAR INDICATOR, ON THE DASH. I ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR WHICH I'VE NOW REPLACED TWO TIMES. NOTE: BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSORS WERE PLACED AND STILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN I PUT IT FROM PARK TO DRIVE (GEAR), THE MOTOR JERKS AND FEELS LIKE THE MOTOR'S GOING TO FALL OFF. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS ALSO FAILED TO PASS INSPECTION. THE A/C GAVE OUT ABOUT 2 YEARS FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT IT (BRAND NEW CAR). IT'S NOT A RELIABLE CAR, AT ALL. ONCE I FIX SOMETHING, SOMETHING ELSE BREAKS. THEN THE PAINT ON THE DOOR HANDLES IS CHIPPED OFF, I'VE HAD TWO DOOR HANDLES BREAK ON THE INTERIOR, NOW I HEAR IT HAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS UNDER THE DASH. I HAVEN'T HAD THIS ISSUE BUT NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. IT CONSTANTLY DRAINS MY WALLET, THEREFORE THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY PENDING REPAIRS WHICH MIGHT NOT BE BENEFICIAL TO CONTINUE MAKING. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR IS FAILING AND CAUSED A LOSS OF POWER ALMOST CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL YEAR, AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR A SAFETY RECALL. *TR
Official recalls
414V262000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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