2006 Suzuki Forenza Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2006 Suzuki Forenza, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)6916.8%
- Airbags5613.7%
- Electrical5613.7%
- Transmission4912.0%
- Engine4210.2%
- Driver assistance307.3%
- Exterior lighting215.1%
- Interior & seats163.9%
- Suspension143.4%
- Fuel system112.7%
- Seat belts112.7%
- Body & structure102.4%
- Brakes82.0%
- Steering61.5%
- Tires & wheels41.0%
- Other / unspecified30.7%
- Visibility30.7%
- Heating & air conditioning10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BANGING NOISE THAT EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WOULD ALSO BE AN 'X' ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEXT TO THE 'D' FOR DRIVE ON THE SHIFT SELECTOR. THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE RANGE TRANSMISSION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION JERKED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN PROMPTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THE ISSUE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I STARTED MY CAR AND A FEW SECONDS LATER THE AIRBAG IN THE DRIVER SEAT WENT OFF AND THE AIRBAG HIT ME. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISING TO THE RIGHT ARM THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION DUE TO THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS 113,164.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
IBA EN MI VEHICULO ANDANDO DE NOCHE CON LAS LUCES PRENDIDAS Y DERREPENTE SE PRENDIERON LAS LUCES ALTAS SIN QUE YO HCIERA NADA DESDE ESE MOMENTO PARECIERA QUE HICIERA UN CORTO LA LUZ Y SE PONEN ALTAS Y VUELVEN NORMAL MIENTRAS VOY CONDUCIENDO ADICIONAL LA PARTE DEL TABLERO SE ESTA RECALENTANDO MUCHO NO SE SI ES POR LA MISMA RAZON
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, A LOUD AND UNUSUAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ROLL IN REVERSE. THE GEAR SELECTOR BOX THEN DISPLAYED AN ABNORMAL SYMBOL OF A SQUARE WITH AN "X" OVER THE SYMBOL. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT HE HAD NEVER SEEN SUCH A SYMBOL. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THERE WERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,426. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 67,000. UPDATED 9/4/13 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVE GEARS SLIPPED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. POWER WAS COMPLETELY LOST, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL. ON JUNE 22,2013, THE CONSUMER PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND A SYMBOL DISPLAYED, WHEN SHE STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR, THERE WAS A CLICK AND A JERK.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP AND A BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD . THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. AFTER LETTING THE VEHICLE SIT FOR A WHILE, IT WAS RESTARTED THEN OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY A MECHANIC. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. ..UPDATED 03/18/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PLASTIC SPINE IN THE SWITCH SLID ONTO THE METAL SPLINE COMING OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE, SO WHEN HE SHIFTED INTO GEAR, THE SWITCH WOULD ELECTRONICALLY TELL THE SYSTEM WHAT GEAR IT WAS IN. THE PLASTIC SWITCH BURNED OUT OVER TIME.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING THE CARS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL SHOW UP. I LOSE ALL CONTROL OF SPEED EVEN WHILE PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL IN. THE ONLY WAY TO REGAIN CONTROL IS TO CYCLE THE KEY MULTIPLE TIMES AND LET IT IDLE IN NEUTRAL FOR FIVE MINUTES. AFTER I REGAIN CONTROL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON, AND THE CAR WILL JUMP REVOLUTIONS RANDOMLY. THIS WILL OCCUR ON BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IT DOESN'T ACT UP UNLESS I'M IN MOTION DRIVING. IT WILL REV I'N REVOLUTIONS WHILE I'M DRIVING OR AT A STOP.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
IBA EN MI VEHICULO ANDANDO DE NOCHE CON LAS LUCES PRENDIDAS Y DERREPENTE SE PRENDIERON LAS LUCES ALTAS SIN QUE YO HCIERA NADA DESDE ESE MOMENTO PARECIERA QUE HICIERA UN CORTO LA LUZ Y SE PONEN ALTAS Y VUELVEN NORMAL MIENTRAS VOY CONDUCIENDO ADICIONAL LA PARTE DEL TABLERO SE ESTA RECALENTANDO MUCHO NO SE SI ES POR LA MISMA RAZON
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
I HAVE 44,000 MILES ON MY 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA - ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND THE STRUTS ARE GONE! THE FRONT END OF MY CAR BOUNCES LIKE ITS ON A TRAMPOLINE! THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AT 5 YEARS OLD. SUZUKI NEEDS TO MAKE GOOD ON THEIR BAD STRUTS ON THIS CAR. I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING .. ONE OF THEM AT 21,000 MILES.. AND THIS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED? WHAT GIVES? ALSO, I CAN'T LOCK MY CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE ANYMORE. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON SAYING ITS NOT WORKING. THIS CAR HAS LOTS OF PROBLEMS AND I JUST BOUGHT IT A YEAR AGO AND READY TO GET RID OF IT AND BUY SOMETHING ELSE. DEFINITELY NOT A SUZUKI EVER AGAIN. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
I FACE THE HEAT ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS LIKE THE OTHER SUZUKI CARS OF SIMILAR MODELS DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL: AND, DEFECTIVE FUEL PROPULSION AS THE CAR REVES UP SOME TIMES WHEN GOING AND SHUTS OFF BY ITSELF WHEN TRAVELING CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. 2). CAMPAIGN ID.# 14 V262000 AND 3.)12V397000 . I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT THE COMPANY BUT I KEEP GETTING A MESSAGE THAT I CALLED OUT OF SERVICE TIME AND TO LEAVE A MESSAGE. ONLY TO GET A AUTOMATED MESSAGE THAT SAYS THE SYSTEM ISN'T WORKING. I DO REALIZE THAT THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES WITH THIS PRODUCT CAR, LIKE THE TAKATA AIR BAGS.
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.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON MARCH 6TH 2018 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A VOLKSWAGEN GTI I WAS SITTING IN THE LEFT TURN LANE IN THE INTERSECTION WAITING FOR TRAFFIC TO CLEAR SO I COULD PROCEED WHEN I DID I WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES PER HOUR ON A CITY STREET WHEN A RED LIGHT RUNNER OF COURSE RAN THE RED LIGHT AND PLOWED INTO ME GOING APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES AN HOUR . ON IMPACT THE SEATBELT FAILED TO DO WHAT IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO. INSTEAD IT IMMEDIATELY UNLATCHED WHICH IN TURN CAUSED ME TO BE THROWN INTO THE PASSENGER DOOR, THE DASH AND THE BACK SEAT.
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!
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
ON JANUARY 15, 2013, I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY. THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES UNEXPECTEDLY TO PREVENT HITTING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER, WHO HAD ALSO SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES. WE WERE GOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. I WAS UNABLE TO BRAKE IN TIME TO PREVENT HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AS A RESULT. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THIS CRASH. I FEEL THAT AN IMPACT AT THAT SPEED SHOULD HAVE TRIGGERED THE AIRBAG. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH WHIPLASH AFTERWARDS. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE AFTER THE CRASH AND THE AIRBAG INTACT. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BRAKE CALIPERS STUCK ON THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE CAR CATCHING THE FRONT WHEELS ON FIRE. THIS ALL CAUSED THE CAR TO STOP SUDDENLY ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROADWAY SAFELY. IT TURNS OUT THE BRAKE HOSE LINES COLLAPSED INSIDE CAUSING THE CALIPERS TO LOCK UP. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM. *TR
I SLOWED DOWN TO TURN OFF OF A BUSY STREET ONTO A SIDE STREET. AS I WENT TO SPEED UP TO ABOUT 15-20 MPH THE CAR SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES ITSELF, MY FOOT WAS ON THE GAS. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE FOR 20 SECONDS AND THEN PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS TO TRY TO DRIVE AGAIN. THE CAR AGAIN SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, PUT CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. I TURNED IT BACK ON AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO A SAFE SPOT. I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. WHAT IF I HAD STILL BEEN ON THE MAIN ROAD? *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
SEAT BELT RANDOMLY UNBUCKLES WHILE DRIVING ALL INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES HAVE BROKEN OD DURING HE FIRST OF OWNERSHIP TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN AND OUT GEAR CONSTANTLY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
MY CAR WAS NEW WHEN I PURCHASED IT. WHEN I DROVE AT 60 MPH OR MORE THE CAR WOULD START VIBRATING. I HAVE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. THEY HAVE SAID LOW TIRE PRESSURE. THEY HAVE SAID THE RIM MIGHT BE BENT. THEY HAVE THE TIRES MAY NEED BALANCING. THEY HAVE SAID THE FRONT END MIGHT NEED TO BE LINED UP. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THIS CAR WAS NEW AND I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FROM DAY ONE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY STRUT FAILED AND BEGAN TO LEAK AT 36000 MILES. THE MECHANIC FELT THAT THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THE STRUT TO FAIL WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE AND SUGGESTED THAT WE CHECK FOR RECALLS. IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT FAULTY STRUTS ARE AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM AND PRESENT AN OBVIOUS SAFETY RISK, SUZUKI HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM OR ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
I AM SO UPSET THAT MY 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR HAS BEEN GOING OUT. I HAVE HAD THIS PART REPLACED BACK IN 2009 AND IT WENT OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND ALMOST CAUSED A CAR ACCIDENT AS I WAS DRIVING DUE TO THE GEARS SHIFTING AS I WAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER. I WENT TO THE SUZUKI DEALERSHIP AND ADVISE OF THE PROBLEM AND SAID THAT IT NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. I AM NOT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AND AS I WAS GOING THROUGH A LIGHT WITH BUSY TRAFFIC THE SAME ISSUE AND ALMOST CAUSED A CAR TO REAR ENDED ME AND DUE TO THE GEAR CHANGING AND CAUSING MY CAR TO GO SLOW. SUZUKI SHOULD HAVE LONGER WARRANTIES ON THESE PARTS LONGER THAT A YEAR DUE TO THE PART IS NOT LASTING. THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THEN THE DASHBOARD GEARS WILL SCRAMBLE. THE NEXT DAY THE ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF AND TOOK IT TO SUZUKI AND SAID CAN NOT HELP CAUSE LIGHT WENT OFF. I DROVE THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS AND THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND I WAS TURNING INTO THE STREET TO THE TURNING LANE AND MY CAR STARTED TO STALL AND ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS COMING. I AM ALSO UPSET THAT MY LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT AND IT WAS A RECALL AND SUZUKI SAID THAT IT WAS FIXED AND I AM STILL HAVING A ISSUE. PLEASE HELP! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
2006 SUZUKI FORENZA WAGON ISSUES SO FAR: 63K - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND A LINE THROUGH THE D ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED UP, WHICH ACTS LIKE THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL. WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE CAR HAS NO POWER. IF YOU PULL OVER, TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART IT THEN THE CAR IS BACK TO NORMAL. IT HAS DONE THIS 4 TIMES NOW IN THE PAST 2 WEEKS. 60K - A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO THE WINDOW WASHER PUMP WENT OUT AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT. I DID IT MYSELF AND IT STILL COST ME $85. FRONT SEATBELT ACTS LIKE IT LATCHES BUT THEN COMES BACK OUT (THIS PROBLEM WAS RECALLED). 40K - THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ALSO LIT UP ON THE CAR. *TR
BOTTOM OF WINDSHIELD CRACKED DURING WARM UP ON COLD MORNING. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START IN THE MORNING WITHOUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING PRESSED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM BUT BELIEVED IT MAY HAVE BEEN A SOFTWARE PROBLEM THAT WAS AGGRAVATED BY THE CLIMATE UPDATED 6/16/2006 - THE DEALER TOOK THE CAR BACK ND GAVE THE CONSUMER FULL CREDIT TOWARDS ANOTHER VEHICLE. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .