RoadVitals

2006 Suzuki Forenza Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
280
Latest Mar 14, 2019
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
27

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

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.

69
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10794712 · filed Nov 18, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID 10785217 · filed Oct 21, 2015
All 69 reports naming powertrain (other)

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

56
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11014858 · filed Aug 12, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID 10956021 · filed Feb 21, 2017
All 56 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

56
reports

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

NHTSA ID 11176099 · filed Feb 10, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID 11151485 · filed Nov 14, 2018
All 56 reports naming electrical

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

49
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10522887 · filed Jul 2, 2013

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.

NHTSA ID 10500490 · filed Feb 26, 2013
All 49 reports naming transmission

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

42
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10910619 · filed Sep 29, 2016

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 ID 10903791 · filed Sep 6, 2016
All 42 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

30
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11096941 · filed May 20, 2018

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.

NHTSA ID 10980912 · filed Apr 26, 2017
All 30 reports naming driver assistance

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

21
reports

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

NHTSA ID 11176099 · filed Feb 10, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID 11151485 · filed Nov 14, 2018
All 21 reports naming exterior lighting

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

16
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10668781 · filed Dec 29, 2014

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

NHTSA ID 10430755 · filed Oct 19, 2011
All 16 reports naming interior & seats

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

14
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10864598 · filed May 12, 2016

I FACE THE HEAT ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS LIKE THE OTHER SUZUKI CARS OF SIMILAR MODELS DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ID 10822027 · filed Jan 25, 2016
All 14 reports naming suspension

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

11
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10920445 · filed Nov 1, 2016

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 ID 10910619 · filed Sep 29, 2016
All 11 reports naming fuel system

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

11
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 11186946 · filed Mar 14, 2019

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 ID 10903352 · filed Sep 2, 2016
All 11 reports naming seat belts

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

10
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10823594 · filed Feb 1, 2016

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

NHTSA ID 10560593 · filed Jan 19, 2014
All 10 reports naming body & structure

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

8
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10552884 · filed Nov 19, 2013

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

NHTSA ID 10490570 · filed Dec 31, 2012
All 8 reports naming brakes

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

6
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10392415 · filed Mar 21, 2011

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

NHTSA ID 10356258 · filed Sep 18, 2010

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.

4
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10392415 · filed Mar 21, 2011

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

NHTSA ID 10262093 · filed Mar 17, 2009

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.

3
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10483803 · filed Nov 9, 2012

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

NHTSA ID 10420810 · filed Aug 20, 2011

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.

3
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10397215 · filed Apr 23, 2011

BOTTOM OF WINDSHIELD CRACKED DURING WARM UP ON COLD MORNING. *JB

NHTSA ID 10188957 · filed Apr 26, 2007

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 10158783 · filed Jun 1, 2006

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

Data on this page last refreshed .