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2004 Suzuki Forenza

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Suzuki Forenza do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 156.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

40 reports with mileage · 23 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.

  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports5 fire reports3 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

16 reports
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120,000 miles · Jan 14, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior LightingFire

DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. CHECKED CALLED MECHANIC. DROVE INTO HIS GARAGE. CALLED AROUND FOR PARTS. COULDN'T FIND ANY FOUND SWITCH IN CA. TOOK TIME. NO CAR. REPLACED COMBINATION SWITCH, HEAD LIGHT MODULE. LABOR AND INSTALLED HEAD LIGHT MODULE, COMBINATION SWITCH AND REPAIRED MELTED WIRES. 6 HRS. FOR …

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DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. CHECKED CALLED MECHANIC. DROVE INTO HIS GARAGE. CALLED AROUND FOR PARTS. COULDN'T FIND ANY FOUND SWITCH IN CA. TOOK TIME. NO CAR. REPLACED COMBINATION SWITCH, HEAD LIGHT MODULE. LABOR AND INSTALLED HEAD LIGHT MODULE, COMBINATION SWITCH AND REPAIRED MELTED WIRES. 6 HRS. FOR LABOR $70. HR. TOTAL AMOUNT W/ TAXES $452.03 THIS WAS BEFORE RECALL NOTICE. AND KNOW PARTS TO BE FOUND. MOTHER-IN-LAW SENDING OUT THE INFO. RECEIVED FROM SUZUKI $89.26. NOT WHAT WE WERE HOPING FOR.

NHTSA ODI #10681255

101,000 miles · Dec 26, 2014
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS REQUIRED TO ACTIVATE AND DRIVE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS IN ORDER TO VIEW THE ROAD. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ACTIVATE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS REQUIRED TO ACTIVATE AND DRIVE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS IN ORDER TO VIEW THE ROAD. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

NHTSA ODI #10668268

91,000 miles · Dec 3, 2014
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TO FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000. UPDATED 4/6/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON MARCH 27, 2015. UPDATED 6/25/2015 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10661995

Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER AND AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS WOULD FLICKER AND AN ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 12V3700000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REMEDY THE FAILURE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10653360

110,000 miles · Nov 7, 2014
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE DASHBOARD. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL ODOR EMITTED FROM THE DASHBOARD. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #10653267

75,000 miles · Mar 20, 2014
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ACTIVATED. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V452000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN ACTIVATED. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V452000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ODI #10573787

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

EXTERIOR LIGHTING IN AUGUST 2011 WENT TO DEALER SHIP TO HAVE THE RECALL DONE FOR THE HEADLAMP LOW BEAM OR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT (DRL). SO NOW IT?S JUNE 2012 MY HEADLAMPS AND DRL LIGHTS NOT WORKING. VERY THANKFUL IT DIDN?T GO OUT ON MY WHEN I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT I SEEN ME LIGHT LOOK DIFFERENT. WENT TO HAVE BULBS REPLACE LIGHTS…

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EXTERIOR LIGHTING IN AUGUST 2011 WENT TO DEALER SHIP TO HAVE THE RECALL DONE FOR THE HEADLAMP LOW BEAM OR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT (DRL). SO NOW IT?S JUNE 2012 MY HEADLAMPS AND DRL LIGHTS NOT WORKING. VERY THANKFUL IT DIDN?T GO OUT ON MY WHEN I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT I SEEN ME LIGHT LOOK DIFFERENT. WENT TO HAVE BULBS REPLACE LIGHTS STILL NOT WORKING. SO THE PLACE I WAS AT RAN A TEST AND FOUND OUT THAT THE WIRING IS MELTED SO, THEY SIDE THEY DID HAVE A RECALL ON THIS. SO WENT TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS AND THEY TELL ME THAT THE WIRING THAT IS MELTED IS NOT THE SAME WIRING THAT WAS IN THE RECALL FOR MY CAR. WOW REALLY SO NOW I CAN?T DRIVE MY CAR AT NIGHT. BUT MY HIGH BEAMS WORKS. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10462840

Mileage unknown · May 5, 2011
Exterior Lighting

AS PER THE RECALL ISSUED IN 2007 FOR THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS OF THIS CAR, I WAS TOLD BY THE SUZUKI DEALERSHIP IN ASHEVILLE, NC THAT MY SPECIFIC CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BUT MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS STILL DO NOT FUNCTION! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10399213

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2009
Exterior Lighting

I OWN A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD ISSUES WITH THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ON AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL IS RELEASED. I HAVE NOTICED A RECALL LISTED ON THE MODEL I OWN FOR THE PART. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF THIS RECALL. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY BATTERY 3 TIMES BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY SWITCH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10292010

91,000 miles · Sep 17, 2009
Exterior Lighting

I HAVE A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA AND TOOK IT IN FOR A SAFETY RECALL ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP DID THE RECALL BUT SAID THE WIRES WERE BURNT SO BAD THAT IT AFFECTED THE HIGH BEAM SIDE. NOW THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN PERFORMED, NONE OF THE LIGHTS WORK CREATING A BIGGER SAFETY HAZARD THAN BEFORE…

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I HAVE A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA AND TOOK IT IN FOR A SAFETY RECALL ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. THE DEALERSHIP DID THE RECALL BUT SAID THE WIRES WERE BURNT SO BAD THAT IT AFFECTED THE HIGH BEAM SIDE. NOW THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN PERFORMED, NONE OF THE LIGHTS WORK CREATING A BIGGER SAFETY HAZARD THAN BEFORE. THE CAR CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT NIGHT AT ALL . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10284392

Official recalls

5

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.

05V022000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Jan 28, 2005

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BECOME MISADJUSTED IF AN UPWARD/REARWARD FORCE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHTS, INCLUDING THE HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP, TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY WITHOUT BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION, WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE ON OR OFF POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ON CONTINUOUSLY WHILE DRIVING,A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN YOUR BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO DISCHARGE THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY, AND, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH, CRUISE CONTROL AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, IF EQUIPPED, WILL BECOME DISABLED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 16, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

03V426000 · Air Bags:frontal

Oct 29, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS, THE DUAL STAGE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYS IN AN IMPROPER SEQUENCE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYS IMPROPERLY DURING A FRONTAL VEHICLE CRASH, THE DRIVER COULD BE SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADAPTING WIRING HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 30, 2003, TO VERONA VEHICLE OWNERS. ALL FORENZA VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED AT THE PORT OF ENTRY. THERE ARE NO OWNER NOTIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE FORENZA MODEL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD 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

1

PE07039 · Headlight / Drl Malfunction

Opened Jul 24, 2007 · Closed Oct 2, 2007

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights

ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2007, SUZUKI NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL RECALL MODEL YEARS 2004 -2006 FORENZA AND RENO VEHICLES TO CORRECT A DEFECT THAT CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF HEADLIGHT AND/OR DRL FUNCTION.THIS RECALL AFFECTS 93,963 VEHICLES.NHTSA ASSIGNED NUMBER 07V-452 FOR THIS RECALL.NHTSA'S INVESTIGATION INITIALLY FOCUSED ON 2005 FORENZAS, THEN EXPANDED IT TO 2004-2005 FORENZAS (TOTAL OF 58,448 VEHICLES). SUZUKI BROADENED THE RECALL SCOPE TO COVER 2004-2006 FORENZAS & RENOS (93,963 VEHICLES).THE WIRING HARNESS BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTAINS A SPLICE PACK TO CONNECT THE POWER CIRCUIT WIRES FOR LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL).INCREASED RESISTANCE DUE TO POOR CONTACT BETWEEN TERMINALS CAN GENERATE HEAT WHICH CAN LEAD TO MELTING OF THE SPLICE PACK IN THE AREA OF WIRES AND THE LOSS OF HEADLIGHT AND/OR DRL FUNCTION. FOR THE REMEDY, DEALERS WILL SPLICE THE POWER CIRCUIT WIRES FOR THE LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS AND DRLS FREE OF CHARGE.SUZUKI'S RECALL CAMPAIGN (MANUFACTURER RECALL NO. NB) IS EXPECTED TO START AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2007.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.