IllustrationWHILE DRIVING MY SUZUKI FORENZA 2004 IT DOESN'T ACCELERATE AND ALL IN A QUICK SUDDEN COMES TO A QUICK STOP AS THOUGH SOMEONE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES,WHILE ON A MAJOR ROAD WAY. DANGEROUS IM SCARED TO DRIVE THE ONLY TRANSPORTATION I HAVE
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 →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
120–25K
625–50K
1150–75K
575–100K
6100–150K
0150K+
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
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
5 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH BEFORE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE APPROACHED AN INCLINE, SHE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 80 MPH BEFORE THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE APPROACHED AN INCLINE, SHE WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A RUBBER PART OF THE GASKET HAD BECOME CORRODED AND FRACTURED INTO THE THROTTLE, CAUSING THE ACCELERATION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 95,000.
CAR ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WHEN IT DOES BRAKES DON,T WORK ACTS LIKE ANTI LOCK BAD HAS JUST HARD PEDAL CAR WILL ACCELERATE UNTIL IT DECIDES TO STOP LAST TIME UP TO 105 MPH FOR ABOUT 20 MILES IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE ON HIGH WAY 3-4 TIMES IN CITY TOOK CAR TO DEALER THEY SAID IT COULD BE TRANS CONTROL MODULE OR ENGINE CONTROL …
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CAR ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN WHEN IT DOES BRAKES DON,T WORK ACTS LIKE ANTI LOCK BAD HAS JUST HARD PEDAL CAR WILL ACCELERATE UNTIL IT DECIDES TO STOP LAST TIME UP TO 105 MPH FOR ABOUT 20 MILES IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE ON HIGH WAY 3-4 TIMES IN CITY TOOK CAR TO DEALER THEY SAID IT COULD BE TRANS CONTROL MODULE OR ENGINE CONTROL MODULE THEY REPLACED TRANS CONTROL MODULE TOLD ME CAR WAS FIXED . I ASKED THEM HOW DO THEY KNOW ITS REALLY FIXED BECAUSE ITS A INTERMITTENT PROBLEM . THEY ASSURED ME ITS FIXED I CALLED SUZUKI TO SEE HOW TO BE ASSURED ITS FIXED BECAUSE MY 17 YR OLD DAUGHTER DRIVES THE CAR THEY TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT AND LET THEM KNOW IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, SO I THOUGHT WELL LETS SEE IF SOMEONE CAN GET KILLED AND DROVE CAR AS THEY SAID CAR WAS OK FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS WELL MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING CAR AGAIN AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN THIS TIME IN CITY SHE HAD TO RUN 3 RED LIGHTS AND FINALLY GOT CAR TO STOP THE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT PERSON AT SUZUKI TOLD ME THAT IF A SERIOUS INJURY ACCRUED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT THEY WOULD LET THE INSURANCE COMPANY WORK IT OUT, I ASKED SO WHAT DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO GET KILLED BEFORE YOU WILL DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE ( THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE ). *TR
ON APRIL 21, 2006 AFTER COMING OFF I95 INTERSTATE COMING TO A STOP MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN HITTING A PARKED CAR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO "FOUND NOTHING WRONG." THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME PERFORMANCE, ACCELERATING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN AFTER OVER 45 MPH NON STOP, ON 3/27/07 I HAD THE …
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ON APRIL 21, 2006 AFTER COMING OFF I95 INTERSTATE COMING TO A STOP MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED, RESULTING IN HITTING A PARKED CAR. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHO "FOUND NOTHING WRONG." THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME PERFORMANCE, ACCELERATING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN AFTER OVER 45 MPH NON STOP, ON 3/27/07 I HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR PARKING LIGHTS NOT SHUTTING OFF, AND SPOKE WITH A TECHNICIAN WHO IMMEDIATELY KNOW THE PROBLEM. *TR
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE REVVED, IT WAS RACING, AND THE RPM GAUGE RAN HIGHER THAN NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE AT ANY SPEED. THERE WILL BE A LOSS OF POWER, AND THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN POWER WENT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHI…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE REVVED, IT WAS RACING, AND THE RPM GAUGE RAN HIGHER THAN NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE AT ANY SPEED. THERE WILL BE A LOSS OF POWER, AND THE VEHICLE JERKED WHEN POWER WENT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. THIS HAPPENED EVERY TIME WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THE ECM HAD TO BE REFLASHED. DEALER DID THE WORK. THE VEHICLE IS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE THEN. *AK ENGINE CHECK LIHT CAME ON, AND VEHICLE SEEMED TO RUN HIGHER WHEN COLD OUTSIDE. *AK
Official recalls
514V262000 · 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
1PE07039 · 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.