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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.

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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.

19 crash reports8 fire reports20 injury reports

What owners actually said

280 reports
400 miles · Jun 21, 2006
Air Bags

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THIS WOULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN IN CASE OF …

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING THE WAY IT WAS DESIGNED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED THIS WOULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER MUST SIT UPRIGHT IN ORDER TO TRIGGER BOTH SENSORS FOR THE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR LIGHT TO SWITCH OFF. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THAT A PASSENGER IS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AFTER THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION IS TURNED ON, RESULTING IN THE CONTINUED ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR LIGHT. UPDATED 8/9/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ODI #10160337

100 miles · Jun 21, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

WITHIN THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF PURCHASE,STARTED TO HAVE TROUBLE STARTING THE CAR IN THE MORNINGS. TOOK THE THING BACK. THEY HAVE HAD THE THING ALMOST TWO WEEKS NOW. THEY CANNOT TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. ALL THEY HAVE SAID TO ME IS " YOU HAVE A RENTAL" . *NM

NHTSA ODI #10160312

5,000 miles · Jun 15, 2006
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE FAILED. WHEN USING THE AIR CONDITIONER THERE WAS AN EXHAUST SMELL. THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED, NO INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BE…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE FAILED. WHEN USING THE AIR CONDITIONER THERE WAS AN EXHAUST SMELL. THE PROBLEMS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED, NO INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN ALERTED.

NHTSA ODI #10159950

8,000 miles · Jun 5, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

CAR WILL NOT START AFTER SITTING FOR AWHILE THEY CHANGED THE GAS PUMP BUT THE SAME PROBLEM STILL EXISTS TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10159062

720 miles · Jun 1, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic

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…

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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 ODI #10158783

Mileage unknown · May 5, 2006
Electrical System

NOT EVEN A FULL MONTH AFTER PURCHASING A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA SEDAN, THE CAR DOESN'T START AFTER SITTING JUST OVERNIGHT FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS THAT I'VE OWNED IT. WHEN I CALLED KEYSTONE MOTORS IN MONTGOMERVILLE, PA, THE MANAGER WAS SMUG AND UNPROFESSIONAL. AND EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE A J.D. POWERS ASSOCIATE WINNER, HE SAID HE DIDN'T…

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NOT EVEN A FULL MONTH AFTER PURCHASING A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA SEDAN, THE CAR DOESN'T START AFTER SITTING JUST OVERNIGHT FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS THAT I'VE OWNED IT. WHEN I CALLED KEYSTONE MOTORS IN MONTGOMERVILLE, PA, THE MANAGER WAS SMUG AND UNPROFESSIONAL. AND EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE A J.D. POWERS ASSOCIATE WINNER, HE SAID HE DIDN'T CARE ABOUT J.D. POWERS. THEY ARE GOING TO LOOK AT THE CAR, BUT I TOLD THEM IF JUST ONE MORE THING GOES WRONG, I WILL BE TRADING FOR A CAR THAT RUNS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10156848

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2006
Air BagsCrashInjury

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA STATION WAGON, ON FEBRUARY 25, 2006 I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHICH SOMEONE RAN INTO MY CAR AND I CRASHED THE CAR/THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I THINK THERE IS A DEFECT IN MY BRAND NEW CAR. I THINK THE AIR BAGS OR AT LEAST THE ONE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SHOULD OF DEPLOYED- THAT IS MY COMPLAINT. …

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I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA STATION WAGON, ON FEBRUARY 25, 2006 I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHICH SOMEONE RAN INTO MY CAR AND I CRASHED THE CAR/THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I THINK THERE IS A DEFECT IN MY BRAND NEW CAR. I THINK THE AIR BAGS OR AT LEAST THE ONE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SHOULD OF DEPLOYED- THAT IS MY COMPLAINT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10153348

Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

5 WEEKS INTO THE PURCHASE OF MY 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA IT MADE A LOUD NOISE SIMILAR TO A BAD EXHAUST. THEN IT STARTED TO STALL WHILE I WAS STOPPED. IT WOULD STALL DURING THE FIRST 10-15 MINUTES OF DRIVING THEN WOULD BE FINE. ON THE THIRD TIME IN SERVICE THEY DECIDED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE, FOR 2 WEEKS. SO FAR THE STALLING HAS NOT OCCU…

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5 WEEKS INTO THE PURCHASE OF MY 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA IT MADE A LOUD NOISE SIMILAR TO A BAD EXHAUST. THEN IT STARTED TO STALL WHILE I WAS STOPPED. IT WOULD STALL DURING THE FIRST 10-15 MINUTES OF DRIVING THEN WOULD BE FINE. ON THE THIRD TIME IN SERVICE THEY DECIDED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE, FOR 2 WEEKS. SO FAR THE STALLING HAS NOT OCCURRED BUT THE NOISE HAS COME BACK. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10150936

Mileage unknown · Jan 21, 2006
Latches/locks/linkages

I HAVE PURCHASED A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. AS A CERTIFIED CRIME PREVENTION INSPECTOR, I HAVE DISCOVERED FEATURES OF THIS VEHICLE THAT WILL PROVE TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ANY DRIVER/OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. THE LOCKS ON THE VEHICLE DO NO OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE CONTROLS ALL LOCKING DEVICES ON HIS/HER SIDE. A…

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I HAVE PURCHASED A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. AS A CERTIFIED CRIME PREVENTION INSPECTOR, I HAVE DISCOVERED FEATURES OF THIS VEHICLE THAT WILL PROVE TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN FOR ANY DRIVER/OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. THE LOCKS ON THE VEHICLE DO NO OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE CONTROLS ALL LOCKING DEVICES ON HIS/HER SIDE. AN EXAMPLE OF THIS IS THAT THE PASSENGER IF THE VEHICLE CANNOT OPEN HIS/HER DOOR IF IT IS LOCKED. THE DRIVER HAS TO OPEN THE DOOR. IN THE EVENT THAT THE DRIVER IS INCAPACITATED THE PASSENGER WOULD HAVE EXTREME DIFFICULTY GETTING OUT OF THE CAR. ALSO, WHEN THE DRIVER UNLOCKS THE DOOR ALL LOCKS OPEN. IN THE EVENT THAT THERE IS SOMEONE TRYING TO GAIN UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY INTO THE VEHICLE THEY WILL BE ABLE TO DO SO WITHOUT DIFFICULTY; PUTTING THE DRIVER IN EXTREME DANGER. THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE REAR SEATED PASSENGERS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE DRIVER UNLOCKING THE DOOR. IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE A PASSENGER WOULD PERHAPS LITERALLY HAVE TO BREAK OUT A WINDOW TO EXIT. THIS WOULD TAKE TIME AND THE PASSENGER OR PASSENGERS MAY PERISH. THESE ARE EXTREME SAFETY CONCERNS WHICH I PRAY WILL BE INVESTIGATED! *NM

NHTSA ODI #10148263

20 miles · Nov 22, 2005
Air Bags

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS:ON AND OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. A LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT WORKING. THE AIR BAG WILL TURNOFF WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED AT A DEALERSHIP. THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE SWITCH WERE ON ORDER. ALSO CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER…

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DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS:ON AND OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. A LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT WORKING. THE AIR BAG WILL TURNOFF WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED AT A DEALERSHIP. THE PARTS TO REPAIR THE SWITCH WERE ON ORDER. ALSO CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10143463

Official recalls

4

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.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.