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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.

About this comparison →

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
115,000 miles · Apr 11, 2013
Air Bags

FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR IS FAULTY. THIS CODE IS B1448 SENSOR/MATT FAULT CAUSED BY MATT WIRING FAILURE. THIS FAULT CAUSES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO STAFF OFF, IT ALSO CAUSES THE PASSENGER SYSTEM TO READ THAT IT DOES NOT HAVE AN OCCUPANT AT ALL TIMES. THE MAIN AIRBAG COMPUTER READS THE SYSTEM F…

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FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR IS FAULTY. THIS CODE IS B1448 SENSOR/MATT FAULT CAUSED BY MATT WIRING FAILURE. THIS FAULT CAUSES THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SYSTEM TO STAFF OFF, IT ALSO CAUSES THE PASSENGER SYSTEM TO READ THAT IT DOES NOT HAVE AN OCCUPANT AT ALL TIMES. THE MAIN AIRBAG COMPUTER READS THE SYSTEM FAULT AND IT DISABLES THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM. NO AIRBAG PROTECTION AT ALL, AND SUZUKI KNOWS. SEAMS TO BE A COMMON AND KNOWN DEFECT IN THE OCS AND SEAT MATT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. SUZUKI AND ITS DEALERS ARE UNMOVED BY THE DANGER THAT THIS BRINGS TO ALL ITS CUSTOMERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10506000

90,000 miles · Apr 5, 2013
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN CHANGING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN CHANGING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10507290

96,000 miles · Mar 25, 2013
Power Train

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND GO OFF EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. IT JUST WENT BACK ON TODAY. I NOTICED THE ACCELERATION WAS LESS WHEN I CAME OFF A STOP LIGHT ALMOST LIKE THE CAR WAS IN THE WRONG GEAR. I TOOK IT TO A PARTS SHOP TO SEE WHAT THE CHECK ENGINE WAS. IT CAME UP AS A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR. I HAVE READ THAT OTHER…

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MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND GO OFF EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. IT JUST WENT BACK ON TODAY. I NOTICED THE ACCELERATION WAS LESS WHEN I CAME OFF A STOP LIGHT ALMOST LIKE THE CAR WAS IN THE WRONG GEAR. I TOOK IT TO A PARTS SHOP TO SEE WHAT THE CHECK ENGINE WAS. IT CAME UP AS A TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR. I HAVE READ THAT OTHER PEOPLE DESCRIBING THIS SAME EXACT EVENTS HAPPENING IN SUZUKI VEHICLES OVER 70,000 MILES. THIS COULD BE A REAL SAFETY RISK TO THE PUBLIC IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS TO CONFUSE ITSELF AS BEING IN THE WRONG GEAR AT HIGH SPEEDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504488

113,000 miles · Mar 23, 2013
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

WHILE IN DRIVE CAR SUDDENLY SWITCHES TO IDLE AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE WITH THE PRESSING OF GAS PEDDLE. IT WAS ONLY ABLE TO COAST. THE RANGE SELECTOR PART IS THE ISSUE. IT CANNOT FUNCTION REPEATEDLY SINCE THIS IS A REOCCURING EVENT. THE ONLY WAY TO DRIVE IS IN DRIVE 3RD GEAR WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE GREAT CONCERN IS T…

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WHILE IN DRIVE CAR SUDDENLY SWITCHES TO IDLE AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE WITH THE PRESSING OF GAS PEDDLE. IT WAS ONLY ABLE TO COAST. THE RANGE SELECTOR PART IS THE ISSUE. IT CANNOT FUNCTION REPEATEDLY SINCE THIS IS A REOCCURING EVENT. THE ONLY WAY TO DRIVE IS IN DRIVE 3RD GEAR WITH THE ENGINE LIGHT ON. THE GREAT CONCERN IS THAT WILL LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE TIME OF IT CEASING TO FUNCTION IS UNPREDICATABLE. FROM RESEARCH IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS IS A NEARLY UNIVERSAL PROBLEM WITH SUZUKI FORENZAS AND AS A SAFETY ISSUE IT NEEDS TO BE A PART PROPERLY REPLACED UNDER A RECALL BY DEALERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504248

50,000 miles · Mar 22, 2013
Air Bags

AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO BE ILLUMINATED ON DASH PANEL. TOOK TO DEALER TO FIX. LIGHT WAS OUT FOR ABOUT TWO DAYS THEN REAPPEARED. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND SUZUKI REFUSES TO ADDRESS ISSUE. CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504189

48,000 miles · Mar 22, 2013
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrash

MY TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR HAS FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME IN AS MANY YEARS. EACH TIME I HAVE IT REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THIS MALFUNCTION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SPONTANEOUSLY THROW ITSELF IN TO NEUTRAL OR REVERSE EITHER WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A COMPLETE STOP. WHILE DRIVING MY CAR SUDDENLY JERKED VERY HARD THEN…

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MY TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR HAS FAILED FOR THE THIRD TIME IN AS MANY YEARS. EACH TIME I HAVE IT REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP. THIS MALFUNCTION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO SPONTANEOUSLY THROW ITSELF IN TO NEUTRAL OR REVERSE EITHER WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN VEHICLE IS AT A COMPLETE STOP. WHILE DRIVING MY CAR SUDDENLY JERKED VERY HARD THEN SLOWED TO AN ALMOST COMPLETE STOP CAUSING THE CAR BEHIND ME TO SLAM ON ITS BRAKES AND HIT MY BUMPER. I STOPPED, RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND THEN WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE PAST 15MPH EVEN WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE GAS PEDAL. LIKE I SAID BEFORE, THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS FAILED AND I AM GLAD THAT THE PERSON WHO WAS BEHIND ME STOPPED QUICKLY AND ONLY TAPPED MY BUMPER. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND IS JUST AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. SUZUKI NEEDS TO DO A MAJOR RECALL!! I DON'T UNDERSTATND HOW SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM YET IT IS NOT BEING INVESTIGATED! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504131

142,000 miles · Mar 17, 2013
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

DRIVING DOWN RESIDENTIAL STREET VEHICLE STALLED AND BEGAN TO IDLE HIGH WHILE IN THE "D" POSITION. APPLIED BRAKES AND TRIED TO PUT IT IN TO "P" POSITION BUT DASH READ REVERSE. TURNED IGNITION OFF AND GEARS SHIFTED AS DESIGNED. 4 INCIDENTS FOLLOWED THIS ONE HAVE NOT HAD IT REPAIRED.I WAS PUTTING GAS IN WITH THE ENGINE OFF ONE I GO…

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DRIVING DOWN RESIDENTIAL STREET VEHICLE STALLED AND BEGAN TO IDLE HIGH WHILE IN THE "D" POSITION. APPLIED BRAKES AND TRIED TO PUT IT IN TO "P" POSITION BUT DASH READ REVERSE. TURNED IGNITION OFF AND GEARS SHIFTED AS DESIGNED. 4 INCIDENTS FOLLOWED THIS ONE HAVE NOT HAD IT REPAIRED.I WAS PUTTING GAS IN WITH THE ENGINE OFF ONE I GOT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE CRANKED IT AND IMMEDIATELY THE SCRAMBLED SYMBOL APPEARED I CUT THE ENGINE BACK OFF AND TRIED IT AGAIN AND THE SCRAMBLED SYMBOL WAS STILL VISIBLE I SHIFTED DOWN THROUGH SEVERAL GEARS WITH CLUNKING NOISES AND HEAVY JERKING UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO FIND DRIVE 3, I WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AT A SLOW PACE TO A PARKING SPACE UNTIL I HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOME. SENT IT TO A MECHANIC HAD THROTTLE REPAIRED PUT THE VERY SAME DAY THE VERY SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE MY CHILDREN AND I WERE ON THE INTERSTATE HEADED HOME FROM THEIR SCHOOL. WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO DRIVE 3 AND GET IT OFF OF THE ROADWAY.TURNED OFF IGNITION AND CRANKED IT UP AGAIN THE VEHICLE RAN NORMALLY TOOK IT TO AN AUTOZONE SO THAT THE CHECK ENGINE CODE COULD BE READ AND IT CAME BACK AS P0700 AND P0705 HAVE NOT HAD THE FUNDS TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT BY SUZUKI DEALERSHIP. WITH THIS AS AN RECURRING WITH OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL AS MINES SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE IS GREATLY INJURED OR KILLED JUST STATING THE OBVIOUS. LOVE THE VEHICLE BUT AFRAID TO DRIVE IT EVEN IF THE NECESSARY REPAIRS ARE MADE I DON'T WANT TO FEEL AS IF IM DRIVING MY AND MY KIDS DEATH MOBILE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10503320

97,000 miles · Mar 13, 2013
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT TO AUTO ZONE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, WE DISCOVERED THIS PROBLEM RUNS RAMPANT ON 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA MODELS. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANAGER OVER PARTS AND SERVICE CHANGED THE SENSOR FOR US. HOWEVER, THE CONNECTOR IT PLUGS INTO WAS BROKEN…

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MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT TO AUTO ZONE AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, WE DISCOVERED THIS PROBLEM RUNS RAMPANT ON 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA MODELS. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE MANAGER OVER PARTS AND SERVICE CHANGED THE SENSOR FOR US. HOWEVER, THE CONNECTOR IT PLUGS INTO WAS BROKEN AND HE WOULD LOOK FOR A USED ONE, AS BUYING A NEW ONE MEANS BUYING A WHOLE NEW ENGINE HARNESS ($800-$900). ANYTIME I LOOK UP MY MAKE AND MODEL THIS IS ALL ANYONE HAS TO SAY AND SUZUKI WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT EXCEPT CHARGE MORE MONEY TO KEEP TRYING TO FIX IT.THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO RECALL ALL OF THESE VEHICLES UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS RESOLVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10502612

102,000 miles · Mar 11, 2013
Power Train

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD LIKE NORMAL AND CAME UP TO A STOP LIGHT. AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN IT DOWNSHIFTED HARD AND WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE FROM THE STOP LIGHT IT TOOK MORE GAS THAN NORMAL TO PULL AWAY. I THEN NOTICED THAT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I TOOK MY CAR TO AN AUTO STORE THE NEXT DAY TO READ THE CODES. IT GAVE THE …

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD LIKE NORMAL AND CAME UP TO A STOP LIGHT. AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN IT DOWNSHIFTED HARD AND WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE FROM THE STOP LIGHT IT TOOK MORE GAS THAN NORMAL TO PULL AWAY. I THEN NOTICED THAT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I TOOK MY CAR TO AN AUTO STORE THE NEXT DAY TO READ THE CODES. IT GAVE THE CODES PO700 AND PO734. WHEN THIS HAPPENED I HAD A LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION AND WAS UNABLE TO GO NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ALSO WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE IT SHIFTS HARD AND KIND OF CLUNKS INTO GEAR. THE NEXT DAY I TRIED AGAIN AND IT WAS SHIFTING JUST FINE, BUT STILL HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. LATER THAT DAY THE SAME PROBLEMS FROM THE PREVIOUS DAY RETURNED. WHEN THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED I WAS TRYING TO MAKE IT BACK HOME THROUGH A HEAVY SNOW STORM. IF THIS PROBLEM HAD CAUSED ME TO STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I COULD HAVE BEEN HIT DUE TO THE ZERO VISIBILITY. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM AND TROUBLE CODES AND I BELIEVE SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10502399

80,000 miles · Feb 26, 2013
Power Train

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 DIAG…

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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 ODI #10500490

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.