2004 Suzuki Forenza recalls and problems

The 2004 Suzuki Forenza has 5 safety recalls and 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Suzuki dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
63
Crashes / fires
9 / 5
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Suzuki Forenza vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Suzuki Forenza recalls

Recall 14V-262: Exterior Lighting

Reported May 19, 2014 · 184,244 vehicles affected · Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 12V-397: Exterior Lighting, Electrical System

Reported Aug 14, 2012 · 101,688 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the headlamps fail to function, this will lead to reduced driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 07V-452: Exterior Lighting

Reported Sep 25, 2007 · 93,963 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Inappropriate lighting could reduce visibility of vehicles and increase the potential for a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-022: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jan 28, 2005 · 37,796 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-426: Air Bags

Reported Oct 29, 2003 · 7,797 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: On certain passenger cars, the dual stage driver's air bag deploys in an improper sequence.

Risk: If the driver's air bag deploys improperly during a frontal vehicle crash, the driver could be severely injured or killed.

Fix: 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.

2004 Suzuki Forenza problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Exterior Lighting17
Electrical System10
Engine and Engine Cooling10
Air Bags6
Power Train6
Structure5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Engine4
Wheels3
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Tires2
Latches/Locks/Linkages2

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Wiring — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 2
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
  • Structure › Body › Door — 2
  • Suspension › Front — 2
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,185 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Suzuki Forenza complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Feb 14, 2017
I own a 2004 suzuki forenza and this car is a constant problem. It over heats everyone I drive it which is daily. It starts only when the motor is somewhat cool. This cat has left me stranded many times. Like at the moment the car has over heated and I'm pulled off the side of hwy 26 heading to portland. I have taken this cat to my mechanic several times and upon its return within days the car is doing the same thing. The steering is a mess. The car is all over the road I've taken it to lesschwab 4 times gotten two alignments within a 2 month period and still car doesn't drive right. I've…
Service Brakes · at 10,876 miles · reported Nov 18, 2016
While 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
Electrical System · at 65,000 miles · reported Jul 14, 2016
The contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician replaced the starter, battery, and inspected the alternator; however, the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000. ....updated 09/19/16 updated 04/12/17 lj the consumer requested an update.
Engine · at 40,520 miles · reported Sep 23, 2015
The contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the diagnosis was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,520. The VIN was not available.
Structure · at 66,700 miles · reported Jun 4, 2015
When inserting key the look fell inside the door (Note: this problem was subject to an NHTSA recall, but my VIN number was not included)

Other Suzuki Forenza years

Compare all Suzuki Forenza years · All Suzuki models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Suzuki Forenza have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2004 Suzuki Forenza: 14V-262 (exterior lighting), 12V-397 (exterior lighting, electrical system), 07V-452 (exterior lighting), 05V-022 (exterior lighting), 03V-426 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Suzuki Forenza?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (17 reports), followed by electrical system (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,185 miles.

Are Suzuki recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Suzuki dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.