2005 Suzuki Forenza recalls and problems

The 2005 Suzuki Forenza has 3 safety recalls and 156 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Suzuki dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
156
Crashes / fires
5 / 7
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Suzuki Forenza vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 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.

2005 Suzuki Forenza problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags47
Exterior Lighting39
Electrical System38
Power Train31
Engine and Engine Cooling14
Engine12
Steering8
Vehicle Speed Control6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Visibility3
Suspension3
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 12
  • Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module — 10
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 8
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 4
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 3
  • Air Bags › On-Off Switch Assembly — 2
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 48,400 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 2005 Suzuki Forenza complaints

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

Power Train · at 121,000 miles · reported Feb 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 suzuki forenza. The contact stated while driving 37 MPH, the gear shifter independently shifted from drive to reverse causing the front wheels to locked up and the vehicle to stall. The contact shifted the vehicle into park, restarted the vehicle, and shifted back into drive. The contact had taken the vehicle to local dealer yesride (1315 s cumberland st, morristown, tn 37813) who diagnosed that the transmission range sensor was faulty and need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…
Exterior Lighting · at 180,000 miles · reported Dec 3, 2020
My lights do not work. The left head light dims or doesnt work at all and the right head light is completely broken. Ive changed bulbs multiple times and still nothing. If I put on my blinker while driving it will cut off the one light that kind of works. Using my brights while on the road may cut my lights on briefly
Engine · at 50,802 miles · reported Sep 10, 2020
Transmission range sensor malfunction. Car won't accelerate or go above 1st gear. $160 to replace. Known issue with this vehicle.
Exterior Lighting · at 100,000 miles · reported Sep 24, 2018
The contact owns a 2005 suzuki forenza. When the vehicle was started, the headlamps failed to illuminate. The contact continued driving home using the fog lamps. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine · at 33,000 miles · reported Apr 12, 2018
The contact owns a 2005 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power while driving through an intersection. The contact stated that the vehicle also experienced an issue with starting. The dealer (Germain toyota of naples, 13315 tamiami trail n, naples, fl 34110) was contacted, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was notified. The contact noted that the vehicle operated as intended prior to being repaired per NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v262000 (Exterior lighting) and 12v397000 (Electrical system, exterior lighting).…

Other Suzuki Forenza years

Compare all Suzuki Forenza years · All Suzuki models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Suzuki Forenza have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza: 14V-262 (exterior lighting), 12V-397 (exterior lighting, electrical system), 07V-452 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Suzuki Forenza?

Owners report air bags problems most often (47 reports), followed by exterior lighting (39). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 48,400 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.