VehicleVerdict

2005 Suzuki Forenza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2005 Suzuki Forenza sits mid-pack among Forenza years: 223 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 237, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (47), electrical system (41), and lighting (40), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

223

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Forenza years?

Forenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted426 complaints2004: 86 complaints2005: 223 complaints2006: 426 complaints2007: 389 complaints2008: 236 complaints
Forenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forenza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Suzuki Forenza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags4721%
Electrical System4118%
Lighting4018%
Transmission3114%
Engine2612%
Steering84%
Speed Control63%
Brakes52%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Suspension31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Other21%
Body & Structure21%
Latches & Locks21%
Seats21%
Fuel System10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2005 Suzuki Forenza have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V262000LightingMay 19, 2014 · 184,244 units

Defect

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

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.

12V397000LightingAugust 14, 2012 · 101,688 units

Defect

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.

07V452000LightingSeptember 25, 2007 · 93,963 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED FROM THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE THROAT, LEFT WRIST, AND KNEE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 7, 2016 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. ON JANUARY 29, 2007 THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHILE SHE TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 29, 2007 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, THE HEADLIGHTS, AND THE FLOORBOARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 22, 2015 · fire

“ABOUT 2.5 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR, I HAD TO PUT A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION IN IT DUE TO THE SHIFT SENSOR WENT BAD. NOW JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT IT IS BAD AGAIN. THIS TIME I AM GOING TO DRIVE THE CAR TILL IT DIES AND THEN SCRAP IT. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT. SUZUKI NEEDS TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 8, 2010

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS BURNING ODOR EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, THE HEADLIGHTS, AND THE FLOORBOARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 22, 2015 · fire

2005 Suzuki Forenza — common questions

Is the 2005 Suzuki Forenza reliable?

It is close to typical for the Forenza: 223 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2005 Forenza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (47 complaints), electrical system (41 complaints), lighting (40 complaints).

Does the 2005 Suzuki Forenza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Suzuki Forenza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Suzuki Forenza under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Suzuki Forenza years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forenza years to avoid are 2006, 2007. The cleanest record among Forenza years belongs to 2004.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.