VehicleVerdict

2006 Suzuki Forenza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 426 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Forenza year — the 2006 model ranks #1 of 5 Forenza years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 37 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 118 reports (28% of the total).

426

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

27

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

37

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Forenza years?

Forenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted426 complaints2004: 86 complaints2005: 223 complaints2006: 426 complaints2007: 389 complaints2008: 236 complaints
Forenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forenza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Suzuki Forenza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission11828%
Electrical System5914%
Airbags5713%
Engine4310%
Speed Control297%
Lighting235%
Suspension154%
Other133%
Latches & Locks123%
Seat Belts113%
Fuel System113%
Body & Structure102%
Brakes82%
Steering61%
Tires & Wheels51%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Seats20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2006 Suzuki Forenza have recalls?

4 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.

07V315000Seat BeltsJuly 24, 2007 · 75,697 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION - LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND DROVE OFF THE ROAD MANUFACTURER AND CAR DEALERSHIP DID NOT HELP MULTIPLE OTHER DEFECTS, INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING/GEARS "STICKING" - PLEASE REFER DETAILS IN LETTER TO BE SENT TO YOUR OFFICE BY MAIL. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 31, 2006 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE SOUND ALARM ACTIVATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WAS A FIRE REPORT FILED AND NO INJURIES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 30, 2014 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 25, 2006 · crash

“STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION - LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND DROVE OFF THE ROAD MANUFACTURER AND CAR DEALERSHIP DID NOT HELP MULTIPLE OTHER DEFECTS, INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING/GEARS "STICKING" - PLEASE REFER DETAILS IN LETTER TO BE SENT TO YOUR OFFICE BY MAIL. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 31, 2006 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 22, 2013 · crash

2006 Suzuki Forenza — common questions

Is the 2006 Suzuki Forenza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 426 complaints put the 2006 model at #1 of 5 Forenza years. It is one of the Forenza years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Forenza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (118 complaints), electrical system (59 complaints), airbags (57 complaints).

Does the 2006 Suzuki Forenza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Suzuki Forenza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.