VehicleVerdict

2008 Suzuki Forenza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Suzuki Forenza sits mid-pack among Forenza years: 236 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 236, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 80 reports (34% of the total).

236

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Forenza years?

Forenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted426 complaints2004: 86 complaints2005: 223 complaints2006: 426 complaints2007: 389 complaints2008: 236 complaints
Forenza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forenza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Suzuki Forenza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission8034%
Electrical System3414%
Airbags3214%
Engine2912%
Speed Control188%
Lighting104%
Tires & Wheels73%
Brakes52%
Seat Belts42%
Steering42%
Other31%
Seats21%
Body & Structure21%
Fuel System21%
Suspension10%
Latches & Locks10%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE VENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEGUN SLIPPED AND WOULD NOT STAY IN THE DRIVE GEAR. THE VEHICLE ALSO HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CHECK ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 16, 2010 · fire

“THE DRL STAYED ON EVEN AFTER THE CAR WAS PARKED AND OFF. I JUST CAME HOME WITH MY SON AND NEWBORN THANK GOD WE WERE NOT IN THE CAR. THE CAR STARTED SMOKING WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME OUT, INVESTIGATED AND LOOKED UP RECALLS AND MY CAR WAS ON THE LIST THE SAME THING HAPPENED, ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 21, 2015 · fire

“WAS TRAVELING AT A RATE APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR VEHICLE IN FROM OF ME STOP ABRUPTLY. I HIT THEM. DRIVER SIDE FENDER, HOOD, BUMPER ALL SMASHED. IN AREA WHERE AIRBAG SENSOR IS, IT SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED. WE TOO HAD ISSUE WITH THE FLASHING PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT TOOK IT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 22, 2015 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH INTO A WALL. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED OR IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 3, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A SNOW BANK AND THEN A GARAGE DOOR. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF ANY INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED OR IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 3, 2015 · crash

2008 Suzuki Forenza — common questions

Is the 2008 Suzuki Forenza reliable?

It is close to typical for the Forenza: 236 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2008 Forenza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (80 complaints), electrical system (34 complaints), airbags (32 complaints).

Does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 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.