2004 Suzuki Forenza
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Suzuki › Forenza › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Suzuki Forenza. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2004 Suzuki Forenza. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
On certain passenger cars, the dual stage driver's air bag deploys in an improper sequence.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the driver's air bag deploys improperly during a frontal vehicle crash, the driver could be severely injured or killed.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
63 complaints9 involved a crash5 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Steering
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…
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 replaced the head gasket,,starter,battery,tires, the list goes on and on. this IS not ad dependable car. I'm 60 miles from home and wondering how I'm gonna get back home. thank you suzuki
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
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
TL* 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…
TL* 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 *bf updated 04/12/17 lj the consumer requested an update.*js *tr
- Engine
TL* 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.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
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)
- Engine
I bought my car used and it has a new tranny, cv axles and everything the only thing original IS the engine. so I have already had to replace the O2 sensors twice at $60 each. I have had to replace the tps sensor, thermostat and housing, ignition coil, battery, starter, fuel pump and alternator.…
I bought my car used and it has a new tranny, cv axles and everything the only thing original IS the engine. so I have already had to replace the O2 sensors twice at $60 each. I have had to replace the tps sensor, thermostat and housing, ignition coil, battery, starter, fuel pump and alternator. All because I kept getting the check engine lights on and throwing coding all over the place. And the car still stalls when I stop at a stop light and runs and idles rough. I have spent over $1500 fix this problem and it still exists I did all the work myself I have worked on cars my whole life and am a mechanic. Every mechanic I take it to can both find the problem and suzuki can't give an answer to the problem and I don't know what to do. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Exterior lighting
Driving home from work. Smelled something burning. checked called mechanic. Drove into his garage. called around for parts. couldn't find any found switch in ca. Took time. no car. Replaced combination switch, head light module. labor and installed head light module, combination switch and…
Driving home from work. Smelled something burning. checked called mechanic. Drove into his garage. called around for parts. couldn't find any found switch in ca. Took time. no car. Replaced combination switch, head light module. labor and installed head light module, combination switch and repaired melted wires. 6 hrs. For labor $70. Hr. Total amount w/ taxes $452.03 this was before recall notice. and know parts to be found. mother-in-law sending out the info. received from suzuki $89.26. not what we were hoping for.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the headlights failed to activate. As a result, the contact was required to activate and drive with the high beams in order to view the road. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the headlights failed to activate. As a result, the contact was required to activate and drive with the high beams in order to view the road. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number: 14v262000 (exterior lighting) however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph, the headlights started to flicker and eventually shut off. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a notification for recall nhtsa campaign…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph, the headlights started to flicker and eventually shut off. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a notification for recall nhtsa campaign ID number: 14v262000 (exterior lighting). However, the parts needed for the repairs were unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000. updated 4/6/15*cn the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired on march 27, 2015. updated 6/25/2015 *js
- Structure › Body › Door
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. While exiting the vehicle, the contact reached for the front driver side door handle and it detached in its entirety. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the contact noticed smelled smoke and noticed fire emitting from the engine compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the fire. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that the head lights would flicker and an electrical burning odor emitted inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact received a notification for…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that the head lights would flicker and an electrical burning odor emitted inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact received a notification for recall nhtsa campaign number 12v3700000 (electrical system, exterior lighting). However, the dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the parts needed to remedy the failure were not available. The failure mileage was not available. The vin was not available.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that an abnormal odor emitted from the dashboard. In addition, the contact mentioned that the low beam headlights became inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, another vehicle crashed into the side of the contact's vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Pam
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that the headlights illuminated intermittently when activated. In addition, the headlights would independently activate when the engine was turned off. There was a recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 07v452000 (exterior…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that the headlights illuminated intermittently when activated. In addition, the headlights would independently activate when the engine was turned off. There was a recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 07v452000 (exterior lighting) however, the vin was not included. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
- Electrical system · Power train
TL* the contact owns 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the speedometer provided an inaccurate reading of zero. The contact stated that the speedometer reset independently but the vehicle would not maintain speeds of over 70 mph. The vehicle was taken to the dealer…
TL* the contact owns 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the speedometer provided an inaccurate reading of zero. The contact stated that the speedometer reset independently but the vehicle would not maintain speeds of over 70 mph. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
- Wheels
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that the tires deflated frequently. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wheels needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired and the failure recurred. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 200,000. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that while traveling 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 80 mph before the contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that once the vehicle approached an incline, she was able to shift into neutral and engage the…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that while traveling 45 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 80 mph before the contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that once the vehicle approached an incline, she was able to shift into neutral and engage the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic where it was determined that a rubber part of the gasket had become corroded and fractured into the throttle, causing the acceleration failure. the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage and current mileages were 95,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Headlights
Exterior lighting in august 2011 went to dealer ship to have the recall done for the headlamp low beam or daytime running light (drl). so now it?s june 2012 my headlamps and drl lights not working. Very thankful it didn?t go out on my when I was driving at night I seen me light look different.…
Exterior lighting in august 2011 went to dealer ship to have the recall done for the headlamp low beam or daytime running light (drl). so now it?s june 2012 my headlamps and drl lights not working. Very thankful it didn?t go out on my when I was driving at night I seen me light look different. Went to have bulbs replace lights still not working. So the place I was at ran a test and found out that the wiring IS melted so, they side they did have a recall on this. So went toyota dealerships and they tell me that the wiring that IS melted IS not the same wiring that was in the recall for my car. Wow really so now I can?t drive my car at night. But my high beams works. *tt
- Exterior lighting
As per the recall issued in 2007 for the front headlights of this car, I was told by the suzuki dealership in asheville, nc that my specific car was not included in the recall but my low beam headlights still do not function! *Tr
- Suspension › Front · Traction control system
Front strut mounts & braking system are bad on 2004 suzuki forenza. Went to several shops to get them inspected and every shop found the same problem was even told this IS a common problem with this model and a hazard to drive. Researched and many consumers online have complained about this. The car shakes and the struts wiggle and hard time breaking. *Tr
- Suspension › Front · Unknown or other
Strut assembly of vehicle has an inch of vertical play, hence vehicle not able to be aligned. Vehicle IS 2004 suzuki firenza. Have addressed issue with 3 different dealers and none can agree on what the problem IS. One even stated that was normal for vehicle. Called manufacturer in brea ca, and…
Strut assembly of vehicle has an inch of vertical play, hence vehicle not able to be aligned. Vehicle IS 2004 suzuki firenza. Have addressed issue with 3 different dealers and none can agree on what the problem IS. One even stated that was normal for vehicle. Called manufacturer in brea ca, and they refused to address the issue. Furthermore I was refused the right bvto speak to management person. Since my vehicle can't be align, I have a safety issue that needs to be resolved. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
I own a 2004 suzuki forenza. I have always had issues with the rear brake lights staying on after the brake pedal IS released. I have noticed a recall listed on the model I own for the part. I was never informed of this recall. I have had to replace my battery 3 times because of the faulty switch. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Car accelerates on its own when it does brakes don,t work acts like anti lock bad has just hard pedal car will accelerate until it decides to stop last time up to 105 mph for about 20 miles it has happened twice on high way 3-4 times in city took car to dealer they said it could be trans…
Car accelerates on its own when it does brakes don,t work acts like anti lock bad has just hard pedal car will accelerate until it decides to stop last time up to 105 mph for about 20 miles it has happened twice on high way 3-4 times in city took car to dealer they said it could be trans control module or engine control module they replaced trans control module told me car was fixed . I asked them how do they know its really fixed because its a intermittent problem . They assured me its fixed I called suzuki to see how to be assured its fixed because my 17 yr old daughter drives the car they told me to drive it and let them know if it happens again, so I thought well lets see if someone can get killed and drove car as they said car was ok for about 3 weeks well my daughter was driving car again and it happened again this time in city she had to run 3 red lights and finally got car to stop the customer complaint person at suzuki told me that if a serious injury accrued because of this problem that they would let the insurance company work it out, I asked so what does someone have to get killed before you will do something about this issue ( this IS a serious issue ). *Tr
- Exterior lighting
I have a 2004 suzuki forenza and took it in for a safety recall on the low beam headlights and daytime running lights. The dealership did the recall but said the wires were burnt so bad that it affected the high beam side. Now that the recall has been performed, none of the lights work creating a bigger safety hazard than before. The car cannot be driven at night at all . *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Headlight / drl malfunction
On september 25, 2007, suzuki notified the agency that it will recall model years 2004 -2006 forenza and reno vehicles to correct a defect that can result in loss of headlight and/or drl function.this recall affects 93,963 vehicles.nhtsa assigned number 07v-452 for this recall.nhtsa's investigation initially focused…
On september 25, 2007, suzuki notified the agency that it will recall model years 2004 -2006 forenza and reno vehicles to correct a defect that can result in loss of headlight and/or drl function.this recall affects 93,963 vehicles.nhtsa assigned number 07v-452 for this recall.nhtsa's investigation initially focused on 2005 forenzas, then expanded it to 2004-2005 forenzas (total of 58,448 vehicles). Suzuki broadened the recall scope to cover 2004-2006 forenzas & renos (93,963 vehicles).the wiring harness behind the instrument panel contains a splice pack to connect the power circuit wires for low-beam headlamps and daytime running lamps (drl).increased resistance due to poor contact between terminals can generate heat which can lead to melting of the splice pack in the area of wires and the loss of headlight and/or drl function. For the remedy, dealers will splice the power circuit wires for the low-beam headlamps and drls free of charge.suzuki's recall campaign (manufacturer recall no. Nb) IS expected to start at the end of october 2007.customers may contact suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10216558Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.
- 10152052This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension lower arm ball joints to prevent the ball stud from becoming separated from the suspension lower arm.
- 10052515Suzuki: suzuki has replacement oil pumps that have a threaded plug. The threaded proves to be difficult to remove without causing damage to the new oil pump. This bulletin provides procedures when replacing the old oil pump.
- 10030107Suzuki vehicles: automatic transmission shift lever IS loose in the shift gate and/or ignition key cannot be removed. The transmission gear shift lever does not hold firmly to the left of the shift gage as expected.
- 10024197Required automatic transmission control module initialization procedure. My 2004-2008 forenz sedan/wagon, reno (rq420).
- 10023878P0441 or p0496 (evaporative emission system continuous purge flow).
- 10021296Customer satisfaction campaign water pump pulley inspection.
- 10020472Evaporative emission system continuous purge flow. Ecm software could cause unnecessary illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp. Suzuki.
- 10018527Dtc p0703 explained. Automatic transmission dtc p0703 IS present. All forenza models. Suzuki.
- 10017456Oil leak from drain plug.
- 10017060Wire harness insulation damage behind the left front fender liner.
- 10016836Vehicles with manual transmission may exhibit a high idle (2000+r.p.m.) for up to ten seconds when coming to a stop with the clutch released.
- 10016424Automatic transmission harsh 2 to 1 downshift.
- 10016423Harsh 4TH to 3RD automatic downshift and unwanted p1884 dtc. 2004 suzuki reno-rq420
- 10015942Crankshaft position variation learn. 2004 forenza wagon and reno (rq420)
- 10015940Fuel line disconnecting procedure. Suzuki 2004 forenza, wagon, reno (rq420), and verona (rp625).
- 10015939Fuel line disconnecting procedure. Including 2004 suzuki wagon, reno (rq420) and verona (rp625).
- 10015902Driver door lock tumbler falls into door when the key IS inserted. 2004-2005 suzuki forenza sedan/wagon and reno-rq420.
- 10015897Noise from the front stabilizer bar bushings. 2004-2005 suzuki/forenza sedan/wagon and reno.
- 10014824Radio static or no reception on am band stations.
- 10014821Correct coolant usage.
- 10014811Driver door lock tumbler falls into door when the key IS inserted.
- 10010042Paint may peel on the inner door frames around the window area on some vehicles built from june 15, 2004 to july 9, 2004.
- 10006729Clock will not hold memory when ignition key IS turned off.
- 10006724Service manual update for programming keyless transmitters.
- 10006243Slow and/or incomplete retraction of seat belts.
- 10006240Replacing the sir clock spring.
- 10005375Plastic wheel lug nut caps breaking during wheel cover installation.
Every Suzuki Forenza model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.