2008 Suzuki Forenza
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Suzuki › Forenza › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Suzuki Forenza. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2008 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.
Owner complaints
152 complaints14 involved a crash10 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Power train · Vehicle speed control
Every neutral safety switch made for this vehicle is faulty be driving down the road it'll switch from drive to neutral or any other gear I've had it go into reverse while going 50 mph down the road I've replaced this part five times still have same problem part works for about a month then goes…
Every neutral safety switch made for this vehicle is faulty be driving down the road it'll switch from drive to neutral or any other gear I've had it go into reverse while going 50 mph down the road I've replaced this part five times still have same problem part works for about a month then goes out. Other times transmission won't even go into drive have to screw with shifter to get it to go into gear May last for about a mile and jumps back out of gear. Next problem computer tells me throttle positioning sensor is out car works fine at first then starts to rev around 5-6k or it to rev to half a grand and stall while driving down the road.
- Engine · Exterior lighting · Power train
I bought the car from a dealership mccann car lot in sparta nc mccann told me it was the best car on the lot he drove me through town telling me there was no problem with the car then let me drive it a short distance insured me the car was in perfect condition when I drove the car home after we…
I bought the car from a dealership mccann car lot in sparta nc mccann told me it was the best car on the lot he drove me through town telling me there was no problem with the car then let me drive it a short distance insured me the car was in perfect condition when I drove the car home after we went to get inspected which nothing was checked junior mccann told them nothing was wrong the driver side headlight melted the cover now can't drive the car because the heater smells so bad I got sick from inhaled the odor I reported this to junior mccann his reply was I was smelling something he didn't smell my husband also smelled the odor and got bad headache he never once said there was a recall on this car
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki forenza. While driving 25 mph, the contact noticed smoke and flames coming out the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle while the daytime running lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki forenza. While driving 25 mph, the contact noticed smoke and flames coming out the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle while the daytime running lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries. An unknown dealer stated that the daytime running light module caught on fire and needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the vehicle was repaired, but the contact thought otherwise. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,121. The vine was not available.
- Engine · Unknown or other
"Takata recall" gear shift keeps slipping and maybe the cause of needing a new transmission. Had to turn car off in middle of traffic because gear slipped. When car was in drive a symbol popped up with a d with a line though it! Took it to o'reilly and put it on machine about 3weeks after the first…
"Takata recall" gear shift keeps slipping and maybe the cause of needing a new transmission. Had to turn car off in middle of traffic because gear slipped. When car was in drive a symbol popped up with a d with a line though it! Took it to o'reilly and put it on machine about 3weeks after the first time it happened and it read some codes about gear and transmission and an employee there said gear slipping could have been the cause of all the other problems!
- Electrical system
I was driving home from work and smoke starting to come inside the car from the driver side vents. I pulled over and let the smoke air out as I called a tow truck. On the tow truck at the pooler parkway exit off of I-16, the car alarm was going off, the lights were flashing, and the car was…
I was driving home from work and smoke starting to come inside the car from the driver side vents. I pulled over and let the smoke air out as I called a tow truck. On the tow truck at the pooler parkway exit off of I-16, the car alarm was going off, the lights were flashing, and the car was completely filled with smoke. The tow truck driver pulled over, ran to the car on the tow truck bed, opened the driver side door and saw flames engulfing the panel under the steering wheel. He grabbed the fire extinguisher and put out the fire and disconnected the battery. During this time, I was in the cab of the tow truck. Car was then considered a liability, therefor was not allowed at the tow truck yard or my apartment complex. The tow truck driver towed the car to dan vaden chevrolet, where I had been contacting them for two weeks regarding the part I got a notice on about the recall.
- Electrical system
The car was parked in the driveway. It spontaneously caught on fire, burning the entire dash on the drivers side. The car IS a total loss. The car was not running at the time and had been sitting unoccupied for a couple of hours. The smoke from the electrical fire blackened the windows on the…
The car was parked in the driveway. It spontaneously caught on fire, burning the entire dash on the drivers side. The car IS a total loss. The car was not running at the time and had been sitting unoccupied for a couple of hours. The smoke from the electrical fire blackened the windows on the entire car. The speedometer and all other guages on the dash were completely melted and the dash burned all the way back to the firewall. It appears to have started in or right at the steering wheel.
- Air bags · Power train · Seats
The transmission range sensor has gone out on the vehicle. I have spoken to many other owners suzuki vehicles and they to are having to replace transmission range sensors. Dealer service centers acknowledge that this part breaks often and they keep extra in stock. This issue will begin with causing…
The transmission range sensor has gone out on the vehicle. I have spoken to many other owners suzuki vehicles and they to are having to replace transmission range sensors. Dealer service centers acknowledge that this part breaks often and they keep extra in stock. This issue will begin with causing vehicles to shift rough and end with vehicles not being able to shift out of or into park. the airbag and seat belt light will not go off. We have been told that it IS the cushion sensor and will cost $1500 to replace. Again, after speaking with other suzuki car owners, they too have had to deal with this issue. Suzuki issued a recall for this issue for some vehicles but not vehicles that have been impacted have been recalled and owners are being charged to replace this defective part. suzuki has been made aware of these issues by other owners and have covered repair costs for a few, but have chosen not to issue a recall for all affected vehicles.
- Service brakes
My car start and drive when I drove and then stop hard by itself like brake. I could not keep press gas when itself stop hard. On road.
- Power train
Transmission regulation sensor - car jumping out of gear while driving. Dangerous very dangerous. *tr
- Electrical system
Electrical door locking system malfunctioning, doors will not remain locked, has constant clicking and unlocking all doors when I lock the car.
- Engine · Power train
The transmission range sensor on suzuki forenzas and other models has been shoddy at best. My car currently has 65000 miles on it and I have replaced the trs 3 times getting ready to be a 4TH. This IS not a sensor that should need replaced regularly. I have had the vehicle slip out of gear at speed…
The transmission range sensor on suzuki forenzas and other models has been shoddy at best. My car currently has 65000 miles on it and I have replaced the trs 3 times getting ready to be a 4TH. This IS not a sensor that should need replaced regularly. I have had the vehicle slip out of gear at speed due to this and can never accelerate when I need to. Im afraid that if I need to accelerate to avoid a collision I wont be able to. This IS a safety hazard and nhtsa needs to investigate. They have more then enough complaints to see this IS an issue and they need to act before someone gets killed.
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki forenza. While stopped at a red light, the vehicle lost power and the transmission icon illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the contact's residence. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki forenza. While stopped at a red light, the vehicle lost power and the transmission icon illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the contact's residence. The failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
- Power train
I have already replaced the transmission range sensor once in october of 2014 and it IS acting up again now. when I am driving the car jerks when it IS shifting gears and on a couple occasions it has just switched into neutral for no reason while the car IS still in motion. the most recent time…
I have already replaced the transmission range sensor once in october of 2014 and it IS acting up again now. when I am driving the car jerks when it IS shifting gears and on a couple occasions it has just switched into neutral for no reason while the car IS still in motion. the most recent time was on my home from work on 8/22/16. I had to pull over and stop and start my car a few times to reset the problem. the part should not have to be replaced every couple years. this IS a safety hazard and this needs to be fixed by suzuki.
- Electrical system · Engine · Wheels
Car headlight shut of on me while driving down road along with air conditioning and windows they all shut off on me while driving windows would not go down and I had to pull over near the nearest store and cut car off thanks I turned it back on and they all srarted working accept the air that…
Car headlight shut of on me while driving down road along with air conditioning and windows they all shut off on me while driving windows would not go down and I had to pull over near the nearest store and cut car off thanks I turned it back on and they all srarted working accept the air that didnt start working again till about thirty mins later car also jumps when pulling out of park in to drive or reverse really hard jump the car headlights also flicker when pressing windows buttons to go down tire sensor light wont go out car also has a hard time accelerating going uphill u have press down all the way on gas for it to go
- Air bags
About every 3 to 4 months the airbag light goes off. This has been going on for over 4 years. The wiring under the passenger seat has to be redone and the airbag light reset. IS a safety hazard as at this point who knows if the airbag would deploy in an accident.
- Electrical system · Engine · Service brakes
I have had the transmission range sensor replaced on my 2008 suzuki forenza twice already and it has malfunctioned again. When it malfunctions, my car jerks heavily when changing gears, and it IS an automatic engine. The rpms will not exceed 3000, the check engine light comes on, and "hold" flashes…
I have had the transmission range sensor replaced on my 2008 suzuki forenza twice already and it has malfunctioned again. When it malfunctions, my car jerks heavily when changing gears, and it IS an automatic engine. The rpms will not exceed 3000, the check engine light comes on, and "hold" flashes in the dash. the car accelerates very slowly shudders above 50 mph. The speedometer has dropped to zero while I have been driving on the highway, so I cannot tell how fast I am going.
- Air bags
While driving the air bag light was flashing and then it stay on its been on now for three days now
- Electrical system · Power train
Transmission range sensor failure.
- Power train
The "trans range switch" IS causing my car to jump to 2 gear randomly. The car seems to run fine after o start it. And out of no were the engine jumps and the "engine light" comes on the car acts likes its not in 1ST gear. It can't get it to go into gear (drive or reverse) without it jumping. Then…
The "trans range switch" IS causing my car to jump to 2 gear randomly. The car seems to run fine after o start it. And out of no were the engine jumps and the "engine light" comes on the car acts likes its not in 1ST gear. It can't get it to go into gear (drive or reverse) without it jumping. Then after the car sits for a day it acts fine for the first trip and then it starts the same problem again afterwards. I can't go uphill either without it reaving high like its in neutral. I think this IS the "trans range switch" going bad.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that the driver side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,125.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag in the seat inadvertently deployed causing significant injury to the contacts eardrum and the seat was destroyed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The vin was not available.
- Power train
The "trans range switch" IS causing my car to jump to 2 gear randomly. The car seems to run fine after o start it. And out of no were the engine jumps and the "engine light" comes on the car acts likes its not in 1ST gear. It can't get it to go into gear (drive or reverse) without it jumping. Then…
The "trans range switch" IS causing my car to jump to 2 gear randomly. The car seems to run fine after o start it. And out of no were the engine jumps and the "engine light" comes on the car acts likes its not in 1ST gear. It can't get it to go into gear (drive or reverse) without it jumping. Then after the car sits for a day it acts fine for the first trip and then it starts the same problem again afterwards. I can't go uphill either without it reaving high like its in neutral. I think this IS the "trans range switch" going bad.
- Power train
This IS not the first time this has occurred. I had been traveling home as normal, all of a sudden the car started jerking. Look down at my gear selection viewer and it was scrambled showing a d and a r overlapping each other flashing. This happens periodically causing the car to stall in the…
This IS not the first time this has occurred. I had been traveling home as normal, all of a sudden the car started jerking. Look down at my gear selection viewer and it was scrambled showing a d and a r overlapping each other flashing. This happens periodically causing the car to stall in the middle of traffic. I am not the first person to have the problem with this specific model of car. The events that occurred are very dangerous for myself and my family and whomever else this IS affecting.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki forenza. While driving approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel caught fire without warning. The contact pulled over and was able to extinguish the fire. A fire report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,448.
- Electrical system
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 the left side. Now my car IS ruined! I hope suzuki will be replacing my car!
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.
- 10086741This service bulletin updates a bulletin originally issued on may 18, 2016, concerning a special warranty extension (zh) for 2005-2008 suzuki forenza and suzuki reno vehicles. The updates are: (1) the existence of diagnostic trouble code (dtc) b1379 IS added to the list of dtcs that make a vehicle eligible for repair under special warranty extension zh; and (2) the procedure for inspecting the seat height adjuster for damage has been clarified.
- 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.
- 10051826Long brake pedal travel forenza equipped with ABS brakes. Customers may complain of long brake pedal travel and/or reduced brake performance. Suzuki.
- 10051825Loss of brake function-extended brake pedal travel. Vehicles may experience reduced brake performance and/or spongy, low brake pedal operation due to the sticking condition of the valve within the ABS module. Suzuki.
- 10036954Suzuki vehicle: counter measure procedure for dtc p2135. Mil light IS on; dtc p2135 stored without fully checking system and circuits after repairs and/or replacement to throttle body.
- 10034484Suzuki vehicles: counter measure procedure for dtc p2138. Mil light IS on, dtc p2138 stored. Failure of the connector and/or wiring circuits between the ecm and the accelerator pedal position sensor. Models forenza, forenza wagon and reno (rq420).
- 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.
- 10028178Suzuki: a/c leak check at suction hose which no longer required to be replaced. A/c may not be getting as cold as usual or may not cool at all. Models forenza, forenza wagon, reno (rq420).
- 10024197Required automatic transmission control module initialization procedure. My 2004-2008 forenz sedan/wagon, reno (rq420).
- 10023878P0441 or p0496 (evaporative emission system continuous purge flow).
- 10022793Manual transmission shift linkage adjustment.
Every Suzuki Forenza model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.