2005 Suzuki Forenza Problems
- Complaints
- 156filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 48,200miles, 124 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report an airbag warning light that comes on and stays on, along with headlights that fail or cut out intermittently. Complaints also describe automatic-transmission shifting trouble (jerking, hesitation, a faulty range sensor) and, less often, ignition or no-start electrical problems. Many reports arrive at low mileage, though the lighting and transmission reports span the full range of the sample.
- Air bags
Airbag warning light stays on
- 32 complaints (21%)
- median 29,141 mi at 3.3 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- filed 2005–2017
Owners describe the airbag warning light illuminating and staying on, sometimes intermittently at first and then continuously. Dealers often reset the light or replaced sensors and control modules, in some cases telling owners the passenger seat sensor sits under the cupholder and is damaged by spills. Several complaints note repeated visits without a lasting fix, and some owners say they were told the repair was not covered. Reported from as little as a few hundred miles up to about 100,000 miles, with many under 40,000 miles.
What to check: Turn the key and confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check; ask whether the seat sensor or airbag connectors have been replaced. A service bulletin describes diagnostics for driver and passenger airbag resistance codes, so a scan for stored airbag codes is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I got my car in february 2006, and a few months later after the car is still only a year old, the airbag light came on. It has not turned off since. I have been to the dealer four separate times, three of those times having diagnostics run. The first two times they could not tell me anything at all as to the problem, they had no idea. The third time I was told that I would need to pay for a more in-depth diagnostic to determine if the problem was in the wiring, the computer system, or the actual airbag. …”
NHTSA complaint #10316590, filed 2010-03, 9,000 miles“The vehicle has suffered from an intermittent airbag light for the past 10k miles but at 110k miles the light has come on and will not go off. I have attempted some of the Suzuki owners recommendations of disconnecting and then reconnecting the connectors under the seats to no avail. This appears to be a very common issue with the Forenza's and certainly a safety one.”
NHTSA complaint #10851246, filed 2016-03, 100,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlights cut out or stop working
- 25 complaints (16%)
- median 55,000 mi at 7.5 yrs old (23 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2020
Complaints describe headlights that go out while driving, work only on high beam, or fail to come on at start-up, sometimes with turn signals and dash lighting affected too. Owners report that heat seems to play a part, with lights returning once wiring cools, and several say a prior recall repair did not end the problem. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 36,000 to over 180,000 miles, often on older vehicles.
Recall 14V262000Recall 12V397000Recall 07V452000
What to check: Check that low beams, high beams and daytime running lights all work, and ask whether the headlamp switch, DRL module and splice pack recalls were completed. Testing the lights after the car has warmed up can reveal intermittent faults.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My lights do not work. The left head light dims or doesnt work at all and the right head light is completely broken. Ive changed bulbs multiple times and still nothing. If I put on my blinker while driving it will cut off the one light that kind of works. Using my brights while on the road may cut my lights on briefly”
NHTSA complaint #11377716, filed 2020-12, 180,000 miles“Having trouble with my 2005 Suzuki Forenza and was wondering if your site could assist me. I took it back for numerous occasions for air bag sensor,headlight failure,key not being able to come out of ignition,and unable to move gearshift out of park without putting a key in console gearshift.dealership wants to charge me for labor. I am a single mother and I need advise on what I should do.they don't want to let me trade it in without $3,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10191659, filed 2007-05, 13,041 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission jerks, hesitates or will not shift
- 23 complaints (15%)
- median 61,500 mi at 7.3 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- filed 2005–2020
Owners describe harsh or delayed shifting, jerking and hesitation when accelerating, and in some cases the car refusing to go above a low gear or getting stuck in a high gear. Several complaints point to the transmission range sensor, and some report it was replaced more than once or that replacing it did not resolve the problem. A few mention the key cannot be removed or the shifter is loose in the gate. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 155,000 miles, on both town and highway driving.
What to check: Drive at low speed and at a steady cruise, watching for hesitation, jerking or delayed downshifts, and ask whether the range sensor or shift control module has been replaced. Bulletins describe shift-lever looseness, key-removal trouble and control module initialization, so ask whether those procedures were done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 figure out what is wrong with their cars, and fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10321208, filed 2010-03, 78,584 miles“I went on a trip to el paso,texas with my family and on my way back I had the worst trouble with my car. My car started jerking a bit. I though nothing of it and kept going just hoping to get home with my kids. On my way back home I stopped by a mechanic shop and they informed it was the sensors in the transmission that were no good. But it is a newer car so I though they must be wrong. I did make it safely to my home. It stopped doing the jerking. Then a few days later it started back up. This issue has been an ongoing since march 4,2008. …”
NHTSA complaint #10223165, filed 2008-04, 42,000 miles - Electrical system
No-start, stalling and electrical faults
- 18 complaints (12%)
- median 53,000 mi at 5.3 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2019
Complaints describe the vehicle failing to restart after a stop, stalling while driving, or losing all power, sometimes with the check engine light coming on. Owners report dealers replacing batteries, fuses, alarms and ignition parts without solving the problem, and one complaint describes a fire in the steering column area while starting the car. Reported from roughly 24,000 to 112,000 miles, with several reports at low mileage.
What to check: Ask about any history of repeat no-start repairs or battery replacements, and have the charging system and wiring checked. A bulletin notes wire harness insulation damage behind the left front fender liner, which is worth inspecting.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This is a rough draft of the letter I will be sending to Suzuki: I bought my Suzuki Forenza in february of 2005. I have taken my car three times to Suzuki of west broward for an oil leak. The first time they told me that I had an aftermarket oil filter (from meineke). I had my doubts that this was the problem. I authorized that they change the oil filter. When I brought my car home it was still leaking. I was charged $28.04 for the service that didn't solve the problem. I brought the car back and it was diagnosed as having a porous oil pan. …”
NHTSA complaint #10180894, filed 2007-01, 53,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Suzuki farenza. The contact stated that on seven separate occasions after driving the vehicle and then attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle has been taken to a dealer on seven separate occasions. They replaced the alarm, battery, fuses, radio, day time running lights, batter, and ignition fuses. The contact is still experiencing the same non-start problem with the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10222136, filed 2008-03, 24,203 miles - Air bags
Passenger airbag reads OFF with an occupant
- 8 complaints (5%)
- median 2,600 mi at 2.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2005–2016
Owners report the passenger airbag indicator showing OFF even with an adult or older child seated, and that it sometimes resets after the passenger gets out and the car is restarted. Several say the dealer described this as normal or declined to replace the seat sensor. Mostly reported at very low mileage, often within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: With a passenger seated, confirm the indicator reads ON; if it reads OFF, ask whether the passenger sensing system has been checked. Bulletins describe this exact symptom.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Passenger air bag indicates off most of the time when a passenger is in the seat. I have complained about this to the dealer since the beginning and they keep telling me there is nothing they can do about it and that it is normal .... That my 130# son is 'too thin'. There has been a TSB issued on this.”
NHTSA complaint #10204514, filed 2007-10, 106 miles“Dt: the airbag sensor for the passenger air bag was not working properly. According to the handbook, any child under 54 pounds the air bag sensor light should come on. Yesterday the child was seating in the front passenger seat and the light did not come on, and today the light came on which showed that the air bag was off. Has not been to the dealer for repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10133510, filed 2005-08, 771 miles
Buying note. Check the airbag and lighting systems carefully on a test drive, since these account for most reports, and confirm whether the headlamp recalls were completed. A scan for stored airbag and transmission codes, plus a highway drive to test shifting, will show more than a short around-the-block drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 156 consumer complaints for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza. 124 of the complaints include a mileage, and 52% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 48,200 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 20 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags46 29%
- Electrical system38 24%
- Exterior lighting38 24%
- Engine cooling13 8.3%
- Engine12 7.7%
- Steering8 5.1%
- Vehicle speed control6 3.9%
- Brakes4 2.6%
Also reported: Suspension (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Other or unknown (2), Seats (2), Body and structure (2), Tires (2), Fuel system (1), Interior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Recurring event air bag lamp keeps turning on never been in accident had it replaced twice Suzuki dealer was off for years, now has come back and stayed on for months. On 3/20/2014 car sputter lost power was able to park it in a parking space not able to turn back on, problem fuel pump went out. 8/28/2014 recently, while driving my car, my Suzuki Forenza 2005 lost complete power: when checked the believed problem is 4-3 shift malfunction p1884 manufacturer cont trans and p0700 trans control system malfunction. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629905, filed 2014-09, 74,723 milesElectrical system: “Not sure if you can tell us what to do but we bout a 2005 Suzuki Forenza last april for our 18 year old for graduation and we only bout it for $1200 and was never told about a recall at all. Long story short my son was about to leave one night and within a matter of minutes of him leaving he runs in the house yelling his car is on fire so we ran out put the fire out and then looked it up and found a recall on the part that caught fire. Headlamp switch drl module. Thanks god he was not driving down the street or the other cars or house caught fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #11074107, filed 2018-02, 200,000 milesExterior lighting: “Dear NHTSA - I really appreciate your agency in the us and world. You do great work for the value of safety! So, I received safety recall notice in the mail from Suzuki and I called the Suzuki headquarters to find out where/how to get it fixed. They told me to call this 1 dealer in oahu since I am on oahu to get the recall repair done. When I called that specific dealer, the dealer refused to fix it stating that they didn't have all the equipment and tools or some other reason. All they could do was put my name on a list. …”
NHTSA complaint #10689435, filed 2015-02, 101,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Gears started shifting on their own, and at times did not shift at all...thank god I was already arriving home when it suddenly jumped into park, bringing the car to a screeching halt, at this point I was already slowing down to get into the driveway. This happened after I had a 1hrs drive on a highway, it would have been a huge accident if this would have happened while on the road. Since this happened, I did my research online and found out this is a very common problem with this vehicle. The bad part is the transmission range sensor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10638284, filed 2014-09, 61,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
52% of the 124 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 16,755 and 74,723 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forenza · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2005 Suzuki Forenza version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forenza FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Forenza FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Forenza Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Forenza Wagon FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V262000May 19, 2014Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Suzuki Forenza 2004–2008, Reno 2005–2008
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…
- 12V397000Aug 14, 2012Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Suzuki Forenza 2004–2006, Reno 2005–2006
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…
- 07V452000Sep 25, 2007Exterior lightingCovers: Suzuki Forenza 2004–2006, Reno 2004–2006
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.
Recall details for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE07039Headlight / drl malfunctionClosed · Jul 24, 2007
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 20 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10216558Jul 8, 2022Suspension, Body and structure. Reminder 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.
- 10152052Nov 20, 2018Suspension, Equipment. This 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…
- 10086741May 18, 2016Seats, Air bags. This 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)…
- 10052515Aug 8, 2013Engine. Suzuki: 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…
- 10030107Aug 1, 2009Transmission and drivetrain. Suzuki 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…
- 10024197Jan 1, 2008Transmission and drivetrain. Required automatic transmission control module initialization procedure. My 2004-2008 forenz sedan/wagon, reno (rq420).
- 10024195Jan 1, 2008Air bags. Airbag light on; dtc b1378 (driver side airbag resistance too high) and/or dtc b1382 (passenger side airbag resistance too high). Forenza, sedan/wagon, reno (rq420) 2005-2006. Vin(s) -6k425022.
- 10023878Dec 1, 2007Electrical system. P0441 or p0496 (evaporative emission system continuous purge flow).
- 10021296Apr 2, 2007Engine cooling. Customer satisfaction campaign water pump pulley inspection.
- 10020472Oct 26, 2006Engine cooling. Evaporative emission system continuous purge flow. Ecm software could cause unnecessary illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp. Suzuki.
Other model years of the Suzuki Forenza
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 152 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 256 | 55,500 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 280 | 55,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 156 | 48,200 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 63 | 50,092 | 5 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Suzuki Forenza model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Suzuki Forenza?
Owners of this model year most often report an airbag warning light that comes on and stays on, along with headlights that fail or cut out intermittently. The issues reported most often: Airbag warning light stays on; Headlights cut out or stop working; Transmission jerks, hesitates or will not shift.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Suzuki Forenza have?
NHTSA recorded 156 consumer complaints for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Suzuki Forenza is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 46 complaints (29% of the total), followed by electrical system with 38.
Has the 2005 Suzuki Forenza been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Suzuki Forenza get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Suzuki Forenza (Forenza, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Suzuki Forenza reported?
Among the 124 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 48,200 miles and the middle half falls between 16,755 and 74,723 miles; 52% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.