2008 Suzuki Forenza Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 152 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Suzuki Forenza, 3% of the 152 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10777684, filed 2015-09, 99,448 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. While traveling 15 MPH, the steering and the ignition seized and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to get the steering and ignition to release, but the brake pedal extended to the floor when the failure occurred. There was no warning prior to the failure. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the steering cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 91,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10694899, filed 2015-03, 91,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that while parked, smoke started to emit inside of the vehicle and flames emerged from under the left side of the steering column. The flames spread through the entire vehicle. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the fire could have been caused by a wiring malfunction. The vehicle was not repaired or replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10611032, filed 2014-07, 99,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, she heard a loud grinding sound coming from under the hood area. The brake and electrical system lights then illuminated as the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stopped and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician stated that the engine serpentine belt was fractured and pulling the brake line out of the fire wall, spinning it around the brake line, the alternator pulley, and the steering rod. The electrical system harness was also fractured. …”
NHTSA complaint #10536723, filed 2013-08, 44,380 milesSteering: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 Suzuki Forenza
79 complaintsAir bags
32 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology