2005 Suzuki Forenza problems
Owners have filed 223 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Suzuki Forenza. Air bags is the most reported problem area, at 21% of complaints. After that come lighting (18%) and electrical system (17%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 223 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Air bags 21% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 6 and 12
- Injuries and deaths
- 12 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 51,000 miles 172 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 41 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 24 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 40 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 22 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 10 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 19 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 5 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 4 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 4 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 2 |
What the data shows
Among the 172 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 51,000 miles. For air bags specifically, the median reported mileage is about 32,000 miles (39 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 6 complaints mention a crash; 12 complaints mention a fire; 12 injuries reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2005 ranks 4th most-complained-about out of 5 model years of the Suzuki Forenza with enough data (119 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 3 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 suzuki forenza. While driving approximately 35 MPH, there was burning odor emitting from the vehicle. The contact noticed smoke under the hood, the headlights, and the floorboard without warning. The contact pulled over and discovered that the vehicle caught fire. The contact sustained a burn on the right leg that required medical attention. There was no incident report filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
Dt*: the contact stated the frontal and side air bags did not deploy for both front seats when involved in a collision. While the vehicle was traveling 10 MPH, it was struck on the front left side. The road conditions were clear and dry. There were two persons injured. The driver sustained injuries to the head, neck, chest and back. The passenger sustained injuries to the neck, knee and stomach injuries. Both wore seat belts and were taken to the hospital. A police report was taken.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine lamp illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer numerous times. The dealer replaced the transmission and a sensor in the engine; however the problem remains.
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.