2005 Suzuki Forenza Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Forenza years
- Fewer complaints than other years 3rd of 5 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 156 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Suzuki Forenza. That ranks 3rd out of 5 Forenza model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (46 complaints, 29%), typically at around 31,828 miles. Complaints mention 5 crashes, 7 fires, 9 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.
- 156owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 1NHTSA investigations
- 5complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2005 Suzuki Forenza problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 46 | 29% | 31,828 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 38 | 24% | 53,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 38 | 24% | 62,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 30 | 19% | 66,021 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 13 | 8% | 30,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 12 | 8% | 62,862 | — | — |
| Steering | 8 | 5% | 48,853 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 4% | 57,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 3% | 14,000 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 3 | 2% | 65,350 | — | — |
| Suspension | 3 | 2% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Visibility | 3 | 2% | 35,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 1% | 17,437 | — | — |
| Seats | 2 | 1% | 48,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 2 | 1% | 111,125 | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 1% | 75,975 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | 1% | 43,319 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1% | 74,723 | — | — |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1% | 112,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 1% | 16,755 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2005 Suzuki Forenza recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Exterior lighting:headlights
Problem: 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: 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting:headlights; electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash
Problem: 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 result in intermittent or total loss of low/high beam headlamp function.
Risk: If the headlamps fail to function, this will lead to reduced driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Exterior lighting
Problem: 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: Inappropriate lighting could reduce visibility of vehicles and increase the potential for a crash.
Fix: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Headlight / drl malfunction (PE07039) — opened Jul 24, 2007, closed Oct 2, 2007, led to recall 07V452000.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 suzuki forenza. The contact stated while driving 37 mph, the gear shifter independently shifted from drive to reverse causing the front wheels to locked up and the vehicle to stall. The contact shifted the vehicle into park, restarted the vehicle, and shifted back into…
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…
Transmission range sensor malfunction. Car won't accelerate or go above 1st gear. $160 to replace. Known issue with this vehicle.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHEN THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION IT IS HOT, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIP OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AMERICA'S MOTOR SPORTS (930 8TH AVE S, NASHVILLE, TN 37203, [redacted]) FOR REPAIRS. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE…
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 suzuki forenza. When the vehicle was started, the headlamps failed to illuminate. The contact continued driving home using the fog lamps. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was…
Other Suzuki Forenza years
← 2004 Forenza · 2006 Forenza →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 Forenza | 152 | 1 |
| 2007 Forenza | 256 | 2 |
| 2006 Forenza | 280 | 4 |
| 2005 | 156 | 3 |
| 2004 Forenza | 63 | 5 |
See all Suzuki Forenza problems by year, every Suzuki model, or the VIN decoder.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Suzuki Forenza?
Owners most often report air bags, electrical system, exterior lighting problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 46 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 2005 Suzuki Forenza?
Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2005 Suzuki Forenza a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Forenza model years, the 2005 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.