2008 Suzuki Forenza recalls and problems

The 2008 Suzuki Forenza has 1 safety recall and 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Suzuki dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
152
Crashes / fires
14 / 10
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Suzuki Forenza vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Suzuki Forenza recalls

Recall 14V-262: Exterior Lighting

Reported May 19, 2014 · 184,244 vehicles affected · Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

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.

2008 Suzuki Forenza problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train80
Electrical System33
Air Bags32
Engine22
Vehicle Speed Control18
Exterior Lighting10
Engine and Engine Cooling7
Tires4
Seat Belts4
Steering4
Wheels3
Unknown or Other3

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 11
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 5
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Suzuki Forenza complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Sep 25, 2022
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…
Engine · at 95,566 miles · reported May 20, 2019
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…
Exterior Lighting · at 80,121 miles · reported Jul 24, 2018
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…
Engine · at 129,000 miles · reported Jun 14, 2018
"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 · at 120,000 miles · reported Sep 22, 2017
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…

Other Suzuki Forenza years

Compare all Suzuki Forenza years · All Suzuki models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza: 14V-262 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Suzuki Forenza?

Owners report power train problems most often (80 reports), followed by electrical system (33). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 miles.

Are Suzuki recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Suzuki dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.