Is the 2004 Suzuki Forenza reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Suzuki Forenza?

The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Suzuki Forenza have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2004 Suzuki Forenza

○ Not enough data

2004 Suzuki Forenza
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:56:23.526Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 63
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Exterior lighting

Complaints per year

2004: 63 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	63
2005	156
2006	280
2007	256
2008	152

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior lighting

27% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing switch and brake lights.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that the head lights would flicker and an electrical burning odor emitted inside the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-07

Also filed under Electrical system

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing cooling system.

Electrical system

16% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE

Air bags

10% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, another vehicle crashed into the side of the contact's vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-04

I am not sure if this is really a defect or not, but my airbags did not deploy upon impact. My car was legally parked on the street when it was totaled by a drunk driver going 70 MPH in a head-on collision.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-16

While driving consumer hit a curb, lost control of vehicle, and hit a tree. Upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained head injuries, but refused to go to the hospital by ambulance.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-09-14

Power train

10% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and bell housing.

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2003-10-30Air bags03V426000 On certain passenger cars, the dual stage driver's air bag deploys in an improper sequence.

Remedy: Dealers will install an adapting wiring harness. Owner notification began on October 30, 2003, to verona vehicle owners. All Forenza vehicles were repaired at the port of entry. There are no…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2005-03-16Exterior lighting05V022000 On certain passenger vehicles, the brake light switch may become misadjusted if an upward/rearward force is applied to the brake pedal. If this should occur, the brake light switch will not…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on March 16, 2005. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2007-07-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-10-02 Headlight / drl malfunction
R

2007-10-31Exterior lighting07V452000 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.

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2012-09-25Electrical system, exterior lighting12V397000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-10-29Exterior lighting14V262000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Suzuki Forenza — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Exterior lighting: 17 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V426000 · Air bags
Recall 05V022000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 07V452000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 12V397000 · Electrical system, exterior lighting
Recall 14V262000 · Exterior lighting

FAQ

Is the 2004 Suzuki Forenza reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Suzuki Forenza?: The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Suzuki Forenza have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.