MYRModel Year Report

2008 Suzuki Forenza

○ Not enough data
2008 Suzuki Forenza
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:56:33.654Z

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
152
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

53% of complaints

Complaints per year

2004: 63 complaints 2004 2005: 156 complaints 2005 2006: 280 complaints 2006 2007: 256 complaints 2007 2008: 152 complaints 2008 152
2004: 63 complaints 2004 2005: 156 complaints 2005 2006: 280 complaints 2006 2007: 256 complaints 2007 2008: 152 complaints 2008 152
2004: 63 complaints 2004 2005: 156 complaints 2005 2006: 280 complaints 2006 2007: 256 complaints 2007 2008: 152 complaints 2008 152

2008: 152 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200463
2005156
2006280
2007256
2008152

Known problem areas

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

Power train

53% · 80 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

I purchased this car new in 2/ 2009. I have had to have it into the shop for repairs of check engine light and transmission, ultimately leading to a transmission replacement on 7/17/12.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-22

Electrical system

22% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and instrument cluster/panel.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-16

Air bags

21% · 32 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I was in an accident in which my car rear ended another vehicle that was broken down at night and I did not see. The car made impact on the front driver's side and according to the collision center, sustained 70% worth of damage.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-03-07

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact rear ended another vehicle. The vehicle was completely destroyed and none of the air bags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-08-28

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. While driving 35 MPH, the contact rear ended another vehicle. None of the air bags deployed. The driver received injuries to her chest, head, knee, and neck.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-08-13

Engine

14% · 22 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

"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!

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-14

Vehicle speed control

12% · 18 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated the vehicle independently accelerated and crashed into a bench followed by a garage wall. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The failure was recurring.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-19

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. 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

2008 Suzuki Forenza — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 80 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 32 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 14V262000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2008 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 2008 Suzuki Forenza?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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