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2008 Suzuki Forenza Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 152 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Suzuki Forenza, most often about the transmission (52% of complaints, typically around 60,000 miles). It is 4th of 5 Forenza model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2008 Suzuki Forenza problems
Transmission
79 complaints · 52%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
The transmission range sensor went out the first time last year. Started to show an "x" over the gear when you shifted, it would kick, and it would not allow you to over 35mph even with your foot on the gas. We replaced the sensor in oct of 2011. It is now april 2012 and the sensor has gone out again. The air bag…
The contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle erroneously slipped out of gear and jolted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the failure on several occasions. The dealer updated the computer but the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified. The…
Air bags
32 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 44,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.
My check engine light came on and was put on machine and got a po700 and po705 which required a sensor which should not have been on a brand new car. From my understanding there have been a lot of problems with this and I don't understand why a recall has not been done on this because my warranty did not cover this do…
In mid july my airbag warning light came on in my vehicle. I took it to my local Suzuki dealership where I was told by an associate it would be atleast $1800.00 to resolve the issue. My vehicle wasn't even brought into the service department for a diagnostic. Unable to afford a repair of that magnitude I'm concerned…
Electrical
32 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 60,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, instrument cluster/panel.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. The check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the auto-part store for a free computer diagnostic and two codes were produced from the diagnostic.the pedal position sensor and volt coalition.contact had 3 days prior went to said…
As I was driving, the car all the sudden slipped into neutral and showed a d with a slash through it. I pulled over and tried to put the car in park. The vehicle displayed I was in reverse. When I put it in drive it read neutral. When I started driving again, there was no power, as if I was in neutral. This has…
Engine
29 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
Started car put it into reverse to back out, aloud "clunk" noise was maid and the car had trouble accelerating. Not it often slips into neutral while driving or will only accelerate in third.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was engaged and failed to respond as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced.…
Speed control
18 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 67,500 miles.
I was driving down a busy street in stop and go traffic. While stopped at a stop light, my vehicle made a very loud "clunk" noise, lurched forward and the check engine light came on. When I attempted to accelerate after the light turned green, I had to push the gas pedal almost to the floor to get the vehicle to move…
The contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without warning and caused the contact to crash into a snow bank and then a garage door. It was unknown if any injuries were sustained or if a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic.…
Lights
10 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles.
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…
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…
Wheels and tires
5 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: pressure monitoring and regulating systems.
I had bought 4 kumho ecsta lx platinum tires size 195/55r 15...one blew up after not even 2000 miles, I had it repaired but I had to pay because they said it was maybe something on the road, then now after not even 14000 miles the other 3 need replaced because they are completely wore out, and the one that I replaced…
Tl contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. The vehicle has kumho ecsta hp4 tires, size 195/55/r15 (na). When the contact purchased the vehicle, she noticed that the tires vibrated and wobbled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they did not find any failures or holes in the tires. The tire pressure warning light…
Brakes
5 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle accelerated independently causing the contact to loose control and crash into a wall. It was unknown if injuries were sustained or if a police report was filed. In addition, the brake pedal…
I have had the transmission range sensor replaced on my 2008 Suzuki Forenza twice already and it has malfunctioned again. When it malfunctions, my car jerks heavily when changing gears, and it is an automatic engine. The rpms will not exceed 3000, the check engine light comes on, and "hold" flashes in the dash. The…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Suzuki Forenza recalls
Lights: headlights
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2008 Suzuki Forenza
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Suzuki Forenza?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (79 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles); air bags (32 complaints, typically around 44,500 miles); electrical (32 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 19, 2014 (lights). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Suzuki Forenza?
- It is 4th of 5 Forenza model years by number of complaints, with 152 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.