TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY DOWN SHIFTED TO A LOWER GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT SENSOR WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
2005 Suzuki Forenza powertrain problems
moderate 26 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ONE MONTH PRIOR TO PROBLEM. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONSTANTLY HUNTS FOR GEARS, SHIFTING ABRUPTLY AND SHARPLY WITHOUT PROVOCATION. AT 2,950 MILES, THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE BEGAN TO GROAN. WHEN PROCEEDING FROM A STOP, THE ENGINE WOULD REV BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE AS IF TRANSMISSION WAS NOT ENGAGED. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD, VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR WOULD HESITATE TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
I WAS DRIVING MY 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA UPHILL GOING 35 MPH WHEN IT SUDDENLY STOPPED ACCELERATING AND SOUNDED AS THOUGH IT HAD SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. HOWEVER, THE CAR WAS STILL IN DRIVE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. LEADING UP TO THIS INCIDENT, I EXPERIENCED ROUGH JOLTING WHEN MY CAR (WHICH IS AN AUTOMATIC) WAS DOWNSHIFTING FROM THIRD TO SECOND GEAR. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING, BECAUSE I D…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY WHEN DRIVING AT 50 MPH AND ABOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT THE START OF THE YEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS …
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 Suzuki Forenza?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 26 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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