TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A NECK AND A BACK INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS…

12/29/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668777.0

2008 Forenza · powertrain

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND JUST PASSED A SEMI TRUCK GOING ABOUT 65 MPH AND THEN MY CAR SUDDENLY SWITCHED GEARS INTO NEUTRAL ON IT'S OWN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY AND RESTART THE CAR A COUPLE TIMES FOR IT TO RESET AND GO BACK TO NORMAL. I…

12/28/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10668621.0

2008 Forenza · powertrain

IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE SEVERAL PARTS OF MY CAR THAT I DON'T BELIEVE IS PART OF REGULAR SERVICE MAINTENANCE. THERMOSTAT, COOLANT HOSE, SPARK PLUGS (TWICE IN A YEAR), BRAKE LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHT BULBS (REPLACED TWICE IN A YEAR), TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AND…

12/24/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10489600.0

2008 Forenza · airbags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,125.

12/23/2015 · NHTSA ODI #10811878.0

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 14V262000 19/05/2014

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc

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.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Suzuki Forenza reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Suzuki Forenza is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Suzuki Forenza?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 75 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Suzuki Forenza has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Suzuki Forenza?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 152 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

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Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 21 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Suzuki. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.