Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Suzuki Forenza owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Suzuki Forenza. While driving approximately 35 MPH, there was burning odor emitting from the vehicle. The contact noticed smoke under the hood, the headlights, and the floorboard without warning. The contact pulled over and discovered that the vehicle caught fire. The contact sustained a burn on the right leg that required medical attention. There was no incident report filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V262000 (exterior lighting). The failure mileage was 119,115.
I bought a 2005 Suzuki Forenza. I had no idea that these cars are so hazardous. On the second day after my purchase, the car suddenly went into reverse on the highway in rush hour traffic. I was lucky enough to get it out of reverse and coast to the shoulder. I have since found out this is an ongoing defect that, and that there are many more. I also found out that Suzuki has been made aware but sits back and does nothing about it. This car has the potential of being deadly and needs to be removed from the market so that people like me aren't forced to drive something so unsafe. I can't afford the costly repairs and I can't sell this car. I am scared to death that in one of the many stalls some one is going to hit me. It should have never been on the market to start with. I am confident that if someone hasn't already been killed because of this defective car that they will be.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power while driving through an intersection. The contact stated that the vehicle also experienced an issue with starting. The dealer (germain Toyota of naples, 13315 tamiami trail n, naples, fl 34110) was contacted, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was notified. The contact noted that the vehicle operated as intended prior to being repaired per NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V262000 (exterior lighting) and 12V397000 (electrical system, exterior lighting). The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Suzuki Forenza. While driving 60 MPH, the engine shook forcefully. The engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. It was diagnosed that the engine's oxygen sensor failed. The contact assumed the vehicle needed a tune up, so he had the tune up repair performed on the vehicle. The failure still persisted when the vehicle was driven. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Fuse for engine cooling system blew and caused the radiator to blow into pieces. Replaced radiator, replaced both cooling system fans, checked relays, 3 different mechanics have looked at it and cannot figure it out. It has gotten so bad that now it blows the cooling system fuse as soon as you turn the key to start the car.
After first purchasing the car, there were problems accelerating and then car failed. Power steering had to be fixed, timing belt replaced. A few months later speakers started to go in and out, radio lights come on and off, etc. In 2010 headlights failed. Being a broke college student I rode with my brights for almost a year until I looked up the recall online and got that fixed at the dealership. 2011 replaced speakers, still don't work on entire right side of car and back of driver side. One speaker works, very weak and sometimes goes out completely. Interior lights go in and out. Started to leak oil, had to have head gasket replaced under warranty, then had to have radiator hose replaced. 2012 timing belt pops, engine damaged costing almost $2000. Today December 2012, radiator cracks all the way open in the middle of holiday traffic. Terrible horrible car to be a 2005. …
I tried to renew my tags but was denied pending verification of completion of manufacturers recall. I bought this car new from a dealer 09/05. I called Suzuki with the VIN. They had all the correct information on record but I was never notified of this recall which effects the smog system of my car. They told me on the phone there is an "open recall" on my 2005 Suzuki Forenza, recall #dg. It involves the fuel vapor valves, so obviously california won't issue me tags until it is fixed. You don't even list this recall on your site and you are the representatives of the us government! Why do you not list it? Suzuki told me to check your site to confirm the recall. I can't trust either Suzuki or the NHTSA? Please research this and update your site today.
Recurring event air bag lamp keeps turning on never been in accident had it replaced twice Suzuki dealer was off for years, now has come back and stayed on for months. On 3/20/2014 car sputter lost power was able to park it in a parking space not able to turn back on, problem fuel pump went out. 8/28/2014 recently, while driving my car, my Suzuki Forenza 2005 lost complete power: when checked the believed problem is 4-3 shift malfunction p1884 manufacturer cont trans and p0700 trans control system malfunction. My mechanic told me to get a hold of Suzuki, to see if under warranty, if its going to be recalled or where it can be repaired, still trying to get a hold of them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Suzuki Forenza. When the contact parked the vehicle and removed the key from the ignition it is hot, the vehicle would slip out of park. The vehicle was taken to America's motor sports (930 8th ave s, nashville, tn 37203, [phone]) for repairs. After the repair, the key became hot whenever it was removed from the ignition. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but was not diagnosed due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown.
Tl*- the contact owns a 2005 Suzuki Forenza with a current mileage of 18,000 miles. The contact stated that once the vehicle pasted the 15,000 mile mark it had difficulty starting in cold weather. The contact stated that when the temperature was below 20 degrees the vehicle would not start. Once the vehicle started under these cold conditions it would stall while driving at any speed. The contact had the vehicle taken to the dealer, but they were unable to find out what had been causing the problem.
Engine complaints in other Forenza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Suzuki Forenza?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Suzuki Forenza, 16% of the model year's 156 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Suzuki Forenza engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Suzuki Forenza engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.