Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Suzuki Forenza owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My transmission range sensor has failed for the third time in as many years. Each time I have it repaired by the dealership. This malfunction causes the vehicle to spontaneously throw itself in to neutral or reverse either while driving or when vehicle is at a complete stop. While driving my car suddenly jerked very hard then slowed to an almost complete stop causing the car behind me to slam on its brakes and hit my bumper. I stopped, restarted the engine and then was not able to accelerate past 15mph even with my foot firmly on the gas pedal. Like I said before, this is the 3rd time this has failed and I am glad that the person who was behind me stopped quickly and only tapped my bumper. This has also happened at higher speeds and is just an accident waiting to happen. Suzuki needs to do a major recall!! …
Tl contact owns a 2006 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that his vehicle caught fire. Two hours prior to the fire, he took the vehicle to the dealer and they checked the dashboard computer. It was discovered that the computer failed and another one had to be ordered; however, the contact was informed that he could still drive the vehicle. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to smoke and the wiring harness around the blow motors melted and burned. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. He suffered from smoke inhalation. The dealer stated that the vehicle was destroyed because the entire wiring harness was burned, which would cost a lot to repair. The failure mileage was 34,000. Updated 03/18/09.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Suzuki Forenza. While the vehicle was parked in the driveway, a fire started on the rear driver side passenger door without warning. The fire consumed the rear seats and extended from the rear to the front floor. The contact was able to exit the vehicle and extinguish the flames. A fire inspection report was not processed by a fire department and the vehicle had not been diagnosed yet to determine the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was waiting on a response to have the vehicle towed to a dealer for diagnostic testing and repair. The failure mileage was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel caught on fire. The contact mentioned that the vehicle sound alarm activated. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. There was a fire report filed and no injuries were reported. The fire department determined that the electrical instrument panel failed and caused the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 145,000.
Takata recall: and, defective fuel propulsion as the car reves up some times when going and shuts off by itself when traveling causing a dangerous situation. 2). Campaign id.# 14 v262000 and 3.)12V397000 . I have tried to contact the company but I keep getting a message that I called out of service time and to leave a message. Only to get a automated message that says the system isn't working. I do realize that there are other issues with this product car, like the Takata air bags.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Suzuki Forenza. While driving at night, the headlights and instrument panel lighting failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the headlights and instrument panel lighting needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Suzuki Forenza. While driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, which resumed normal operation. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,040.
Slips out of gear while driving, car stalls and cuts off during driving, only cranks up in neutral,air bag light stays on, check engine light go off after a repair then lights back up. Its frustrating to have to call road side assistance for a battery charge frequently when battery loses charge for no apparent reason.
At speed on interstate highway, the car suddenly fell out of gear, and lost speed rapidly. Dash transmission display showed scrambled gear in place of d. Car continues to experience similar incidents and does not properly change gears; occasionally displays scrambled letter in place of appropriate display (r,n,d, 3, etc.)
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that the driver and passenger side headlights were not functioning properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Electrical complaints in other Forenza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Suzuki Forenza?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Suzuki Forenza, 20% of the model year's 280 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Suzuki Forenza electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2006 Suzuki Forenza, though it has 4 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 2006 Suzuki Forenza electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.