Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Suzuki Forenza owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that the vehicle began to lose radiator fluid sporadically. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic, who was unable to locate a leak of any sort. No repairs were made to the vehicle and the vehicle continued to lose fluid. Several weeks later while accelerating from a traffic stop at 45 MPH, smoke was seen coming from under the hood. In addition, the engine temperature began to increase rapidly. The contact assumed that the failure was caused by a faulty radiator. The vehicle was parked and upon further inspection, the contact discovered that radiator coolant had exploded all over the engine compartment and under the hood area. The vehicle was inspected by a second mechanic, who advised that the engine cooling fans were failing sporadically. In addition, the head gasket was failing. The vehicle was not repaired. …
I am the owner of a 2007 Suzuki Forenza with a recurring transmission range sensor failure. Out of the 7 years I have owned the vehicle, I have had to replace the transmission range sensor every 14 months like clockwork. No other dealer other than an authorized Suzuki dealer is able to replace the range sensor. The failure causes the vehicle to abruptly engage into neutral without warning. On several occasions, I have attempted to accelerate from a complete stop and the vehicle would drag or would not accelerate over 10 MPH. On one instance, I was rear-ended due to the failure but luckily no one was injured. I believe that Suzuki knows there is an issue with the sensor, which is a major problem for an such an important component on the vehicle. This could cost someone their life! …
This Suzuki needs to be recalled altogether! No one should still be driving these. Not only can the headlights or brake light sensor switches go bad and just stop working, they overheat, drain the battery, overwork the alternator, which then needs to be replaced, the fall displays every gear all at once even while in drive and displaying a speed the vehicle is traveling. The door handles brake off, so you can not escape the death trap. They have blown head gasket, many small oil leaks, tire pressure gage problems, tires/wheels won't align, this balds the tire lop sided so tire blow outs occur more frequently. Half the tone it won't even go, now or won't start at all. Many more issues with this vehicle, buyer beware, do not buy these cars!
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Suzuki Forenza purchased brand new June 2007. The transmission improperly shift gears. The vehicle would display 1st gear or neutral on the indicator panel while in the drive mode. The dealer replaced the transmission range sensor. After the repair the vehicle would not accelerate past 15 MPH. As a consequence she was rear-ended by another vehicle. There was minor damage done to the rear of the vehicle. No repairs have been made to date to correct the failure. After the incident the failure became progressively worse. Also the check engine warning light illuminated on the warning panel. The failure mileage was 44,121 and the current was 47, 870.
I was stopped at a red light and started to drive the car when the light turned green but my car did not want to go forward, my car pulled. I had to step on the accelerator with more pressure for it to go forward. I finally got to a safe area and turned the car off. I left it off for about three minutes then proceeded to turn it on and drove off, I notice my check engine light was on at that point, and drove to my mothers home nearby where my brother who is an auto tech scanned my car and the transmission range sensor code came up. Help is there a recall on this?
On 4 different occasions when first starting the vehicle and applying the brakes to put into reverse the vehicle moved a few feet backwards. While owner had his foot firmly on the brake pedal. On May 15 2010 I drove to a shopping center I went to pull into a parking space. When the vehicle went forward very fast. There was a lot of damage to my vehicle another vehicle that was parked. When this happen the first 4 times the dealer said they could not find any thing wrong with the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 116,000. ..
While driving the car on the highway the light for the engine came on and the car died. After being towed it was determined that the head was blown. After replacing the engine the light remains on and now there is a problem with the transmission. There is supposed to be a defect in a sensor for the transmission that keeps these problems happening in this vehicle.
Power steering replaced, many tires replaced constantly, transmission replaced, timing belt replaced, seat belts replaced, air bags are in recall and need to be replaced, handles replaced, bad paint clippings on outer handles, co2 sensor replaced, headlight switch recalled and replaced, range mod sensor replaced twice, head gasket broken.
I brought a brand new 2007 Suzuki Forenza in 2007 and since then have had problems ever since. In the first week I brought it the timing belt had broke. Soon after the transmission messed up and was told the engine needed to be rebuilt. Thanks to my extended vehicle warranty (not by Suzuki) I was able to get this fixed without paying out of pocket. Now not even two years later I am being told that the front strut mount and struts are going bad and need to be replaced (estimated at $687.00). In addition to that all four of my door handles are broken and have been for some time after breaking off with a simple touch. With the paint chipping off on the outside door handles as well. …
Transmission complaints in other Forenza years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Suzuki Forenza?
NHTSA has 129 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Suzuki Forenza, 50% of the model year's 256 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Suzuki Forenza transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2007 Suzuki Forenza, though it has 2 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 2007 Suzuki Forenza transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.