Most common 2008 Suzuki Forenza problems
Share of the 152 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Suzuki Forenza complaints by model year
Best Forenza years: 2004, 2005, 2008. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007. Compare all years →
2008 Suzuki Forenza recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 Forenza vehicles, and 2005-2008 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2003, through July 30, 2008.
Remedy: 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.
What 2008 Suzuki Forenza owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 79 →
Every neutral safety switch made for this vehicle is faulty be driving down the road it'll switch from drive to neutral or any other gear I've had it go into reverse while going 50 mph down the road I've replaced this part five times still have same problem part works for about a month then goes out. Other times transmission won't even go into drive have to screw with shifter to get it to go into gear May last for about a mile and jumps back out of gear. Next problem computer tells me throttle positioning sensor is out car works fine at first then starts to rev around 5-6k or it to rev to half a grand and stall while driving down the road.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the accelerator pedal was engaged and failed to respond as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine wire harness and the engine control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 71,844. Updated 6/11/15 the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired by replacing the engine wire harness. …
Air bags all 32 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Forenza. While driving at approximately 40 MPH and attempting to avoid crashing into a deer, the contact crashed into a tree. The frontal air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,981.
Was traveling at a rate approximately 35 miles per hour vehicle in from of me stop abruptly. I hit them. Driver side fender, hood, bumper all smashed. In area where airbag sensor is, it should have deployed. Car has been totaled. We too had issue with the flashing passenger airbag light took it to dealer they could not fix said it was temperamental on how you sit is seat.
Electrical system all 32 →
Every neutral safety switch made for this vehicle is faulty be driving down the road it'll switch from drive to neutral or any other gear I've had it go into reverse while going 50 mph down the road I've replaced this part five times still have same problem part works for about a month then goes out. Other times transmission won't even go into drive have to screw with shifter to get it to go into gear May last for about a mile and jumps back out of gear. Next problem computer tells me throttle positioning sensor is out car works fine at first then starts to rev around 5-6k or it to rev to half a grand and stall while driving down the road.
The car daytime running light module(drl module) burned and melted, lights were not working properly, the emergency brake light remained on, the dashboard, car had a burned smell so strong that I had to detail it and it did not go(the strong burning odor) away after 2 weeks. I took my car to the shop and repaired the problem out of my pocket(drl module). I sent all the proper documentation to Suzuki motor of America cust svc department p.o. Box 1100 brea, ca 92822-1100, including the receipt of the repair, a copy of my driver license, copy of the registration, copy of the title of the vehicle(all documentation that they asked for in the safety recall notice), case and point they do not want to reimburse me, they are giving me a hard time, please help me because Suzuki motor of America is going to find any excuse not to pay me back, because of this irresponsible behavior towards …
2008 Suzuki Forenza engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Suzuki Forenza a good car?
Based on 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Forenza rates average: 18% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Forenza at the same age. It is one of the best Forenza years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Suzuki Forenza?
The transmission & drivetrain — 79 complaints, 52% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the air bags (32) and electrical system (32).
How many recalls does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza, the most recent from May 19, 2014 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Suzuki Forenza?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2005 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006 and 2007. See the full Suzuki Forenza years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Suzuki Forenza problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 36% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.