Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Air Bag light came on in the Dash, also passenger seat belt not on light came on in the clock. I took the car to Planet Automotive Group here in Charlotte, they ran a Diagnostic on the vehicle and found a b1448 code for passenger seat mat defect. I called the manufacture at [redacted] talked to a person named [redacted], I was told this is no longer under warranty and they could not help. I disagreed with her, told her this was a very serious safety issue and they should help with the cost of replaced/repair. Was told sorry. Need you help am 85 year old and don't have funds for new seat which cost $3750.00
Car was traveling between 40-45mph, on a major two lane road. Pavement was wet. Car in front stopped fast, Suzuki rear ended that vehicle. Driver only occupant in car Suzuki-air bag did not deploy. Front of car crushed back to engine, engine mount broken.
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Suzuki Forenza. While driving 40 MPH, another vehicle ran the contact's vehicle off the road causing it to crash into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained lacerations to the face, a bruised rib, and a fractured cervical vertebrae which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 200,000. Updated 9/18/2017
On feb 3, 2007, I had a automobile accident. The accident resulted in my car being totaled. It had extensive front end damage, and the air bag sensors were exposed, but the airbags never deployed. I wasn't injured bad enough to seek medical attention, but could have been, as a result of the airbags not deploying. My insurance adjuster told me that there was no reason for the bags to not work, because the sensors were exposed, and I had hit many trees with the radiator resting on the motor. My adjuster gave me his name and number for contact if I needed for anyone to contact him. My car is now totaled, and I have no transportation, because the Suzuki company will not stand by their products. This is a safety feature, and should have been in working order, as it was a new car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Suzuki Forenza. While stopped at a stop sign, another vehicle crashed into the front driver side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the left leg, back, and waist.the contact did not receive medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Suzuki Forenza. While driving 50 MPH, the contact's vehicle rear ended another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed and towed from the scene. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the throat, left wrist, and knee. Medical attention was required. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Related recalls (1)
Air bags › Frontal
On certain passenger cars, the dual stage driver's air bag deploys in an improper sequence.
Remedy: Dealers will install an adapting wiring harness. Owner notification began on October 30, 2003, to verona vehicle owners. All forenza vehicles were repaired at the port of entry.
Frequently asked questions
Which Suzuki Forenza years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (56), 2005 (46), 2007 (37), 2008 (32) and 2004 (6) model years. Airbag complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Suzuki Forenza airbag problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 03V-426 (frontal, Oct 29, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Suzuki Forenza airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles; 55% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (32 mentions), followed by the frontal › sensor/control module (20).
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.