Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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. …
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! …
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* the contact owns a 2006 Suzuki Forenza. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the vehicle into reverse, there was an abnormal banging noise that emitted from the vehicle and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact mentioned that there would also be an 'x' on the instrument panel next to the 'd' for drive on the shift selector. The contact was an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the range transmission sensor needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired, however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
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.
2005 Suzuki Forenza. Car has 78,000 miles. Manual transmission. Transmission jerks, slips and is now is stuck in the highest gear. Will barely pull out. The problem started with the slipping. This lead to the jerking. Then is started to down shift violently with no notice throwing you forward. These events appear to only present when driving in town conditions. Have not experienced any issues on highway. I have had it to mechanics twice with no success. The last time the transmission range sensor was replaced. At no time has an error code been present that would lead a trained mechanic to a viable repair. This situation is dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
Which Suzuki Forenza years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (129), 2006 (116), 2008 (79), 2005 (30) and 2004 (6) model years. Transmission complaints make up 50% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Suzuki Forenza transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Suzuki Forenza model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Suzuki Forenza transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (111 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (2).
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.