NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 156 owner complaints for the 2005 Suzuki Forenza. Most complaints involve air bags (46) and exterior lighting (38). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined.
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. In the affected vehicles, heat may be generated in the headlamp switch or daytime running light (DRL) module which could melt the headlamp switch or the DRL module.
Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Forenza and model year 2005-2006 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 23, 2003, through March 7, 2006. Increased resistance due to poor contact between the terminals of certain wires can generate heat that can melt the splice pack used to connect the power circuit wires for the headlamps. This can result in intermittent or total loss of low/high beam headlamp function.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEADLAMP LOW BEAM OR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT (DRL) FUNCTION MAY BE INOPERATIVE DUE TO A MELTED SPLICE PACK ON THE WIRING HARNESS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.”
“MY LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. THE LEFT HEAD LIGHT DIMS OR DOESNT WORK AT ALL AND THE RIGHT HEAD LIGHT IS COMPLETELY BROKEN. IVE CHANGED BULBS MULTIPLE TIMES AND STILL NOTHING. IF I PUT ON MY BLINKER WHILE DRIVING IT WILL CUT OFF THE ONE LIGHT THAT KIND OF WORKS. USING MY BRIGHTS WHILE ON THE ROAD MAY CUT MY LIGHTS ON BRIEFLY”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHEN THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION IT IS HOT, THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIP OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AMERICA'S MOTOR SPORTS (930 8TH AVE S, NASHVILLE, TN 37203, (615) 834-8990) FOR REPAIRS. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE KEY BECAME HOT WHENEVER IT WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED DUE TO THE COST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. *TT*JB”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forenza Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Forenza Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 404 |
| Forenza Wagon Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Forenza Wagon Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 156 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (46), exterior lighting (38), electrical system (38). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Suzuki Forenza at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).