Research · Compact Cars

2007 Suzuki ForenzaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 256 owner complaints for the 2007 Suzuki Forenza. Most complaints involve power train (129) and electrical system (51). The EPA rates it 22–23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
22–23mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest May 2014
Owner complaints
256
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Exterior lighting: headlights

Remedy pending

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.

Exterior lightingReported May 19, 2014NHTSA 14V262000

Seat belts: buckle assembly

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT BELT TONGUE WILL NOT LATCH INTO THE BUCKLE AND, IN RARE CASES, EVEN THE LOCKED TONGUE WILL POP OUT BY LOW STRETCHING FORCE. IF THE BUCKLE DOES NOT LATCH COMPLETELY, THE BUCKLE COULD RELEASE WITHOUT PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON.

Seat beltsReported Jul 24, 2007NHTSA 07V315000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

256 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2007 – Dec 2021
  1. Power train129
  2. Electrical system51
  3. Air bags37
  4. Engine24
  5. Engine and engine cooling20
  6. Exterior lighting17
  7. Latches/locks/linkages17
  8. Vehicle speed control16
  9. Seat belts14

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Forenza model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
200463
2005156
2006280
2007256
2008152
Crashes reported
12
Fires reported
25
Injuries reported
10
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

129 reports3 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 11, 2017Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11014609

Electrical system

51 reports17 fires
“VEHICLE HAS ODOR OF SMOKE OR UNKNOWN SMELL ADVISED SUZUKI WHO REFERRED ME TO SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT HANDLE REPAIRS. I ADVISED THEM I WORK FOR AN AUTO BODY WHO STATES VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE- PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ALSO ON. RECALL NOTICE ADVISES OF SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. STEERING COLUMN LOOKS TO BE WARPED AND IGNITION SWITCH IS NOT WORKING.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2017Steering, Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11039311

Air bags

37 reports8 crashes1 fire
“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 [XXX] talked to a person named [XXX], 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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 14, 2021Air bags, SeatsODI 11443757
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars, Small Station Wagons
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Forenza
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800386
Forenza
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192822$2,900404
Forenza Wagon
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,900404
Forenza Wagon
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192722$2,900404
  • Forenza
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    20 city · 28 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Forenza
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    19 city · 28 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Forenza Wagon
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    19 city · 27 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Forenza Wagon
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    19 city · 27 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 Suzuki Forenza as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 2127Vehicle 2109
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2007 Forenza questions

How many recalls does the 2007 Suzuki Forenza have?

2 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.

What are the most common 2007 Suzuki Forenza problems?

Owners filed 256 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (129), electrical system (51), air bags (37). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2007 Suzuki Forenza get?

The EPA rates the 2007 Suzuki Forenza at 22–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026