2004 Suzuki Forenza: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 Suzuki Forenza: 5 recalls, 63 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #03V426000 · 2003 · 7,797 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger cars, the dual stage driver's air bag deploys in an improper sequence.
Why it matters: If the driver's air bag deploys improperly during a frontal vehicle crash, the driver could be severely injured or killed.
The fix: 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. There are no owner notifications necessary for the forenza model vehicles. Owners should contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #05V022000 · 2005 · 37,796 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake light switch May become misadjusted if an upward/rearward force is applied to the brake pedal. If this should occur, the brake light switch will not function properly, causing the brake lights, including the high mounted stop lamp, to remain illuminated continuously without brake pedal application, with the ignition switch in the on or off position.
Why it matters: If the brake lights remain on continuously while driving,a following driver May not know when your brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning. This condition May also discharge the vehicle's battery, and, the automatic transmission torque converter clutch,…
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake light switch free of charge. The recall began on March 16, 2005.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #07V452000 · 2007 · 93,963 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Inappropriate lighting could reduce visibility of vehicles and increase the potential for a crash.
The fix: Dealers will splice the power circuit wires for the low-beam headlamps and drl free of charge. The recall will be mailed in three phases, starting at the end of October 2007 and concluding by the end of January 2008;.
Exterior lights, Electrical Vehicle recall #12V397000 · 2012 · 101,688 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the headlamps fail to function, this will lead to reduced driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and Suzuki dealers will reconnect the affected wires with two heat-shrink crimps, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 25, 2012.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #14V262000 · 2014 · 184,244 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the heat generated within the headlamp switch or drl module located on the left side of the steering column melts the headlamp switch or drl module, there is an increased risk of a fire.
The fix: 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. The recall began October 29, 2014.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Exterior lights (16): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), warning light on (3), stalls / loses power (3).
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), stalls / loses power (2), door / lock issues (2).
- Engine & cooling (10): the most common themes are warning light on (4), noise or vibration (2).
- Airbags (6): the most common themes are fails to deploy (4).
The 2004 Suzuki Forenza has 63 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 5 Forenza model years for complaints (well below the 181 average). Complaints peaked in 2004 (12 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 50,092 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (156 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 22 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Suzuki Forenza.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 Suzuki Forenza have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Suzuki Forenza. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 Suzuki Forenza problems?
Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (16), electrical (10), engine & cooling (10).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Suzuki Forenza get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 Suzuki Forenza repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.