2008 Suzuki Forenza: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Suzuki Forenza: 1 recall, 152 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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. 10 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (79): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (43), warning light on (35), noise or vibration (13).
- Airbags (32): the most common themes are warning light on (8).
- Electrical (32): the most common themes are warning light on (12), electrical failure (10).
- Engine (22): the most common themes are warning light on (11), noise or vibration (4).
The 2008 Suzuki Forenza has 152 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 5 Forenza model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 181). Complaints peaked in 2013 (33 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 60,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (256 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 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 2008 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 2008 Suzuki Forenza have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2008 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 2008 Suzuki Forenza problems?
Owners have filed 152 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (79), airbags (32), electrical (32).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 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.