2008 Suzuki Forenza Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza.

2007newer >
Complaints
236
Crashes
17
Fires
14
Injuries
8
Fatalities
Recalls
1

Worst 2008 Suzuki Forenza Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#169 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:66,447 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:1
#230 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:69,172 mi
Fires:6
#326 complaints

Airbags

Avg mileage:64,828 mi
Crash-related:5
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza.

Transmission / Drivetrain
69
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
66,447
Electrical Faults
30
complaints
Crashes
Fires
6
Avg Miles
69,172
Airbags
26
complaints
Crashes
5
Fires
Avg Miles
64,828
Engine Problems
22
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
71,106
Unintended Acceleration
18
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
Avg Miles
67,598
Automatic Transmission
11
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
40,540
Headlight/Taillight Failures
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
4
Avg Miles
78,270
Air Bags:Frontal
5
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
12,255
Engine & Cooling
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
56,659
Seat Belt Issues
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Brakes
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Tire Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wheel Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wiring & Fuses
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Air Bags:Side/Window
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Instrument Cluster
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electronic Stability Control
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Latches / Locks
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2008 Suzuki Forenza

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~184,244 vehicles.

14V262000Exterior Lighting:headlights
~184,244 affected

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.

Other Suzuki Forenza Years

2008 Suzuki Forenza — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2008 Suzuki Forenza reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2008 Suzuki Forenza has 236 NHTSA complaints, 17 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Transmission / Drivetrain with 69 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2008 Suzuki Forenza?
Top reported problems: Transmission / Drivetrain (69 complaints, avg 66,447 mi); Electrical Faults (30 complaints, avg 69,172 mi); Airbags (26 complaints, avg 64,828 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Suzuki Forenza?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 64,795 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2008 Suzuki Forenza?
NHTSA complaints for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza include 17 crash-related reports, 14 fire reports, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 184,244 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2008 Suzuki Forenza?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Suzuki Forenza reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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