2008 Suzuki Forenza
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 79 of 152 complaints (52%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (8) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 256 in 2007 to 152 in 2008.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | vs. 2008 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,700–2,850 | 2,700–2,850 | 2,700–2,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 22–23 | 22–23 | 22–23 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19–20 / 27–28 | 19–20 / 27–28 | 19–20 / 27–28 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 386–404 | 386–404 | 386–404 | |
| Complaints filed | 280 | 256 | 152 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 2 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 19 | 12 | 14 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 8 | 25 | 10 | |
| Injuries reported | 30 | 10 | 8 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2008 Suzuki Forenza?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 79 of 152 NHTSA complaints (52%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza get?
EPA rates it 22–23 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2008 Suzuki Forenza?
EPA estimates $2,700–$2,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 19 mpg (low) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 404 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | $2,700 (low) | 386 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 19 mpg (low) | 27 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 404 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 19 mpg (low) | 27 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | $2,850 (high) | 404 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 29 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 79 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 32 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 35 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 18 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 10 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 14V262000 · May 19, 2014
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is XA.