NHTSA — Vehicle Speed Control Problems

2006 Suzuki Forenza (Page 1 of 2)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
66,486 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Suzuki Forenza engine problems

engine problem

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2006 Suzuki Forenza Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #28

Apr 162017

Forenza

  • 86,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving the cars check engine light will show up. I lose all control of speed even while pushing the gas pedal in. The only way to regain control is to cycle the key multiple times and let it idle in neutral for five minutes. After I regain control the check engine light is still on, and the car will jump revolutions randomly. This will occur on both city and highway speeds, it doesn't act up unless I'm in motion driving. It will rev I'N revolutions while I'm driving or at a stop.

- Boise, ID, USA

problem #27

Mar 012016

Forenza

  • 36,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Suzuki Forenza. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body was faulty and needed to be replaced. The throttle body was replaced, but the failure continued. The contact indicated that the throttle body was replaced on several different occasions, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 36,000.

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #26

Sep 272016

Forenza

  • 119,000 miles
Vehicle sporadically stalls while driving, not a stop light or sign but while the car is actively being driven and the accelerator is depressed. Most recently it has begun to rev up between 4,000 and 5,000 RPM. When this happens, I put the car in neutral to try to get it back to normal. 2 days ago when this happened it caused me to hit a pot hole hard enough to break my driver side ball joint and lower control arm. I see recalls for other, same year model Suzuki that experienced this same issue. I don't think I should have to pay to repair a known mechanical defect. There is also an NHTSA id describing this issue as well. It is extremely scary to have the car reving that high and trying to control it. I am thankful that I only hit a pot hole and not another vehicle or worse.

- Kettering, OH, USA

problem #25

Apr 272016

Forenza

  • 117,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle was stationary each time this occurred (3 times at stop lights, and yesterday, 4/27/16, in a parking lot). When I come to a stop (with foot on brake), the car starts to accelerate hard trying to go forward. Each time I put both feet on brake, and it still couldn't stop it, so I jerked it into park, then turned off key. Each time that kept me from crashing. It was scary because I have children in the car. Suzuki dealership in winston-salem didn't seem to know what it was, but said I could tow it in to get it looked at (cost $$$). then I called Suzuki dealer in raleigh nc and they said to bring it in for $110 for them to just look at it. It only happens randomly, so I don't trust that they will be able to figure it out. Please see the following weblink that described others having the same problem, but no solution (even after they took it to be worked on at Suzuki place). www.carcomplaints.com/Suzuki/Forenza/2008/engine/vehicle_speed_control.shtml thanks.

- High Point, NC, USA

problem #24

Jan 202016

Forenza

  • 42,800 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Suzuki Forenza. While driving 30 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the throttle body sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,800.

- Marietta, CA, USA

problem #23

Nov 022009

Forenza

  • 70,000 miles
I bought my 2006 Suzuki Forenza brand new. The engine gave out on me in 2009. I replaced the engine once. Additional to the engine problems, one day while exiting from a major highway, the car just stopped going about 45 mph and started going about 10 mph, while a noticeable flashing square with a blinking line comes up on the gear indicator, on the dash. I almost caused an accident. I was told it was the transmission range sensor which I've now replaced two times. Note: Brand new transmission range sensors were placed and still have the same issue. When I put it from park to drive (gear), the motor jerks and feels like the motor's going to fall off. The catalytic converter has also failed to pass inspection. The A/C gave out about 2 years from the time I bought it (brand new car). It's not a reliable car, at all. Once I fix something, something else breaks. Then the paint on the door handles is chipped off, I've had two door handles break on the interior, now I hear it has electrical problems under the dash. I haven't had this issue but not looking forward to it. It constantly drains my wallet, therefore the car has been sitting in the driveway pending repairs which might not be beneficial to continue making.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #22

Apr 102013

Forenza 4-cyl

  • 99,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was one the highway my car rip went crazy I tried to give the car gas and on my dash there was a line thru the drive symbol that was tellin me the car could not drive I had just fixed my transmission 3,4 gear paid to dealer 1,400 3 months later the range sensor goes bad again for 4th time.this car has so many problem and hardly any dealers that can fix the problem and it's always the same problems please help.

- Lancaster, PA, USA

problem #21

Aug 282013

Forenza

  • 112,000 miles
I was driving my Suzuki Forenza when it went from "drive" to basically neutral. I was driving on the interstate and was almost hit from behind because my car stalled. This has happened multiple times since and each time I've been lucky enough not to be hit. This is a seriously dangerous issue because it happens mid drive.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

problem #20

Mar 232013

Forenza 4-cyl

  • 113,000 miles
While in drive car suddenly switches to idle and will not accelerate with the pressing of gas peddle. It was only able to coast. The range selector part is the issue. It cannot function repeatedly since this is a reoccuring event. The only way to drive is in drive 3rd gear with the engine light on. The great concern is that will lead to an accident since the time of it ceasing to function is unpredicatable. From research it is clear that this is a nearly universal problem with Suzuki Forenzas and as a safety issue it needs to be a part properly replaced under a recall by dealers.

- Hudsonville, MI, USA

problem #19

Mar 222013

Forenza 4-cyl

  • 48,000 miles
My transmission range sensor has failed for the third time in as many years. Each time I have it repaired by the dealership. This malfunction causes the vehicle to spontaneously throw itself in to neutral or reverse either while driving or when vehicle is at a complete stop. While driving my car suddenly jerked very hard then slowed to an almost complete stop causing the car behind me to slam on its brakes and hit my bumper. I stopped, restarted the engine and then was not able to accelerate past 15mph even with my foot firmly on the gas pedal. Like I said before, this is the 3rd time this has failed and I am glad that the person who was behind me stopped quickly and only tapped my bumper. This has also happened at higher speeds and is just an accident waiting to happen. Suzuki needs to do a major recall!! I don't understatnd how so many people are having the same problem yet it is not being investigated!

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #18

Mar 082013

Forenza 4-cyl

  • 142,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving down residential street vehicle stalled and began to idle high while in the "D" position. Applied brakes and tried to put it in to "P" position but dash read reverse. Turned ignition off and gears shifted as designed. 4 incidents followed this one have not had it repaired.I was putting gas in with the engine off one I got back into the vehicle cranked it and immediately the scrambled symbol appeared I cut the engine back off and tried it again and the scrambled symbol was still visible I shifted down through several gears with clunking noises and heavy jerking until I was able to find drive 3, I was able to move the vehicle at a slow pace to a parking space until I had it towed to my home. Sent it to a mechanic had throttle repaired put the very same day the very same problem occurred while my children and I were on the interstate headed home from their school. Was able to shift to drive 3 and get it off of the roadway.turned off ignition and cranked it up again the vehicle ran normally took it to an autozone so that the check engine code could be read and it came back as P0700 and P0705 have not had the funds to have it looked at by Suzuki dealership. With this as an recurring with other vehicles as well as mines something has to be done before someone is greatly injured or killed just stating the obvious. Love the vehicle but afraid to drive it even if the necessary repairs are made I don't want to feel as if im driving my and my kids death mobile.

- Sumter, SC, USA

problem #17

Jan 312013

Forenza

  • 97,000 miles
My check engine light came on. I went to auto zone and was told it was the transmission sensor. After some research, we discovered this problem runs rampant on 2006 Suzuki Forenza models. We took it to the dealership and the manager over parts and service changed the sensor for us. However, the connector it plugs into was broken and he would look for a used one, as buying a new one means buying a whole new engine harness ($800-$900). Anytime I look up my make and model this is all anyone has to say and Suzuki will do nothing about it except charge more money to keep trying to fix it.they should be forced to recall all of these vehicles until the problem is resolved.

- Newton, NC, USA

problem #16

Dec 312012

Forenza 4-cyl

  • 58,000 miles
I slowed down to turn off of a busy street onto a side street. As I went to speed up to about 15-20 mph the car slammed on the brakes itself, my foot was on the gas. I put my foot on the brake for 20 seconds and then put my foot on the gas to try to drive again. The car again slammed on the brakes. I put my foot on the brake, put car in park and turned off the car. I turned it back on and was able to drive to a safe spot. I am terrified to drive it again. What if I had still been on the main road?

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #15

Oct 252012

Forenza

  • 103,000 miles
I thought my vehicle was stalling but the engine was still running and my tachometer was accelerating. It would stop while I was driving and the engine would rev, I tried to move but could not. I drive a busy highway speed limit 65, I had to pull off the road so I would not get hit by a semi. One day pulling out of my community, accelerating at 45mph the vehicle just stopped in the middle of two lanes, another vehicle swerved to avoid a crash. A police officer pulled over, I explained the car just stopped. He saw the symbol flashing on dash, a rectangle with line through it. Went home in 3rd or 2nd gear, that symbol is not in manual. Had a diagnosis and only O2 sensor I was having replaced. I received recall notice from Suzuki. I was scared to drive the car but had no choice, so drove slow in 3rd or 2nd, when D failed again. I had appointment for recall repairs, while at dealership was asked if I had trouble with the shifter going into gear, I said it had been happening, that I tried to get it checked, it didn't show on diagnostic performed earlier and it was dangerous. They said I need a transmission range sensor, they could fix it. I wanted to take it elsewhere, to save but I was scared to death to drive it. They said they have been seeing this in Forenza's. this is dangerous, life threatening issue. There are tsb's issued and have been incidents like mine and nothing has been done. Someone is going to cause a huge accident if they have not already, would anyone even know if a car is burned up or completely wrecked? I did contact american Suzuki to advise them of my problem so they would have it on record. I advised them that before this dangerous situation developed the shifter was getting stuck in park and that I had reported that to the original dealer and was told they could find no problem so nothing was done.

- Wausau, FL, USA

problem #14

Nov 082012

Forenza

  • 91,234 miles
With the Forenza when you put it in gear to drive or reserve periodically it will flash a symbol in the gear indicator with a line through it this causes the car to make a loud clunking noise and barely move at all this is a big issue because the car barely moves and it does it randomly I could be driving and it losing its gear and starts to move slowly it can cause an accident with me never knowing when it will happen needs to be fixed read online lots of people are having the same issue with this car and I had a Suzuki prior and it did the same thing had the car less than a week and its doing this.

- Summerville , SC, USA

problem #13

Nov 072012

Forenza 4-cyl

  • 60,400 miles
My 2006 Suzuki Forenza switched into neutral at 60 mph on a road with no shoulder. I had my three small children in the back seat and was terrified that I would be rear ended injuring and possibly killing them as I had no power to accelerate. I was also unable to get far enough off the road because I was unable to reverse. I had to call my husband help me to get my kids out of the vehicle on the side of a busy and narrow road. This incident was caused by a failure of the trans range sensor which has become and extremely common problem with the Suzuki Forenza. This part must be recalled as it presents an immediate and ongoing risk to the to the lives of Suzuki owners and passengers as well as other drivers. It is unacceptable to have a vehicle repeatedly pose such a risk to the lives of families and for Suzuki to refuse to recall the part that is causing the problem.

- Palmyra, PA, USA

problem #12

Aug 012012

Forenza 4-cyl

  • 68,500 miles
When driving, the Forenza's transmission will not engage into drive. Recently, reverse has also not wanted to fully engage. Research indicates that this is not an uncommon occurrence with Suzuki Forenzas nearing 70K miles. The most common part that is malfunctioning is the transmission range sensor.

- Bossier City, LA, USA

problem #11

May 012009

Forenza 4-cyl

  • miles
I purchased my car brand new in June of 2006. Since then I have had the transmission range sensor replaced four times. This is the part attached to the transmission which controls the speed and gear changing. My car suddenly falls out of gear and refuses to accelaerate at an appropriate speed. It refuses to take off properly. This part has been replaced twice since Jan 2012 and is currently being diagnosed for the same issue. I ahve researched several times and have found this issue to be a concensus amongst many Forenza 2006 owners. This vehicle needs to be recalled due to this faulty part. It is unsafe and endangers not only the life of the driver of the vehicle but also others.

- Lithonia, GA, USA

problem #10

Aug 032012

Forenza

  • 91,000 miles
I was driving on the freeway when all of a sudden my car stales.. thank god I was close to the right shoulder. I just got the car back from the mechanic and spent 500 to fix the timing belt, new battery, valve, oil change.. I took it to them for this problem in the first place and they couldn't figure it out. I called Suzuki corporate and they said there is nothing they can do. I explained the huge liability if my call just stops in the freeway.. they offer to hold my hand through the process. Suzuki needs a rude awakening. Recall on the transmission range sensor.. I am not sure if that is the problem because no body at the shop could figure it out. But I see on these forums I am not the only one..

- Torrance, CA, USA

problem #9

Jun 252012

Forenza

  • 79,183 miles
Today my wife noticed that the battery indicator and brake indicator lights illuminated on the cluster panel this morning while driving to work, as well as the speedo needle bouncing around when coming to a stop. I picked up the car and drove it to auto zone to see if there were not any obd II codes stored. I too noticed the brake/battery lights, as well as the speedo needle would jump when I used my turn signals. I got it to auto zone and there were no codes stored. It was after the code scanner was hooked up my real problems began. When putting the car in gear (either D or R) it would slam into gear, the speedo didn't work and to top it all off, the car had no acceleration. I had this issue before, and it turned out it was the transmission range selector. Well, that was replaced no less than 10K miles ago. Please, someone place this car on the lemon list so I can recoup my losses. When there is next to no acceleration, it can cause an accident because the car can not move fast enough to avoid getting clipped (or worse).

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

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