2008 Suzuki Forenza Base
KL5JD56Z58K729824
Vehicle history report for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza Base (VIN KL5JD56Z58K729824). Red, sedan/saloon, 2.0L 4-cyl. 92,166 mi reported. Registered in Nc. 1 open safety recall. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2008 Suzuki Forenza worth?
What comparable 2008 Suzuki Forenza vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
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What a full report checks for VIN KL5JD56Z58K729824
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
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 thi
NHTSA Campaign #14V262000 · 19/05/2014We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Suzuki Forenza, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔥 3 involved a fire
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 152
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2008 Suzuki Forenza.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Every neutral safety switch made for this vehicle is faulty be driving down the road it'll switch from drive to neutral or any other gear I've had it go into reverse while going 50 mph down the road I've replaced this part five times still have same problem part works for about a month then goes out. Other times transmission won't even go into drive have to …
NHTSA ODI #11486246POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP MCCANN CAR LOT IN SPARTA NC MCCANN TOLD ME IT WAS THE BEST CAR ON THE LOT HE DROVE ME THROUGH TOWN TELLING ME THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR THEN LET ME DRIVE IT A SHORT DISTANCE INSURED ME THE CAR WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION WHEN I DROVE THE CAR HOME AFTER WE WENT TO GET INSPECTED WHICH NOTHING WAS CHECKED JUNIOR MCCANN TO…
NHTSA ODI #11208565EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI FORENZA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING OUT THE DASHBOARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WE…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11113326UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
"TAKATA RECALL" GEAR SHIFT KEEPS SLIPPING AND MAYBE THE CAUSE OF NEEDING A NEW TRANSMISSION. HAD TO TURN CAR OFF IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC BECAUSE GEAR SLIPPED. WHEN CAR WAS IN DRIVE A SYMBOL POPPED UP WITH A D WITH A LINE THOUGH IT! TOOK IT TO O'REILLY AND PUT IT ON MACHINE ABOUT 3WEEKS AFTER THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED AND IT READ SOME CODES ABOUT GEAR AND TRANS…
NHTSA ODI #11101843ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND SMOKE STARTING TO COME INSIDE THE CAR FROM THE DRIVER SIDE VENTS. I PULLED OVER AND LET THE SMOKE AIR OUT AS I CALLED A TOW TRUCK. ON THE TOW TRUCK AT THE POOLER PARKWAY EXIT OFF OF I-16, THE CAR ALARM WAS GOING OFF, THE LIGHTS WERE FLASHING, AND THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH SMOKE. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER PULLED OVER, RAN …
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11025101ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. IT SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNING THE ENTIRE DASH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME AND HAD BEEN SITTING UNOCCUPIED FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. THE SMOKE FROM THE ELECTRICAL FIRE BLACKENED THE WINDOWS ON THE ENTIRE CAR. THE SPEEDOMETER AND ALL OTHER GUAGES ON THE DASH WERE …
Fire · NHTSA ODI #11011569POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,SEATS
THE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSOR HAS GONE OUT ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MANY OTHER OWNERS SUZUKI VEHICLES AND THEY TO ARE HAVING TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION RANGE SENSORS. DEALER SERVICE CENTERS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS PART BREAKS OFTEN AND THEY KEEP EXTRA IN STOCK. THIS ISSUE WILL BEGIN WITH CAUSING VEHICLES TO SHIFT ROUGH AND END WITH VEHICLES NOT BEING ABLE…
NHTSA ODI #11006019SERVICE BRAKES
MY CAR START AND DRIVE WHEN I DROVE AND THEN STOP HARD BY ITSELF LIKE BRAKE. I COULD NOT KEEP PRESS GAS WHEN ITSELF STOP HARD. ON ROAD.
NHTSA ODI #11004239+ 144 more complaints on record.



