Model year guide

2004 Suzuki Forenza

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Suzuki Forenza is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 25 on record.

2004 Suzuki Forenza — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Suzuki Forenza at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints63
Combined22 mpg
Typical price$1,426

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 Suzuki Forenza recalls 5

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #03V426000 · 29/10/2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER CARS, THE DUAL STAGE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYS IN AN IMPROPER SEQUENCE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ADAPTING WIRING HARNESS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON OCTOBER 30, 2003, TO VERONA VEHICLE OWNERS. ALL FORENZA VEHICLES WERE REPAIRED AT THE PORT OF ENTRY. THERE ARE NO OWNER NOTIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR THE FORENZA MODEL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-93…

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #05V022000 · 28/01/2005

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BECOME MISADJUSTED IF AN UPWARD/REARWARD FORCE IS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, CAUSING THE BRAKE LIGHTS, INCLUDING THE HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP, TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY WITHOUT BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION, WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH IN THE ON OR OFF POSITION.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 16, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

Exterior Lighting:headlights NHTSA Campaign #14V262000 · 19/05/2014

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.

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. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for th…

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash NHTSA Campaign #12V397000 · 14/08/2012

Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 Forenza and model year 2005-2006 Reno vehicles manufactured from September 23, 2003, through March 7, 2006. Increased resistance due to poor contact between the terminals of certain wires can generate heat that can melt the splice pack used to connect the power circuit wires for the headlamps. This can result in intermittent or total loss of low/high beam headlamp f…

Fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and Suzuki dealers will reconnect the affected wires with two heat-shrink crimps, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 25, 2012. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-877-697-8985.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #07V452000 · 25/09/2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, HEADLAMP LOW BEAM OR DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT (DRL) FUNCTION MAY BE INOPERATIVE DUE TO A MELTED SPLICE PACK ON THE WIRING HARNESS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL SPLICE THE POWER CIRCUIT WIRES FOR THE LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS AND DRL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN THREE PHASES, STARTING AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2007 AND CONCLUDING BY THE END OF JANUARY 2008;. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 Suzuki Forenza common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Engine
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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2004 Suzuki Forenza MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,800

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2004 Suzuki Forenza worth?

Low
$600
Typical price
$1,426
High
$2,350

From 21 comparable 2004 Suzuki Forenza listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Suzuki Forenza costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$14,000
Fuel only$14,000
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Suzuki Forenza trims & engines on record

Trims
S · LX · EX
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl

2004 Suzuki Forenza vehicles on record

Other Suzuki Forenza model years

2004 Suzuki Forenza — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Suzuki Forenza have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2004 Suzuki Forenza. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Suzuki Forenza?

Based on 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are exterior lighting, engine, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Suzuki Forenza get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Suzuki Forenza at about 22 mpg combined (20 city / 28 highway).

How much is a 2004 Suzuki Forenza worth?

Comparable 2004 Suzuki Forenza listings run roughly $600–$2,350, typically around $1,426 (from 21 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.