Model year guide

2008 Suzuki Forenza

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Suzuki Forenza is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 57 on record.

2008 Suzuki Forenza — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Suzuki Forenza at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints152
Combined23 mpg
Typical price$1,847

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

2008 Suzuki Forenza recalls 1

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…

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.

2008 Suzuki Forenza common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
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.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Air Bags
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.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2008 Suzuki Forenza MPG & running costs

Combined23 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,725

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

What's a 2008 Suzuki Forenza worth?

Low
$900
Typical price
$1,847
High
$2,600

From 56 comparable 2008 Suzuki Forenza listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Suzuki Forenza costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,625
Depreciation (5 yrs)$550
Total$14,175
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,847) with the same model 4 model-years older ($1,426), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Suzuki Forenza trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl

2008 Suzuki Forenza vehicles on record

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Other Suzuki Forenza model years

2007 2006 2005 2004

2008 Suzuki Forenza — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2008 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 2008 Suzuki Forenza?

Based on 152 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, electrical system, engine.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Suzuki Forenza get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Suzuki Forenza at about 23 mpg combined (20 city / 28 highway).

How much is a 2008 Suzuki Forenza worth?

Comparable 2008 Suzuki Forenza listings run roughly $900–$2,600, typically around $1,847 (from 56 vehicles).

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