2006 Suzuki Forenza: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 70,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Oct 20, 2011 · Transmission · 76,074 miles · CA

I purchased a used 2006 suzuki forenza in california. Biggest mistake of my life. I have had nothing but problems since I brought the vehicle. Two weeks after my purchase the engine light came on. I was visiting family in las vegas who helped me find a near by dealer. After the diagnostic they advised me the valve cover was sealed improperly. Now I just got the car 2wks prior so I called the used dealer I brought he car from and let them know what was going on. Not to mention the passenger door handle broke off. I see I am not the only one with door handle complaints. The dealer in las vegas fixed the leaking valve cover and replaced one spark plug as oil leaked into it. This was fixed under the warranty. A month later the vehicle started to stall and then accelerate by itself. The engine light came back on so I took it to a suzuki dealer in van nuys, ca. The service manager advised me after the diagnostic it was the battery. I had the battery replaced and paid a diagnostic fee a total of $275.00. A few months after that the engine light was back on. While on my way to work the car stopped accelerating almost causing a vehicle to hit me. I took it back to the same dealer in van nuys who advised me the throttle was the issue. They replaced the throttle and the same issue is happening. They now claim it's the main engine wiring harness. I called american suzuki to see if the "engine wiring harness" is covered under warranty. The power train does not cover the wiring harness. The dealer is asking for $1600.00 to replace it or $489.00 to repair the wires. I have only had it for 7mos. The dealer also gave a lengthy list of recommended services totaling $2541.00. I declined all recommended services and currently do not have a working vehicle. I believe the issues with this vehicle are pre-existing and the dealer I brought it from knew about it. I plan to return this car.

Filed Mar 21, 2011 · Body, Electrical · 100 miles · NC

I own a 2006 suzuki forenza and have had numerous problems with this car. Since purchasing new in 2006, I have had the gas gauge, gas tank, radio, center console, front door handles & catalytic converter replaced. The factory tires went bad within a year, and because it is an odd tire size cost over $400 to replace. Currently the check engine light is on stating there is a problem with the catalytic converter which was just replaced about 3 months ago. I left the car overnight at the dealer & got a rental car (which cost $75) and the dealer and suzuki tech support can not figure out why the catalytic converter error continues to show up. The power steering light is also on & I was told that it requires a sensor - not covered by warranty - that will cost over $300. I have had a problem with the engine jerking and slipping gears on acceleration. It would also stick in neutral or not change gears and hesitate to the point of moving very slowly. I was told this was an oxygen sensor which cost me over $300 to replace. I have had this problem once since. The struts - front and back - also need to be replaced which is a $1200 repair because they are leaking. Currently both front door handles are broken causing me to have to open the windows to open the doors. I have had them replaced once before under recall, but now it will cost over $200 a piece to replace. I didn't even know there was a light to indicate that the daytime running lights were working until it just appeared one day. The daytime running lights indicator won't stay on - it comes on, then goes back off. I think suzuki needs to make good on these cars because there are so many problems.

Filed Nov 23, 2010 · Body · MI

The interior door handle of my 2006 suzuki forenza has fallen off of the driver's and passenger's door. After some research I see that other people are having the same problem and that there has been a recall on some vehicles. When is the recall coming out for the 2006 model? The possibility of being trapped in my car is definitely a safety hazard.

Filed Nov 19, 2010 · Locks, Transmission · 27,000 miles · PA

Tl*the driver owns a 2006 suzuki forenza. While driving approximately 45 MPH the vehicle stopped accelerating. It decelerated and would only drive at speeds lower than approximately 20 MPH. The service warning lights also began to illuminate on the dashboard. The vehicle was stopped and shifted into park; upon shifting it back into drive the vehicle operated as normal. The failure continued to recur and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the transmission switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately one month later, the failure began to recur while driving approximately 45 MPH for an extended period of time. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was repaired. She also stated that both front door handles were fractured from the interior. The failure was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was 27,000 and the current mileage was 30,000. Updated 02/08/11*lj the consumer also stated the door handle snapped off the vehicle. Updated 04/21/11

Filed Oct 6, 2010 · Body · 38,000 miles · NC

I own a used 06' suzuki forenza. All of the interior door handles have broken. This is not an uncommon problem with these cars as it has been reported on the web many a times. The passenger door handle was already cracked and looked to be glued back together. The driver side door handle just broke along with the rear driver side door handle. When I inquired of suzuki after I heard there was a recall for the door handles they said my car wasn't part of the recall. However they used the same door handles for the 06 models as they did for older models that I do believe have a recall. This constitutes a grave risk to the passengers and myself as I have to unroll my window to even open the door, I have to physically get out to let out the rear driver passenger out. In order to fix this I have to pay a large amount of money for this. I am asking that you to investigate this and make suzuki accountable for these badly made door handles. If I were to have an accident my children and possibly myself may not be able to exit the car in case of a fire.

Filed Sep 22, 2010 · Acceleration, Locks · 56,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 suzuki forenza. The contact stated there are many defects with the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they stated all the failures are not cover under warranty and she has to pay out of pocket for all the repairs. The defective parts are the front and rear struts, throttle body, door handle and transmission range censor. The manufacturer was not contacted. The dealer informed her they contacted the manufacturer and was told the vehicle was not covered under the warranty and she would have to pay for all repairs. The failure mileage was 56,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2010 · Seat belts, Steering · NC

Seat belt randomly unbuckles while driving all interior door handles have broken od during he first of ownership transmission slips in and out gear constantly.

Filed Sep 8, 2010 · Seat belts, Suspension · 70,000 miles · NC

My 2006 suzuki forenza's transmission is slipping. They tell me it is a sensor and it will be 400 to fix. It also has an issue with the seat belt getting stuck and or not latching, it also is having issue with suspension issues as well as( power train)ex.throttle body, front struts, speedometer, seat belt, door handle something has to be done about this my car has only 80,000 miles on it and it has all these issues. I have researched this issue and I have found numerious others with same problem. Suzuki needs to do somethind about this or recall car.

Filed Oct 21, 2009 · Lights · OH

Electrical/exterior lighting: just prior to 10/10/2009, I began noticing my lights were periodically flickering. On oct. 10, 2009, I noticed what smelled like wires burning (electrical burning smell). The following evening I started my car and when I turned on the lights, they didn't come on, however my running lights did come on when I released my break (5 speed), I was also without the use of my hi-beams, however they work when I pull back on my turn signal/hi-beam handle. After doing a little investigation, I found that there was once a recall for this problem, however when I called suzuki, I was of course told that my car was not part of that recall! How nice! The dealer informed me that it would cost not less then $150 to fix! I bought the car brand new in 2006, it is now just over 3 years old! I have never been notified of any recalls, just happened to hear about the door handle recall because I had another issue and had to contact a dealer (not the one I purchased the car from, either) as I have not had the best customer experience with them. My mechanic tried to inquire as to how to obtain the wiring detail for this car so that he could fix the problem, thus saving me a good deal of money...$150! I am a single parent and would hope that a car that is only 3 years old would not have the difficulties this car has had in such a short period of time. For the most part, I have enjoyed the car, but the fact that suzuki is refusing to take responsibility for the faulty manufacturing of this car or at least the exterior lighting is so disheartening to me. This is certainly a road hazard not to mention the safety issue for myself, my children and any passenger I may have.

Filed Oct 8, 2009 · Electrical, Locks · 50,000 miles · LA

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 suzuki forenza. While the contact was attempting to exit her vehicle the inside door handle broke and landed in her hand. The same failure has also occurred on the passenger side of the vehicle. The dealer stated that the door handles needed to be replaced. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 10/27/09.*lj the consumer also stated the shift relay was inoperative. The shifter locked up and the consumer was unable to start the vehicle. She was able to place the key in into the unlock safety lock and push the shifter in an unlocked position, then she was able to start the vehicle. The consumer stated the ignition locks up. Updated 10/29/09

Filed Jul 30, 2009 · Locks · 36,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 suzuki forenza. The contact stated that the interior plastic door handle on the front passenger side failed without warning. The failure allowed the door to open. The identical failure occurred with the rear door as well. Currently, the vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 36,000 and current mileage was 50,000.