Is the 2004 Suzuki Verona a bad year?
155 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine complaints: 73.
Keep it, but watch the engine
Half of the engine complaints for this year were filed at 1k–46k miles, where you are now.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2004 Verona owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 9,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| EngineSTANDS OUT | 73 (47%) | 1k–46k miles · around this mileage | Valve cover gasket replacement $110–$500 · Timing chain replacement $1,000–$4,000 |
| Fuel system | 26 (17%) | 1k–72k miles · around this mileage | Fuel pump replacement $220–$1,500 · Fuel injector replacement (one injector) $300–$1,200 |
| Electrical system | 23 (15%) | 3k–71k miles · around this mileage | 12-volt battery replacement $100–$400 · Starter motor replacement $350–$1,200 |
| Speed control | 19 (12%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 17 (11%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Brakes | 10 (6%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Exhaust | 10 (6%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Seat belts | 10 (6%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Exterior lighting | 9 (6%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Equipment | 8 (5%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Air bags | 5 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 9,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 155 complaints: 7 mention a crash · 1 mentions a fire · 4 report an injury.
No complaints in the last 12 months; the newest was filed in Dec 2022.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
In owners' own words
At speeds of 65-75 MPH on the highway after about 15 minutes slowing down to get off the highway, the engine is loud and sounds like a diesel engine.
I purchased my vehicle in oct 2003. Since then I have taken it in numerous times, where I was told at one time the vehicle was "Designed to stall".
My 2004 Suzuki Verona currently has 102,000 miles on it, but started hesitating and stalling at 50,000 miles.
Unedited excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, chosen by mileage (nearest 9,000 miles), not by content. Unverified.
Recalls for the 2004 Suzuki Verona: 5
In the affected vehicles, there may be heat generated within the DRL module located in the instrument panel, which could melt the DRL module. If the DRL module melts due to the heat generation, it could cause a vehicle fire.
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake light switch may become misadjusted if an upward/rearward force is applied to the brake pedal. If the brake lights remain on continuously while driving,a following driver may not know when your brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning.
In certain passenger vehicles, a fault in the adaptive fuel control logic can cause some vehicles to use air/fuel ratios during deceleration that are lean enough to cause engine stalling. Engine stalling could result in a crash.
On certain passenger cars, the dual stage driver's air bag deploys in an improper sequence. If the driver's air bag deploys improperly during a frontal vehicle crash, the driver could be severely injured or killed.
Certain passenger vehicles may have a mislocated sensor in the driver's seat belt buckle assembly. This condition can prevent the driver's seat belt tongue from being inserted into the buckle. In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of injury.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Suzuki: 2
Repair instructions Suzuki sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2004 Suzuki Verona. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
Neighbouring years
2005 Verona: 53 complaints, keep it.
Every Suzuki Verona year
2004 · 2005 · 2006 · All Verona years side by side
Other Suzuki models: Suzuki Forenza · Suzuki Grand Vitara · Suzuki Reno · Suzuki SX4 · Suzuki XL7. All makes and models.
Questions
Is the 2004 Suzuki Verona a bad year?
155 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine complaints: 73. At 9,000 miles the tool says: Keep it, but watch the engine. Half of the engine complaints for this year were filed at 1k–46k miles, where you are now.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Suzuki Verona?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: engine (73), fuel system (26), electrical system (23), speed control (19), transmission and drivetrain (17). Half of the engine complaints were filed between 1k–46k miles.
How many recalls does the 2004 Suzuki Verona have?
5 recall campaigns list this model year: Exterior lighting (NHTSA 14V-363), Exterior lighting (NHTSA 05V-022), Fuel system (NHTSA 04V-396), Air bags (NHTSA 03V-426) and more. A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.