Reno (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Suzuki Reno Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
2.5-I6-Gas
2.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
1.4-I4-Gas
1.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Suzuki Reno, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno
On a used 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (66), the airbags and driver-assist systems (48) and the electrical system (31). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 66 owner complaints on the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 48 owner complaints on the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 31 owner complaints on the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno about the electrical system.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 25 owner complaints on the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno about the exterior lighting.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 25 owner complaints on the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno about the engine.
Recalls (4)
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.
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 function.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FRONT SEAT BELT TONGUE WILL NOT LATCH INTO THE BUCKLE AND, IN RARE CASES, EVEN THE LOCKED TONGUE WILL POP OUT BY LOW STRETCHING FORCE. IF THE BUCKLE DOES NOT LATCH COMPLETELY, THE BUCKLE COULD RELEASE WITHOUT PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno complaints?
Owners have filed 173 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the safety systems and the electrical system.
Is the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 173 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno have?
NHTSA has 173 owner complaints on file for the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Suzuki Reno?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the safety systems and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Reno have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2005-2008 Suzuki Reno. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 173 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.