VehicleVerdict

2006 Suzuki Aerio problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2006 Suzuki Aerio sits mid-pack among Aerio years: 33 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 24, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (7), airbags (5), and engine (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

33

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Aerio years?

Aerio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted42 complaints2002: 19 complaints2003: 42 complaints2004: 21 complaints2005: 26 complaints2006: 33 complaints2007: 4 complaints
Aerio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Aerio years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Suzuki Aerio problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes721%
Airbags515%
Engine412%
Speed Control39%
Other26%
Tires & Wheels26%
Seat Belts26%
Body & Structure26%
Transmission13%
Fuel System13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Electrical System13%
Steering13%
Suspension13%

Does the 2006 Suzuki Aerio have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V307000TransmissionJuly 15, 2007 · 14,251 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.

Consequence

REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI AERIO. HE FRONT BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHANGED EVERY 2,000 MILES SINCE PURCHASE. THE BRAKES WEAR DOWN TO THE METAL. THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE CALIPERS TO FAIL. HE SPECULATED THAT THE CALIPERS WERE DESIGNED TOO LARGE FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 6, 2006

“AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON. PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2006. DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR, NO WARRANTY TO COVER DEFECTS. THOUGHT THAT THIS PROBLEM WERE ISOLATED, BUT IS VERY WIDE SPREAD. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 24, 2008

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI AERIO. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE; AFTER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHICH THE CONTACT NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO RECOMMENDED THAT THE ENGINE AREA BE CLEANED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2010

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI AERIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE RPMS AND THE SPEED TO INCREASE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DEFECT RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 19, 2014

“SIRS; THE OTHER DAY I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND NOTICED MY DAUGHTER DOING WHAT JUST ABOUT EVERY WOMAN DOES. SHE HAD HER LEGS ON THE DASH BOARD. THEN IT OCCURRED TO ME, IF A DEER OR OTHER CAR POPPED OUT IN FRONT OF US AND I HIT THEM, THE AIR BAG WOULD COME OUT, AND IT WOULD THROW HER LEGS BEHIND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 22, 2006

2006 Suzuki Aerio — common questions

Is the 2006 Suzuki Aerio reliable?

It is close to typical for the Aerio: 33 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 Aerio problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (7 complaints), airbags (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2006 Suzuki Aerio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Suzuki Aerio. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Suzuki Aerio years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Aerio years to avoid are 2003. The cleanest record among Aerio years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.