VehicleVerdict

2005 Suzuki Reno problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2005 Suzuki Reno sits mid-pack among Reno years: 42 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 42, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 45% of all reports (19 of 42), far ahead of lighting at 5.

42

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Reno years?

Reno NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted102 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 42 complaints2006: 102 complaints2007: 80 complaints2008: 37 complaints
Reno NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Reno years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Suzuki Reno problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags1945%
Lighting512%
Transmission410%
Engine37%
Tires & Wheels37%
Electrical System25%
Body & Structure25%
Fuel System25%
Speed Control12%
Latches & Locks12%

Does the 2005 Suzuki Reno have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V262000LightingMay 19, 2014 · 184,244 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the heat generated within the headlamp switch or DRL module located on the left side of the steering column melts the headlamp switch or DRL module, there is an increased risk of a fire.

Remedy

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 this recall is XA.

12V397000LightingAugust 14, 2012 · 101,688 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the headlamps fail to function, this will lead to reduced driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Suzuki will notify owners, and Suzuki dealers will reconnect the affected wires with two heat-shrink crimps, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 25, 2012. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-877-697-8985.

07V452000LightingSeptember 25, 2007 · 93,963 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

INAPPROPRIATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY OF VEHICLES AND INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL SPLICE THE POWER CIRCUIT WIRES FOR THE LOW-BEAM HEADLAMPS AND DRL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN THREE PHASES, STARTING AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2007 AND CONCLUDING BY THE END OF JANUARY 2008;. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WANT TO LODGE A COMPLAINT/INVESTIGATION INTO THE 2005 SUZUKI RENO AIRBAG SYSTEM. I BELIEVE MY CASE TO BE IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE. THE DRIVER HAD BEEN AT A 4-WAY STOP IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, STARTED IN FIRST GEAR THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW AND THE CAR WAS THROWN INTO A CURB. IT APPEARS THAT THE CURB…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 5, 2010 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI RENO. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30 TO 40 MPH ON A DARK BACK ROAD, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE SAW SMOKE COMING THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 29, 2009 · fire

“CONSUMER 2005 RENO S USED 35 GALLONS OF GAS IN THE FIRST 688 MILES. THE WINDOW STICKER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD RECEIVE 22 MPG CITY AND 30 MPG HIGHWAY. *TS THE VEHICLE GETS ON AVERAGE 19 MPG. THE CONSUMER HAS COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 27, 2006

“THERE IS A FUME THAT SMELLS TOXIC. I HAVE HAD A NEW VALVE COVER GASKET AND A CABIN FILTER PUT ON THIS CAR BUT THE FUMES PERSIST. I THINK THEY ARE BAD FOR MY HEALTH BECAUSE THE EFFECTS STAYS WITH ME LONG AFTER I'M OUT OF THE CAR, MY BREATHING/CHEST JUST DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT. I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 23, 2013

“I WOKE UP TO FIND MY TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AGO. THE PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE AUTO SHOP WAS A BAD VALVE STEM, WHICH I HAD TO GET REPLACED. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD ALL OF THE OTHER TIRES ON MY CAR LEAK AIR TO THE POINT WHERE THEY HAD LESS THAN 5 POUNDS OF AIR LEFT IN THEM. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 12, 2009

2005 Suzuki Reno — common questions

Is the 2005 Suzuki Reno reliable?

It is close to typical for the Reno: 42 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2005 Reno problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (19 complaints), lighting (5 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 2005 Suzuki Reno have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Suzuki Reno. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Suzuki Reno years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Reno years to avoid are 2006, 2007. The cleanest record among Reno years belongs to 2004.

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.