VehicleVerdict

2006 Suzuki Reno problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 102 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Reno year — the 2006 model ranks #1 of 5 Reno years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (25), airbags (16), and electrical system (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

102

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Reno years?

Reno NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted102 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 42 complaints2006: 102 complaints2007: 80 complaints2008: 37 complaints
Reno NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Reno years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Suzuki Reno problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2525%
Airbags1616%
Electrical System1515%
Lighting1414%
Engine1010%
Speed Control55%
Suspension44%
Seat Belts33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Brakes22%
Steering22%
Fuel System11%

Does the 2006 Suzuki Reno have recalls?

4 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.

07V315000Seat BeltsJuly 24, 2007 · 75,697 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THESE BUCKLE MALFUNCTIONS, WHICH COULD PREVENT A PERSON FROM USING THE SEAT BELT OR COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELT TO FAIL TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED, CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH THE IMPROVED PART FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2007. 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI RENO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A VIOLENT JERKING MOTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SHORTLY AFTER BEING STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 10, 2012

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI RENO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SWERVED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND WAS STRUCK BY A SEMI-VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 17, 2007 · crash

“WAS DRIVING ON I40 TO WILMINGTON, NC FROM RALEIGH, NC. I STOPPED TO GET GAS WHEN I WAS ABOUT 30 MINUTES AWAY FROM WILMINGTON. I NOTICED MY DASHBOARD LOOKED LIKE IT WAS JUMPY. ALL THE GAUGE LINES WERE GOING BACK AND FORTH. BUT IT LASTED ONLY SECONDS AND REALLY I THOUGHT...DID THAT REALLY HAPPEN. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 3, 2012 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI RENO. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V262000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 25, 2014 · fire

“WAS DRIVING ON I40 TO WILMINGTON, NC FROM RALEIGH, NC. I STOPPED TO GET GAS WHEN I WAS ABOUT 30 MINUTES AWAY FROM WILMINGTON. I NOTICED MY DASHBOARD LOOKED LIKE IT WAS JUMPY. ALL THE GAUGE LINES WERE GOING BACK AND FORTH. BUT IT LASTED ONLY SECONDS AND REALLY I THOUGHT...DID THAT REALLY HAPPEN. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 3, 2012 · fire

2006 Suzuki Reno — common questions

Is the 2006 Suzuki Reno reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 102 complaints put the 2006 model at #1 of 5 Reno years. It is one of the Reno years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Reno problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (25 complaints), airbags (16 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints).

Does the 2006 Suzuki Reno have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 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.