VehicleVerdict

2008 Suzuki Reno problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Suzuki Reno sits mid-pack among Reno years: 37 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 42, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (35% of the total).

37

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Reno years?

Reno NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted102 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 42 complaints2006: 102 complaints2007: 80 complaints2008: 37 complaints
Reno NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Reno years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Suzuki Reno problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1335%
Speed Control616%
Engine514%
Electrical System411%
Airbags411%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Lighting13%
Other13%
Seat Belts13%
Steering13%

Does the 2008 Suzuki Reno have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI RENO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING UPHILL AT 20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHICH DETERMINED THAT THE TCM WAS FAULTY. THE TCM WAS REPLACED BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 9, 2012

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUZUKI RENO. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AUTOMATICALLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, BUT THE ACCELERATION CONTINUED. SHE STRUCK THE PRECEDING VEHICLE AND DAMAGED THE PASSENGER SIDE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 22, 2008 · crash

“CAR IS HAVING TROUBLE WHEN SWITCHING INTO GEAR AS WELL AS REVERSE AND DRIVING IS VERY SLOW AND RESTRAINED. THE PROBLEM IS SO OFTEN ON FORUMS, IT IS STRANGE THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. EXPENSIVE TO FIX AND SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING FAULT/CHEAP PART. AUTO SCANNER SAID PART IS THE TRANSMISSION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 23, 2014

“I TOOK MY CAR IN TO FIND OUT WHY THE AIRBAG LIGHT FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ON BY THE CLOCK AND ON MY DASH. COME TO FIND OUT THE PART THAT I NEED TO FIX IT IS HARD TO FIND AND THAT THE PART IS ALSO BAD. IN ORDER TO FIX MY PROBLEM IT WILL COST ME $2500 TO FIX IT. SO I THINK I WILL WAIT TILL IT GETS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 21, 2016

“MY CAR SUZUKI RENO 2008 WAS PARKING AT MY DRIVEWAY AND IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE DRIVER STEERING COLUMN. THE DAY AFTER I REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO SUZUKI MOTORS CORP AND THREE DAYS AFTER I RECEIVED IN THE MAIL A SAFETY RECALL "XA". I TOOK MY VE *TRHICLE TO A SUZUKI DEALER IN MIAMI BUT I WAS TOLD BY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 28, 2014 · fire

2008 Suzuki Reno — common questions

Is the 2008 Suzuki Reno reliable?

It is close to typical for the Reno: 37 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2008 Reno problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (13 complaints), speed control (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 2008 Suzuki Reno have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 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.