VehicleVerdict

2006 Suzuki VZR1800 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 52 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 52.0 times the median VZR1800 year — the 2006 model ranks #2 of 11 VZR1800 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 58% of all reports (30 of 52), far ahead of brakes at 8.

52

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other VZR1800 years?

VZR1800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted106 complaints2006: 52 complaints2007: 106 complaints2008: 11 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2023: 1 complaints
VZR1800 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all VZR1800 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Suzuki VZR1800 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3058%
Brakes815%
Fuel System510%
Body & Structure48%
Suspension24%
Other12%
Speed Control12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 2006 Suzuki VZR1800 have recalls?

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

15E053000SeatsJune 23, 2015 · 308 units

Defect

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain Accessory Backrest Mounting Hardware kits, part numbers 990A0-75148 and 990A0-75148-BLK, manufactured March 1, 2012, to April 21, 2015. The affected hardware kits are for installing accessory backrests on 2006-2015 Suzuki VZR1800 (Boulevard M109R) motorcycles. The mounting hardware kits may include four 110mm bolts instead of two 75mm bolts and two 95mm bolts.

Consequence

If the backrest is installed with bolts that are too long, the mounting bolts may contact the rear tire, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will correct the mounting hardware as needed, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-444-5077.

07V148000Fuel SystemApril 4, 2007 · 12,331 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FUEL HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE TWO METAL FUEL DELIVERY PIPES MOUNTED ON THE THROTTLE BODY MAY HAVE BEEN CLAMPED AT A LOCATION ON THE PIPES THAT IS NOT COMPLETELY ROUND, WHICH COULD ALLOW FUEL LEAKAGE TO OCCUR.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, LEAKED FUEL CAN CAUSE A FIRE, PRESENTING THE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL DELIVERY PIPE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 714-572-1490.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“1.) ENTERING THE HIGHWAY AND MOVING INTO TRAFFIC. 2.) TRANSMISSION FAILURE. 3.) 2ND AND 3RD GEAR AND ALL THREE SHIFTER FORKS ARE BEING REPLACED. NO COVERAGE FROM SUZUKI OR 3RD PARTY EXTENDED WARRANTY (WESTERN STATES). BIKE WAS PURCHASED IN JULY OF 2006, 11K MI. AT TIME OF FAILURE. FEEL THAT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 18, 2007

“REAR BRAKE ROTOR ON 2006 SUZUKI VZR18000 (M109R) IS LOOSE AND SQUEALS. ACCORDING TO CHAT ROOMS AND WEB SITES THERE SHOULD BE NO PLAY IN THE ROTOR AT ALL. NONE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS WAS NOTICED AT APPROX. 5000 MILES. IT WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED WITH A ROTOR THAT HAS AN UPDATED DESIGN. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 10, 2008

“AFTER LETTING MOTORCYCLE SIT FOR 3 MONTHS STARTED UP AND HAD EXTENSIVE GAS LEAK COMING DOWN RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE BEHIND FORWARD CYLINDER. SMELLED GAS FUMES LAST FALL AND NOTIFIED DEALER. DEALER STATED THAT SUZUKI HAS NO REPORTS OF GAS LEAKS NOR FUMES. REMOVED GAS TANK AND AIR BOX TO FIND FLEXIBLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 22, 2007

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE'S KICKSTAND WAS PUT INTO THE DOWN POSITION IT FELL OVER, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE GAS TANK, CLUTCH HANDLE, AND THE TURN SIGNALS. IT HAPPENED AFTER THE CONTACT LEFT THE MOTORCYCLE PARKED IN A PAVED PARKING LOT FOR JUST A FEW MOMENTS. NEITHER THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 10, 2006

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 SUZUKI VZR1800. WHILE RIDING AT 70 MPH, THE REAR TIRE LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 800 MILES BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A FRACTURED CLAVICLE AS WELL AS ROAD RASHES ON BOTH ARMS AND HIS LEFT HIP. THE VIN, ENGINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 28, 2007

2006 Suzuki VZR1800 — common questions

Is the 2006 Suzuki VZR1800 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 52 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 11 VZR1800 years. It is one of the VZR1800 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 VZR1800 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (30 complaints), brakes (8 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints).

Does the 2006 Suzuki VZR1800 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Suzuki VZR1800. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Suzuki VZR1800 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Suzuki VZR1800 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the VZR1800 years to avoid are 2007, 2006. The cleanest record among VZR1800 years belongs to 2015.

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.