2006 Suzuki Reno Problems
- Complaints
- 63filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 52,850miles, 54 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Suzuki Reno (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2006 Suzuki Reno most often describe transmission trouble: the car clunks into gear, slips into neutral while driving and loses acceleration, with many complaints pointing to the transmission range sensor. Airbag warning lights that stay lit after repeated repairs and headlights that go out or run only as daytime running lights are the next most common themes. Reports span from very low mileage to well past 100,000 miles, and the volume of filings has risen in recent years as cars age.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slips into neutral / harsh shifting
- 25 complaints (40%)
- median 55,500 mi at 5.6 yrs old (22 state mileage)
- filed 2006–2019
Complaints describe loud clunks when shifting from park into reverse or drive, the transmission dropping into neutral at speed with the engine revving, and long delays or no response when accelerating. Several owners say a mechanic or dealer identified the transmission range sensor or safety switch as the cause, and some report the symptom returning after replacement. A number also mention the check engine light coming on and the gear display showing mixed letters. Reported from about 15,000 to over 100,000 miles, often around 50,000-90,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the transmission range sensor or safety switch has been replaced and whether the transmission control module was initialized afterward. During a test drive, note any clunk when shifting from park to drive or reverse and whether the car holds gear under light acceleration.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The transmission range sensor went out the first time.as many others have described, when it happens, the car clunks, and then it feels as if the car won't engage in a gear. I took it to a mechanic, a transmission specialist, and it had to be replaced. A couple months later, the same thing happened so I took it back to the mechanic and he fixed it. A month later, it seemed like it was the same symptoms and took it back to the mechanic. …”
NHTSA complaint #10427907, filed 2011-09, 55,000 miles“In april 2008 I visited a Suzuki dealer in kaiserslautern, germany to ask about servicing my 2006 Suzuki RENO prior to buying it. The seller was with me when I asked. The service manager assured me that they can work on my car. Around end of april I discovered the car was hard to shift from 4th to 5th gear (standard shift) and it makes a rumbling noise from the front right. I sent 2 emails to Suzuki headquarters in california, and they still have not responded.”
NHTSA complaint #10245658, filed 2008-10, 60,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light stays on
- 15 complaints (24%)
- median 38,000 mi at 2.8 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2024
Owners report the airbag warning light coming on and staying on, in some cases after the dealer replaced a sensor or the passenger seat cushion assembly. Several complaints mention tightening or reseating a connector under the passenger seat as a temporary fix that stopped working, and some describe the light appearing when a passenger sits or when the car hits a bump. A few owners say airbags did not deploy in a collision while the light was on. Reported from single-digit mileage up to about 120,000 miles, with many between roughly 30,000 and 100,000 miles.
What to check: With the ignition on, confirm the airbag light goes out after the bulb check; a light that stays on means the system should be diagnosed. Ask whether the seat connectors or airbag sensor have been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Airbag light has been on since I purchased this car april 6th 2016 and driver seatbelt broke recent.january 29 2017 both lowbeam headlights went out,these things were recalled but they say my VIN#doesn't match recalls and won't service or honor these recalls! Thanks”
NHTSA complaint #10948492, filed 2017-01, 111,000 miles“My 2006 RENO has had airbag light on all the time for years . It has been reset multiple times , only to come on again . What's entirely wrong with the current airbag recall that the NHTSA is currently having is the fact Suzuki ( GM ) is trying to say it only effects grand vitara's and sx4's . I beg to differ . This company new all along the airbag problem existed , just check some of the old Suzuki problem bulletins 4&5 years ago . And it's not only 290,000 vehicles and/or only 2 models . …”
NHTSA complaint #10555438, filed 2013-12, 40,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlights go out or stay on daytime mode
- 13 complaints (21%)
- median 80,500 mi at 4.6 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2024
Complaints describe headlights switching off while driving, low beams failing so only daytime running lights work, and a burning smell near the lighting circuit. Some owners report the lights stopped working again after a recall repair, and dealers told them further work would be at their own cost. Others note recalls on this model covering the headlamp switch, daytime running light module and a wiring splice pack. Reported from very low mileage to about 130,000 miles, with several cases under 30,000 miles.
Recall 14V262000Recall 12V397000Recall 07V452000
What to check: Check whether the headlamp recalls (14V262000, 12V397000, 07V452000) were completed for the vehicle's VIN. Test low beams, high beams and daytime running lights, and look for a burning smell or discolored wiring near the headlamp switch.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As I was driving I noticed that the headlights were very dim. I pulled over to test my lights and noticed that when I turned on and off the headlights that there was no change in brightness. I turned off the car and turned on the headlights and the lights did not come on. I had been driving with the daytime running lights illuminated only. I did a check online and discovered that there is a recall for my make and model of car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10474485, filed 2012-09, 63,000 miles“I just bought a Used 2006 Suzuki Reno from a private seller 3 months ago. It has less then 53,000 miles on it so I thought I was getting a great deal. While driving it at night 3 weeks ago, I had my lights on high beam. A car was coming towards me so I flipped the light switch on my steering column. Which is also the blinker switch. And we almost wrecked head on with each other because when I flipped the switch to go to low beam there was no headlights. None whatsoever on low beam. …”
NHTSA complaint #11623008, filed 2024-10 - Engine
Stalling and no-start / hard starting
- 11 complaints (17%)
- median 40,000 mi at 2.8 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2015
Owners describe the car hesitating or failing to start, stalling while driving, and intermittent loss of power for a few seconds. Some say the dealer could not find a cause or called it a known issue without a fix, while others report the engine control module being replaced or reflashed and the problem returning. A few mention the engine light coming on and the car continuing to run after the key was removed. Reported mostly at low mileage, from a few hundred to about 90,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the engine control module has been reflashed or replaced for starting or stalling complaints. Start the car from cold and note any extended cranking, rough idle or hesitation.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“So I park my car in the drive way turn it off and take the key out but the car didn't turn off.. It was still running. It turned off when I opened the door, the lights on the dash all stayed on. This happened numerous times. I've had this car since 2006 and have had my share of problems with it.. Before this happened I was having issues starting it for about a week.. Maybe longer. I would have to start it about 3 times before it stayed on.”
NHTSA complaint #10512747, filed 2013-05, 56,000 miles“1. Car hesitates to start in the morning and stalls 2. Car dealer states it needs a software part. 3. Part installed and nothing but problems after that as well. Car leaked gas, engine light would come on, car again would hesitate to start and would stall. Dealer puts new computer in the new car and the car runs worse than it did before. Engine light comes on and car would stall going down the road and car looses steering when it stalls. Almost in a few accidents due to stalling in the middle of the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10166658, filed 2006-08, 7,000 miles - Suspension
Front-end shake and vibration
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
A small group of owners report the front end shaking or the steering wheel wobbling at highway speeds, in some cases enough to lose control briefly. One complaint describes damaged wheels and struts after hitting a curb, and another says the shake occurred at 35-40 mph and the dealer could not reproduce it. Repairs mentioned include replacement of damaged struts and rims. Reported at low to moderate mileage, roughly 6,000 to 35,000 miles.
What to check: Drive at highway speed and feel for steering wheel vibration, and check tire and rim condition plus strut mounts. Ask whether any front suspension or wheel work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The transmission in my 2006 Suzuki RENO has always felt funky. Last year when I started my car and put the transmission in reverse, it made a loud noise, the gear selector display on the dashboard went all crazy showing all letters (d,n,r), and then the engine light came on. When I drove, the car wasn't working right. It felt like the transmission was all over the place and the car would not accelerate properly. The diagnostic computer showed two codes po700 and po705. I had to change the transmission range sensor at my own cost. …”
NHTSA complaint #10426946, filed 2011-09, 33,700 miles“The contact stated on two occasions while driving 35-40 MPH the front end shook violently causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle and drift into the other lane. The first time the vehicle was traveling 55 MPH. In addition, the steering wheel vibrated at various speeds. The dealership was unable to duplicate the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10167209, filed 2006-09, 6,100 miles
Buying note. Because transmission and airbag complaints dominate this model year, a thorough test drive and a pre-purchase inspection focused on shifting behavior and airbag warning lights are worthwhile. Confirm which open recalls apply to the specific VIN and whether the work was completed, since lighting repairs are reported to recur.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 63 consumer complaints for the 2006 Suzuki Reno. 54 of the complaints include a mileage, and 43% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 52,850 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 15 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags14 22%
- Exterior lighting14 22%
- Electrical system13 21%
- Engine5 7.9%
- Engine cooling5 7.9%
- Vehicle speed control5 7.9%
- Suspension4 6.3%
- Seat belts3 4.8%
- Brakes2 3.2%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (2), Steering (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Wheels (2), Fuel system (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “I bought my 2006 Suzuki RENO in 2008 with approx. 41000 miles on it. My car is currently approx. 90000 miles but the issue started happening around the 83000 mile mark. I was on the highway when all of a sudden, it felt like my car shifted into neutral while driving and went from 70mph to 30mph almost immediately. After that first instance, the car continually bangs into gear from park to reverse. It drives fine for a few minutes but then it continues to erratically shift into neutral while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10487721, filed 2012-12, 85,000 milesAir bags: “Air bag light has been on almost continuously since october 2007 (vehicle purchased new in june 2006). Dealer in nevada checked vehicle october 2007 (mileage 20,788), found codes b1102 low battery voltage and b1378 drivers side resistance too high. Cleared codes, tightened connector under passenger seat (no cost); light was off for about a week then back on. Dealer advised I should just snug up the connector under passenger seat to resolve indicator light and I did this regularly for several years until light wouldn't go out anymore. …”
NHTSA complaint #10659109, filed 2014-11, 20,788 milesExterior lighting: “Car would not start battery charged, but next day vehicle battery would be drained again.... Headlights work sometimes, and turn signal works off and on...”
NHTSA complaint #10639392, filed 2014-09, 85,000 milesElectrical system: “My wife has bought this car brand new and seems like its going to be on its third trans and it only has 67000 miles on it. The cars engine lite comes on steady and drives fine for a little bit but after a while the light starts flashing and the car idles rough, goes 0-60 in christmas to next thanksgiving then will not shift correctly. It feels like it is taking off in third gear every time. When it finally gets going it shifts in the 5-7000 RPM range. We have taken it to the shop the first time and they said it was a sensor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10450238, filed 2012-03, 30,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
43% of the 54 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 20,788 and 89,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2006 Suzuki Reno version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reno FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Reno FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 14V262000May 19, 2014Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Suzuki Reno 2005–2008, Forenza 2004–2008
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…
- 12V397000Aug 14, 2012Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Suzuki Reno 2005–2006, Forenza 2004–2006
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…
- 07V452000Sep 25, 2007Exterior lightingCovers: Suzuki Reno 2004–2006, Forenza 2004–2006
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.
- 07V315000Jul 24, 2007Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Suzuki Reno 2006–2007, Forenza 2006–2007
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…
Recall details for the 2006 Suzuki Reno → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 15 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10216558Jul 8, 2022Suspension, Body and structure. Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.
- 10152052Nov 20, 2018Suspension, Equipment. This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension…
- 10086741May 18, 2016Air bags, Seats. This service bulletin updates a bulletin originally issued on may 18, 2016, concerning a special warranty extension (zh) for 2005-2008 suzuki forenza and suzuki reno vehicles. The updates are: (1)…
- 10052515Aug 8, 2013Engine. Suzuki: suzuki has replacement oil pumps that have a threaded plug. The threaded proves to be difficult to remove without causing damage to the new oil pump. This bulletin provides procedures when…
- 10036954Apr 1, 2011Engine cooling. Suzuki vehicle: counter measure procedure for dtc p2135. Mil light is on; dtc p2135 stored without fully checking system and circuits after repairs and/or replacement to throttle body.
- 10034484Nov 1, 2010Electrical system, Vehicle speed control. Suzuki vehicles: counter measure procedure for dtc p2138. Mil light is on, dtc p2138 stored. Failure of the connector and/or wiring circuits between the ecm and the accelerator pedal position…
- 10024197Jan 1, 2008Transmission and drivetrain. Required automatic transmission control module initialization procedure. My 2004-2008 forenz sedan/wagon, reno (rq420).
- 10024195Jan 1, 2008Air bags. Airbag light on; dtc b1378 (driver side airbag resistance too high) and/or dtc b1382 (passenger side airbag resistance too high). Forenza, sedan/wagon, reno (rq420) 2005-2006. Vin(s) -6k425022.
- 10023878Dec 1, 2007Electrical system. P0441 or p0496 (evaporative emission system continuous purge flow).
- 10021660Jun 15, 2007Fuel system. No fuel pump prime before start up.
Other model years of the Suzuki Reno
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 23 | 55,080 | 1 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 2007 | 55 | 57,100 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 63 | 52,850 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 32 | 38,500 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Suzuki Reno model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Suzuki Reno?
Owners of the 2006 Suzuki Reno most often describe transmission trouble: the car clunks into gear, slips into neutral while driving and loses acceleration, with many complaints pointing to the transmission range sensor. The issues reported most often: Transmission slips into neutral / harsh shifting; Airbag warning light stays on; Headlights go out or stay on daytime mode.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Suzuki Reno have?
NHTSA recorded 63 consumer complaints for the 2006 Suzuki Reno as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2006 Suzuki Reno is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 24 complaints (38% of the total), followed by air bags with 14.
Has the 2006 Suzuki Reno been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Suzuki Reno get?
The EPA rates the 2006 Suzuki Reno (Reno, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Suzuki Reno reported?
Among the 54 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 52,850 miles and the middle half falls between 20,788 and 89,000 miles; 43% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.