2005 Suzuki Reno: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 32 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (53% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I have had a recalled on my car since 12/2014 and as of today 3/30/2015 and still having an issues with the dealerships to fix it. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2014
“Drivers side airbag light stays on. Not sure airbag would inflate if I was in a accident or if it might inflate on its own while I am driving and cause a accident. I also cannot find a suzuki dealership anymore that could do a recall repair if there is one.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2014
“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 do. I've taken it to several mechanics and the claim they can't find anything. However I know I smelled them before having the above mentioned work performed and I still do. Please tell me what I can/should do. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“The airbag warning light turned on without any readily identifiable cause. Several repair facilities cannot seem to find out why it remains on. I suspect this is related to the following tsbs: #ts0501158, #0312234, and #0512234. Why this isn't being treated as a safety issue is unclear to me. This is a known problem that disables a safety system (airbags) in the vehicle.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2013
“Airbag warning light came on for no reason.vehicle has never been in any kind of accident. I have read online that this a common problem with the reno and forenza. There are problems with seat sensors/wiring and clocksprings. Suzuki has long known of the problem ,but will not issue a recall for this vehicle. I was told by the dealer that they have issued a recall on the xl7 and grand vitara for this problem. I have also read of accidents involving these vehicles w/ injuries in which airbags did not deploy. Suzuki needs to step up and address this costly/safety issue. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 suzuki reno. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign id number: 07v452000 (exterior lighting) and since the repair, the headlights failed to function properly. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue. The failure mileage was 139,000 and the current mileage was 141,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Nov 2012
“I went to go get my car checked out at a local auto parts store. Turned on my car and when I was on drive it was showing something weird on it when I put it on different gears they would not go in order. Such as if it was in park it would show a d for drive or if it was in reverse it would show 3rd gear and so on. Whenever I would change gears it would kick really nasty and shake alot and I would have to push the gas just so I could move. The employee then used a check engine light device and I had an o2 sensor issue and a transmission range sensor issue. *kb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2011
“I was driving too school and the air bag light just turned on. Til this day the light has not turned off haven't went to suzuki to go check this out, this car is nothing but problems. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2011
“2005 suzuki reno, air bag light comes on shortly after numerous repairs. Purchased car used with 43,436 miles from classic dealer ship in mentor , ohio. They also took car to suzuki to dealership for repair before I took delivery, and then airbag light came on shortly after. I understand this is a common problem and from what I understand the bags will not deploy in a accident? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2011
“The airbag warning light is on all the time. It is irritating that we cannot get it to go away. Even when resetting the system it comes back within hours. Suzuki will not fix unless we pay. Have checked the connection under the seats and made sure they were not loose. Suzuki should be forced to recall effected vehicles. Bulletin no: ts0501158 date of bulletin: 03/20/2008 summary description: 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. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Reno by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Suzuki Reno reliable?
NHTSA has 32 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Suzuki Reno. The most complained-about area is air bags (53% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Suzuki Reno problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 45,218 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Suzuki Reno have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.