2008 Suzuki Reno: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 23 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
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 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 recalled along with the airbags. So now no one can sit in the front passenger seat!!”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2016
“I've had to replace the throttle body as well as the transission range sensor and the trans axle control module. I've had to replace the arms on the windshield as well for the windshield wipers because they had came off while I was driving. This car has almost caused me my life multiple times and im so sick of no one trying to fix what is going on with it. I know that they dont make this model anymore but this care has been nothing but trouble and not everyone can buy a new car at this time so we are left to fix the mistakes of the maker.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Mar 2016
“This really should be enforced as a recall. Obd2 codes are p0705 and p0705p (transmission range sensor failures). When shifting to d or r, the check engine light goes on, you hear a loud voice and the car shakes, it's scary. The failure starts soon after powertrain warranty expiration date. I realized this happens to a lot of owners of suzuki cars, sharing the exact same experiences. It's a shame suzuki charges $500 to repair something that happens to virtually everyone. On the internet everyone complains of the same problem. My car has only 20,550 miles. It really should be mandated as a recall. Thank you very much!”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Transmission has trouble switching gears, odometer scrambles when switching from park to drive, odometer reads as being in reverse when it's in park, and when it switches gears it switches hard and struggles to accelerate. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki reno. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the head lights suddenly malfunctioned and stopped operating. The contact indicated while driving at night only the high beam lights would operate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 104,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Aug 2014
“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 suzuki that they were not responsible for the resulting fire. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
“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 sensor. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 suzuki reno. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph the vehicle decelerated. The contact noticed a whining noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic stated the transmission range sensor would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · May 2013
“Pulling out at a red light the car had no power like it stopped working or was out of gear hesitation. Check engine light came on transmission code p0705. Had it replaced at a reputable transmission repair shop. Same problem again 3/28/2013 given a replacement part free. Same problem again 4/15/2013 going to suzuki 4/18/2013 for them to check the car. Stressing me out, I hope I don't get killed because of this loss of power. I guess I have to pay for this continuing problem which I don't see why they didn't do a recall when they are aware of this ongoing problem with my car as well as others. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2012
“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 failure mileage was 30,335.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
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 2008 Suzuki Reno reliable?
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2008 Suzuki Reno. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2008 Suzuki Reno have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.