Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2005 Suzuki Reno with NHTSA between 2005 and 2019.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 32
Against the median year of the Suzuki Reno. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 97
57% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
516.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
26.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1240.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
413.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
310.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
26.7%
150,000+ miles
26.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2005peak 3Sep 2019
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Madison, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I WANT TO LODGE A COMPLAINT/INVESTIGATION INTO THE 2005 SUZUKI RENO AIRBAG SYSTEM. I BELIEVE MY CASE TO BE IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE. THE DRIVER HAD BEEN AT A 4-WAY STOP IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, STARTED IN FIRST GEAR THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE BLEW AND THE CAR WAS THROWN INTO A CURB. IT APPEARS THAT THE CURB GOT BETWEEN THE RIM AND THE BLOWN TIRE AND ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER WAS TRYING TO USE THE BRAKES TO STOP HE COULD NOT GET TRACTION...LIKE BEING ON A RAILROAD TIE. THE CAR HIT A MAILBOX AND THEN WAS PROPELLED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CAR HIT SLIGHTLY OFF THE MID CENTER TO THE RIGHT BREAKING THE BUMPER GUARD (TIE) AND ACCORDING TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE DRIVER RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT MEDICAL DAMAGE TO HIS CHIN AND LOSS 3 LOWER FRONT TEETH. ONE TOOTH AT THE CRASH SITE AND 2 SURGICALLY REMOVED AT THE GRADY HOSPITAL, ATLANTA TRAUMA CENTER. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY TO HELP PROTECT THE DRIVER WITH AN IMPACT AS SIGNIFICANT AS THIS ONE. THE DRIVER WILL PROBABLY NEED AT THE LEAST A CHIN SCAR REVISION OR POSSIBLY A CHIN RESTORATION AND 3 DENTAL AIRBAGS. MY CAR INSURANCE HAS ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT SUZUKI TO REVIEW AND INVESTIGATE WHY THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY AGENT DID FINALLY TALK WITH SOMEONE AT SUZUKI THAT AGREED TO REVIEW AND INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE BY LOOKING AT THE CAR WITHOUT MY INSURANCE FILING A SUBROGATION CLAIM. THAT WAS 2 WEEKS AGO AND HAVEN'T RECEIVED A REPORT YET. MY DAUGHTER/FAMILY ALSO DRIVES A 2005 RENO AND I AM CONCERNED THAT IF THEY ARE IN AN ACCIDENT THAT THE AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY AND SOMETHING WORSE COULD HAPPEN. I NEED TO KNOW THAT THERE IS NOT SOMETHING FAULTY WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM OF THE MAKE AND MODEL BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE IS HURT OR KILLED, MY FAMILY OR SOMEONE ELSE'S LOVE ONE. PLEASE HELP ME...I NEED PEACE OF MIND AND BEING THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE I AM IN HOPES THAT YOU WILL INVESTIGATE. I CAN PROVIDE DETAILS...THERE SHOULD NOT BE A GENERAL ASSUMPTION THAT THE CAR IS SAFE IF IT IS NOT.
NHTSA complaint #10332285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesAthol, MAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI RENO. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30 TO 40 MPH ON A DARK BACK ROAD, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION HE SAW SMOKE COMING THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO RECALL NUMBER 07V452000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). HE THEN ADDED THAT ANY REPAIRS MADE WOULD BE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA complaint #10294159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Seaside, CA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11253588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,854 milesRaleigh, NC
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS OFF. ALL THE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10984473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesSeattle, WA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10782146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fuquay Varina, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10702503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,570 milesLowell, MA
POWER TRAIN
FROM DAY ONE, MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH DIFFERENT ISSUES IE, IT'S THE GAS CAP, THE MAN WHO SOLD ME THE CAR, (THE DEALER) TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED,SO MUCH, THEN HE TOOK OFF, AND LEFT MASSACHUSETTS AFTER SELLING ME A LEMON. ETC. HOW MANY GAS CAPS DO I HAVE TO BUY? NOW AT YEAR 2014, THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE ENGINE BELT SNAPPED, THE TRANSMISSION IS ACTING UP, (IN JULY OF 2010), AND THE SENSOR HAS GONE COMPLETELY WILD, IE, COMES ON AND GOES OFF STEADILY, HAD THAT REPAIRED, AND WHEN I DRIVE THE ENGINE LIGHT STILL COMES ON AND GOES OFF, OFF, AND ON, AND NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT STEADILY DOES THE SAME, AFTER HAVING IT REPAIRED TWICE. THE WEBSITE WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/CITY/FLORENCE/AL HAS HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON ALL OF THE SUZUKI VEHICLES FROM 2005-2012. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE IN ORDER TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE SUZUKI VEHICLES? I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE KIND OF REPAIRS, STILL MAKING CAR NOTES, ON THIS CAR, AND I HAVE TO HAVE TOP NOTCH INSURANCE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO DO ABOUT THESE VEHICLES. I AM HOPING IT DOESN'T HAVE TO TAKE SOMEONE TO BE KILLED IN ORDER FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN FOR A RECALL. THE WARRANTY WAS ONLY FOR 90 DAYS, AND THOUGH I EXERCISED IT. I GOT THE RUN AROUND BECAUSE THE DEALER, AND THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T DO THE RIGHTFUL REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE IN THE TIME ALLOWED. THE FAULT IS ON BOTH.
NHTSA complaint #10598776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,570 milesLowell, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FROM DAY ONE, MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH DIFFERENT ISSUES IE, IT'S THE GAS CAP, THE MAN WHO SOLD ME THE CAR, (THE DEALER) TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED,SO MUCH, THEN HE TOOK OFF, AND LEFT MASSACHUSETTS AFTER SELLING ME A LEMON. ETC. HOW MANY GAS CAPS DO I HAVE TO BUY? NOW AT YEAR 2014, THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE ENGINE BELT SNAPPED, THE TRANSMISSION IS ACTING UP, (IN JULY OF 2010), AND THE SENSOR HAS GONE COMPLETELY WILD, IE, COMES ON AND GOES OFF STEADILY, HAD THAT REPAIRED, AND WHEN I DRIVE THE ENGINE LIGHT STILL COMES ON AND GOES OFF, OFF, AND ON, AND NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT STEADILY DOES THE SAME, AFTER HAVING IT REPAIRED TWICE. THE WEBSITE WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/CITY/FLORENCE/AL HAS HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON ALL OF THE SUZUKI VEHICLES FROM 2005-2012. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE IN ORDER TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE SUZUKI VEHICLES? I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE KIND OF REPAIRS, STILL MAKING CAR NOTES, ON THIS CAR, AND I HAVE TO HAVE TOP NOTCH INSURANCE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO DO ABOUT THESE VEHICLES. I AM HOPING IT DOESN'T HAVE TO TAKE SOMEONE TO BE KILLED IN ORDER FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN FOR A RECALL. THE WARRANTY WAS ONLY FOR 90 DAYS, AND THOUGH I EXERCISED IT. I GOT THE RUN AROUND BECAUSE THE DEALER, AND THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T DO THE RIGHTFUL REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE IN THE TIME ALLOWED. THE FAULT IS ON BOTH.
NHTSA complaint #10598776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,570 milesLowell, MA
ENGINE
FROM DAY ONE, MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH DIFFERENT ISSUES IE, IT'S THE GAS CAP, THE MAN WHO SOLD ME THE CAR, (THE DEALER) TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE REPAIRED,SO MUCH, THEN HE TOOK OFF, AND LEFT MASSACHUSETTS AFTER SELLING ME A LEMON. ETC. HOW MANY GAS CAPS DO I HAVE TO BUY? NOW AT YEAR 2014, THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED, THE ENGINE BELT SNAPPED, THE TRANSMISSION IS ACTING UP, (IN JULY OF 2010), AND THE SENSOR HAS GONE COMPLETELY WILD, IE, COMES ON AND GOES OFF STEADILY, HAD THAT REPAIRED, AND WHEN I DRIVE THE ENGINE LIGHT STILL COMES ON AND GOES OFF, OFF, AND ON, AND NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT STEADILY DOES THE SAME, AFTER HAVING IT REPAIRED TWICE. THE WEBSITE WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/CITY/FLORENCE/AL HAS HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON ALL OF THE SUZUKI VEHICLES FROM 2005-2012. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE IN ORDER TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE SUZUKI VEHICLES? I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE KIND OF REPAIRS, STILL MAKING CAR NOTES, ON THIS CAR, AND I HAVE TO HAVE TOP NOTCH INSURANCE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO DO ABOUT THESE VEHICLES. I AM HOPING IT DOESN'T HAVE TO TAKE SOMEONE TO BE KILLED IN ORDER FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN FOR A RECALL. THE WARRANTY WAS ONLY FOR 90 DAYS, AND THOUGH I EXERCISED IT. I GOT THE RUN AROUND BECAUSE THE DEALER, AND THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T DO THE RIGHTFUL REPAIRS ON THIS VEHICLE IN THE TIME ALLOWED. THE FAULT IS ON BOTH.
NHTSA complaint #10598776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10593906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesBallwin, MO
AIR BAGS
THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND "PASSENGER AIR BAG DISABLED" LIGHT ARE ON ALL THE TIME. IT ORIGINALLY APPEARED TO BE DUE TO THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR THAT DISABLES THE RIGHT SIDE AIR BAG WHEN IT DETECTS A WEIGHT UNDER A CERTAIN LIMIT (E.G., SO THE AIR BAG IS DEACTIVATED IF A CHILD'S CAR SEAT IS THERE). THE WAY WE CAME TO ASSUME THAT IT MIGHT BE THE SENSOR WAS IF THE PERSON IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD HOP AROUND OR MOVE AROUND THE SEAT AND THE LIGHT MIGHT EVENTUALLY GO OUT. SOMETIMES TURNING OFF AND RESTARTING THE CAR WOULD CAUSE THE LIGHT TO TURN OFF. SOMETIME IT SEEMED THE PASSENGER COULD PUT-ON, TAKE-OFF, PUT-ON THE SEAT BELT AND THAT MIGHT WORK. BUT NOW IT'S ON ALL THE TIME NO MATTER WHAT (THE CAR IS AT 90,000 MILES). IT WAS INTERMITTENT STARTING AROUND 10,000. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE CAR'S BATTERY - THE THEORY BEING THAT PERHAPS THE OLD BATTERY DIDN'T PROVIDE ENOUGH CURRENT (WHICH DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE SINCE THE BATTERY ISN'T PROVIDING POWER WHILE THE ENGINE IS ON...). BUT BY AROUND 30,000 MILES, THE LIGHT STARTED STAYING ON ALL THE TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10538346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesBonifay, FL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10515001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesPanama City, FL
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10502273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesMarble Hill, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10487199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,000 milesMarble Hill, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUZUKI RENO. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V397000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V452000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THERE WAS A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF WHAT IT WAS EXACTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO EITHER RECALL AND THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH ANY REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
NHTSA complaint #10485172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesRaleigh, NC
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO SUZUKI SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WERE NEVER ABLE TO REPAIR IT. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON SUZUKI RENOS AND FORENZAS (RENO AND FORENZA ARE THE HATCHBACK AND SEDAN VERSIONS OF THE SAME CAR). THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, BUT SUZUKI SEEMS INCAPABLE OF FIXING THE PROBLEM. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT BEING ON ALL THE TIME MEANS THE AIRBAG WILL EITHER NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD, WHICH COULD LEAD TO DEATH OR INJURY OR COULD DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULDN'T WHICH COULD ALSO LEAD TO DEATH OR INJURY. THIS NEEDS TO BE MADE FROM A TSB INTO A NON VOLUNTARY RE-CALL FOR SUZUKI, BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED AS A RESULT OF THE DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10480616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesRaleigh, NC
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. TOOK IT BACK TO SUZUKI WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, THEY REPAIRED IT AND WITHIN A WEEK IT CAME BACK ON. BROUGHT BACK SEVERAL MORE TIMES, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERMANENTLY FIX IT. WAS TOLD "THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON SUZUKI RENOS. THE SENSOR UNDER THE SEAT IS THE PROBLEM" BY SUZUKI MECHANIC. HAVE CHECKED AND IT DOES APPEAR TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. IF THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON IT MEANS THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL COLLISION, WHICH COULD LEAD TO DEATH OR INJURY FOR THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10475575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesKailua_Kona, HI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I WAS DRIVING EARLY IN THE EVENING AND DRIVING IN A WELL LIT 15 MPH ZONE JUST AFTER DUSK. PEOPLE ON THE SIDEWALK STARTED POINTING AT MY CAR. WHEN I TURNED UP THE SIDE STREET I REALIZED I HAD NO HEADLIGHTS! I FOUND OUT THAT MY HIGH BEAMS STILL WORKED AND I DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED FOR FUSES, RELAYS, AND BULBS BY MY MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD IT WAS IN THE WIRING. I CAME HOME AND CHECKED THE COMPUTER AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WHICH I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A POTENTIAL CRASH! THE AMERICAN SUZUKI COMPANY WILL NOT HONOR THIS RECALL. THIS CAR WAS NOT SOLD IN HAWAII, BUT WAS SHIPPED HERE FROM CALIFORNIA FROM THE PERSON I BOUGHT IT FROM IN 2005. NOW THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT, AND I HAVE TO FIND MY OWN ASE MECHANIC THAT IS WILLING TO HAVE INSTRUCTIONS FAXED TO THEM IF THEY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS.. ON TOP OF THAT, THEY ARE ONLY WILLING TO PAY $68.00....WHICH I AM SURE WILL NOT COVER THE LABOR FOR THIS PROCEDURE. I AM ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR.. WHAT DO I DO NEXT? I NEED MY HEADLIGHTS FIXED! PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA complaint #10457545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesKailua_Kona, HI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING EARLY IN THE EVENING AND DRIVING IN A WELL LIT 15 MPH ZONE JUST AFTER DUSK. PEOPLE ON THE SIDEWALK STARTED POINTING AT MY CAR. WHEN I TURNED UP THE SIDE STREET I REALIZED I HAD NO HEADLIGHTS! I FOUND OUT THAT MY HIGH BEAMS STILL WORKED AND I DROVE A SHORT DISTANCE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS. I HAD THE CAR CHECKED FOR FUSES, RELAYS, AND BULBS BY MY MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD IT WAS IN THE WIRING. I CAME HOME AND CHECKED THE COMPUTER AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM WHICH I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A POTENTIAL CRASH! THE AMERICAN SUZUKI COMPANY WILL NOT HONOR THIS RECALL. THIS CAR WAS NOT SOLD IN HAWAII, BUT WAS SHIPPED HERE FROM CALIFORNIA FROM THE PERSON I BOUGHT IT FROM IN 2005. NOW THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR IT, AND I HAVE TO FIND MY OWN ASE MECHANIC THAT IS WILLING TO HAVE INSTRUCTIONS FAXED TO THEM IF THEY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS.. ON TOP OF THAT, THEY ARE ONLY WILLING TO PAY $68.00....WHICH I AM SURE WILL NOT COVER THE LABOR FOR THIS PROCEDURE. I AM ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THIS REPAIR.. WHAT DO I DO NEXT? I NEED MY HEADLIGHTS FIXED! PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA complaint #10457545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesRaleigh, NC
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS JUST OVER A YEAR OLD. HAD IT RESET AT DEALERSHIP, CAME BACK ON WITHIN HOURS. CALLED BACK AND WAS TOLD IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON SUZUKI RENOS AND FORENZAS. AI BAG LIGHT WILL NOT SHUT OFF. SUZUKI WILL NOT FIX EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON IT. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. IF THE CAR IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. I BELIEVE THAT SUZUKI SHOULD BE FORCED TO RECALL ALL CARS IMPACTED AND REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM ARISING FROM A DESIGN OR PRODUCTION FLAW, THEY SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR, BEFORE SOMEONE HAS AN ACCIDENT AND IS KILLED BECAUSE THE AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY. 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. *NJ
NHTSA complaint #10455781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porter, TX
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10442244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,356 milesPorter, TX
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10441695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,356 milesPorter, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10441695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesRaleigh, NC
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE AIR BAGS FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER ARE DEFECTIVE. THE WARNING LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND INTERMITTENTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAVE BEEN SINCE THE CAR HAD ABOUT 20K MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT TO BE REPAIRED IT WAS RESET ONLY TO LIGHT UP AGAIN AFTER A FEW MILES. I WENT BACK AND THEY SAID THEY COULD RESET IT, BUT IT WOULD ONLY COME BACK ON AGAIN IN A FEW MILES. SUZUKI AMERICA IS AWARE THAT THE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AIRBAGS SENSORS, BUT THERE IS NO RECALL. ACCORDING TO THE LOCAL SUZUKI DEALERSHIP IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON ALL SUZUKI RENOS AND SUZUKI FORENZAS. I HAVE READ SEVERAL REPORTS OF SUZUKI FORENZAS AND RENOS (THE HATCH BACK VERSION OF THE FORENZA) THAT HAVE BEEN IN ACCIDENTS WHERE THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BUT DID NOT BECAUSE OF THIS AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. I WOULD LIKE SUZUKI TO BE FORCED TO RE-CALL ALL SUZUKI FORENZAS AND RENOS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10399966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,436 milesMoreland Hills, OH
AIR BAGS
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).
NHTSA complaint #10396645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesRaleigh, NC
AIR BAGS
I HAVE A 2005 SUZUKI RENO. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO SUZUKI WHO ADMITS THERE IS A TSB FOR THIS FAULT BUT HAVE SAID TO ME THAT THEY REPAIR IT AND WITHIN A FEW MILES THE FAULT RETURNS. THIS PRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT DANGER OF INJURY TO THE DRIVER AND FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AS THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR MAY DEPLOY FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT BY VIRTUE OF A TSB, SUZUKI HAS SEEN AS A PROBLEM ON SUZUKI, RENO AND FORENZA MODELS, BUT WHICH THEY REFUSE TO REPAIR AT THEIR COST. ALTHOUGH I HAVE PUT IN A DATE OF 12/01/10 FOR THE INCIDENT DATE THEIR IS ACTUALLY NO DATE AS SUCH AS THERE HAS BEEN NO INCIDENT. THERE IS HOWEVER SIGNIFICANT DANGER OF INJURY AS A DIRECT CAUSE OF THE FAULT.
NHTSA complaint #10370349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesRaleigh, NC
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I HAVE A 2005 SUZUKI RENO. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME AND HAS BEENFOR ABOUT A YEAR. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM SUZUKI ON THE MATTER, SO THEY REALIZE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. SUZUKI WILL NOT REPAIR IT FREE OF CHARGE ALTHOUGH IT IS A DESIGN FAULT. I WOULD LIKE A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ONLY FIXES WHAT IS POTENTIALLY A DANGEROUS PROBLEM, CAUSED BY BAD DESIGN, AT MY EXPENSE. HERE IS THE TSB FROM SUZUKI COMPONENT DESCRIPTION: 1. AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE BULLETIN NUMBER: TS0501158 BULLETIN DATE: JAN 2008 VEHICLE: 2,006 SUZUKI RENO SUMMARY: 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. ( NHTSA ITEM NUMBER - 10024195 ).
NHTSA complaint #10366385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.