Most common 2008 Suzuki Reno problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Suzuki Reno complaints by model year
Best Reno years: 2008, 2005. Years to avoid: 2006, 2007. Compare all years →
2008 Suzuki Reno recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
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.
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.
What 2008 Suzuki Reno owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
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!
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.
Speed control & acceleration
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.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Suzuki Reno. While driving 20 MPH, the contact applied the brakes. The vehicle jerked forward and began to accelerate automatically. The contact applied the emergency brake, but the acceleration continued. She struck the preceding vehicle and damaged the passenger side of her vehicle. Prior to the crash, the vehicle began to automatically accelerate when the engine was started. The dealer has not been notified. The current and failure mileages were 1,900.
Engine & cooling
A couple days ago the timing belt broke on my GM-Daewoo 2008 Suzuki Reno. The vehicle only has just under 130,000 thousand and has been vary well maintained. The belt had been replaced before with a gates timing belt at about 100,000 I believe. Therefore meaning the belt broke with just under 30,000 thousand miles on it, which is way before the manufacture OEM change interval in the service guide. I understand the engine is a GM family 2 series engine 2.0 d-tec 4cylnder dohc I think the engine codename in these engines is a u20sed/ l34. As for the belt, it just snapped besides for where it had snapped and broke its in good shape, no rips, tears etc.. …
I was driving my 2008 Suzuki Reno on the road on my way to work when the car started to slow down despite me trying to give it gas, and the check engine light appeared. I pulled over and put the car in park and turned it off for a moment. I turned the car back on and the check engine light remained on. When trying to shift back into drive, my car jolted and an x appeared over the d where the gears are located. Frightened, I turned the car off again and called the dealership, who told me to bring it in. They explained it was the transmission range sensor is going to cost me $200 to replace it because the warranty wont cover it. I highly believe it should be cover or do a recall on it.I give thanks to god I wasn't injured or I injure some one else please take me to consideration. Thank you and god bless you.
2008 Suzuki Reno engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Suzuki Reno a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Reno rates better than average: 54% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Reno at the same age. It is one of the best Reno years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Suzuki Reno?
The transmission & drivetrain — 12 complaints, 52% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the speed control & acceleration (6) and engine & cooling (5).
How many recalls does the 2008 Suzuki Reno have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Suzuki Reno, the most recent from May 19, 2014 (headlights). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Suzuki Reno?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2008 and 2005. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2006 and 2007. See the full Suzuki Reno years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Suzuki Reno problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.