The 2008 Suzuki Reno has 23 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 12 complaints, typically surfacing around 48,841 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 Reno?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average
1 recall campaign on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2008 Suzuki Reno? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 12 owner reports
· tends to show around 48,841 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
airbags — 3 owner reports
· tends to show around 70,000 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 1 active recall on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
powertrain (~$2,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2008 Reno· powertrain
Transmission slips into neutral while driving at 55 MPH. The electronic d starts flashing and it looks like there is n over the d on the dash. The car will not move unless I down shift into 3rd gear and the power train is automatic. *kb
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…
I purchased a new 2008 Suzuki reno from a dealership in tallahassee who is no longer in business. A message appear on the right side (passage) that the airbag is off. I bought this to the attention of the dealership. They told me not to worry about it, it was fine. Later I…
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…
Had a problem with your 2008 Suzuki Reno?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
If the heat generated within the headlamp switch or DRL module located on the left side of the steering column melts the headlamp switch or DRL module, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Suzuki Reno reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Suzuki Reno is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2008 Suzuki Reno?
On the NHTSA data, the 2008 Suzuki Reno does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2008 Suzuki Reno?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 12 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 48,841 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2008 Suzuki Reno a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 23 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 48,841 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Suzuki Reno?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 12 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 48,841 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 48,841 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Suzuki Reno has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Suzuki Reno?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 23 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 5 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Suzuki/Reno.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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