2006 Suzuki Aerio: common problems
Owners of the 2006 Suzuki Aerio filed 27 complaints with NHTSA, most often about service brakes and air bags. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 27
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 22% of all complaints
- 2 Air bags 19% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 15% of all complaints
- 4 Seat belts 7% of all complaints
- 5 Structure 7% of all complaints
- 6 Tires 7% of all complaints
- 7 Vehicle speed control 7% of all complaints
- 8 Electrical system 4% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 6 complaints (22% of all).
- Air bags: 5 complaints (19% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 4 complaints (15% of all).
- Seat belts: 2 complaints (7% of all).
- Structure: 2 complaints (7% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.3 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 27 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Parking brake | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the front passenger side seat belt became abnormally tight and caused welts to the passenger's neck. The contact also noticed that the air bag warning light was illuminated continuously and a message that indicated that the passenger side air bag was…
Airbag warning light stays on. Purchase this vehicle new in 2006. Dealer refuses to repair, no warranty to cover defects. Thought that this problem were isolated, but is very wide spread.
The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle exhibited unintended acceleration which caused the engine rpms and the speed to increase. The contact indicated that the defect recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 suzuki aerio. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle increased acceleration. The vehicle failed to slow down after applying the brake pedal numerous times. The accelerator pedal remained in a stuck position.
Air bag light on dashboard stays on;when reported to dealership,I was advised that this indicates"air bags would not deploy in case of an accident";dealership(suzuki courtesy in pittsburgh pa)rejects any responsibility for defect and would not take care of this issue free of charge); never had any accidents with…
The contact took the vehicle in for an oil change; after the check engine light illuminated which the contact noticed while driving 50 mph. He took the vehicle to a mechanic who recommended that the engine area be cleaned. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 30,000.
Suzuki aerio 2006. Steering wheel has become loose and can cause loss of control of vehicle. Dealer what me to pay for repair. I was told that some vitara's had the same problem.
About 1-1-1/2 months ago a squeal developed on the right side of the engine of our 2006 suzuki - currently at 29,000+ miles. My husband took the vehicle to the dealer who sold us the car and an examination was done. The mechanic said the serpentine belt was glazed and that it was not under warranty.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 7,189 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 20% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Aerio has 19 complaints (6 years in the data). This year has 27, above average.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Suzuki Aerio?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: service brakes, air bags, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 27. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: airbag warning light (15%), warning lights, check engine (15%), knocking, grinding or other noise (7%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2006 Suzuki Aerio?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2006 Suzuki Aerio from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2006 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.