Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
121 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
99,980 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1995 to 2002 model years. Data updated: . 45 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 |
| 2002 | 1 |
1995: 0; 1996: 0; 1997: 0; 1998: 0; 1999: 0; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 1
1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
Reported: 2003-06-16 (June 16, 2003) · Model years: 2002
CERTAIN PASSENGER (111 MY 2002 ESTEEM, 777 MY 2002 AERIO, 2,368 MY 2003 AERIO) AND SPORT UTILITY (324 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA, 274 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA, 684 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA XL-7, AND 781 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA XL-7) VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED TO THE VEHICLE BODY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ADHESION BETWEEN THE PAINT APPLIED DURING THE SECOND-STAGE PAINTING PROCESS AND THE PAINT APPLIED DURING FINAL-STAGE PAINTING.
Consequence: IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, IT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE EJECTION OF UNBELTED OCCUPANTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT PAINT ADHESION WILL EITHER HAVE THE PROBLEM REMEDIED BY REPAINTING, OR WILL BE REPLACED, OR REPURCHASED AND DESTROYED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
121 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure:Frame And Members | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 10279480 · 125,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SUZUKI ESTEEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART THAT SUPPORTS THE A-FRAME WAS RUSTED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. | 416.7%ODI 10292502 · 138,702 mi98 SUZUKI ESTEEM CROSS MEMBER(ENGINE CRADLE) ON THE SUZUKI ESTEEM THE ENGINE CRADLE OR CROSS MEMBER ROT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE CAUSING INTO AN ACCIDENT ,CROSSMEMBER OR ENGINE CRADLE SUPPORTS LOWER CONTROL ARMS WHICH IF THE CROSSMEMBER LET GO WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO POSSIBLE CRASH IN MY EXPERIENCE AS A AUTO MECHANIC EVERY SINGLE SUZUKI ESTEEM THAT HAVE COME TO MY SHOP FOR STATE INSPECTION HAS FAIL DUE TO THE CROSS MEMBER THIS INCLUDES 98 TO 01 SUZUKI ESTEEM ,EVERY SINGLE CAR AT JUNKYARDS ARE RUSTED OUT WHICH MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR A C… | 315.0%ODI 10133020 · 55,000 miI OWN A 1999 SUZUKI ESTEEM, 55,000 MILES, CAR IS KEPT IN A GARAGE. MY SUB FRAME RUSTED IN HALF AND BROKE. THE AAA PERSON THAT TOWED THE CAR, 2 MECHANICS, AND EVERY MALE I HAVE TOLD ARE APPALLED THAT THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED. MY MECHANIC CALLED FRED MARTINS SUZUKI, WHERE IS WAS PURCHASED, AND SPOKE TO THE MECHANIC THERE. HE WAS TOLD 3 SUBFRAMES HAD BEEN FIXED DURING THE MONTH OF JULY, BUT NO RECALL WAS MADE. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE ONE OF THE STRONGEST PARTS OF THE CAR. FRED MARTIN SUZUKI HAS INFORMED ME THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE , AFTER ALL THE C… | 519.2%ODI 10197287 · 80,000 miI WAS DRIVING MY 2000 SUZUKI ESTEEM HOME FROM UPTOWN WITH MY SISTER AND 8-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER IN THE CAR WHEN A NOISE WHICH WAS FAINT OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS GREW QUICKLY LOUDER AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR JERKED TO THE RIGHT, PRACTICALLY OUT OF MY HANDS. I GRASPED THE STEERING WHEEL AS HARD AS I COULD JUST TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. I WAS ONLY TRAVELING ABOUT 20-25 MPH. I FOUGHT THE DIFFICULT STEERING LONG ENOUGH AT A VERY SLOW SPEED TO GET THE CAR TO MY SISTER'S HOUSE. I PARKED THE CAR THERE AND CALLED MY HUSBAND AT WORK TO EXPLAIN W… | 628.6%ODI 102426152001 SUZUKI ESTEEM WAGON FRONT CROSS MEMBER FRAME RUSTED OUT. CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. *NJ | 240.0%ODI 10251398 · 67,050 miSOLE OWNER 2002 SUZUKI ESTEEM WAGON WITH ROTTED K-FRAME AND RUSTED WHEELS. SUZUKI WILL ONLY COVER K-FRAME PART AND DEALER WANTS $390. FOR LABOR. ARE THERE OTHER SUZUKI VEHICLES WITH REPORTED ROTTED K-FRAMES?. I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE APRIL 2002. THIS VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION DUE TO ROTTED FRAME. *TR |
| Suspension | 17.7%ODI 10466498 · 70,000 miCAR EXHIBITED A TENDENCY TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AT FIRST. AFTER TURNING A CORNER THE CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT. GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE FRONT OF THE CAR WANDERED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. AFTER I PARKED THE CAR AND RE STARTED THE ENGINE WHEN I PUT IT INTO GEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND IT DID NOT MOVE IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. BANGING STOPPED IN NEUTRAL AND PARK. I JACKED UP THE CAR AND THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED THRU RIGHT NEXT TO WHERE THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM ATTACHED TO IT. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 114.3%ODI 10493024 · 185,500 miDRIVING ALONG BIG TIMBER STRAIGHT AT 40 MPH THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND STARTED TO SHAKE, I MANAGED TO STAY STRAIGHT UNTIL I TURNED LEFT TO MEADOWS RD. I MADE IT HOME OKAY IN THE COMPLEX BUT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE CAR AGAIN. NEXT DAY LOOKED AT THE UNDER CARRIAGE AND THEN NOTICED THE RUSTED OUT SUB FRAME (CRADLE) BY THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) CONTROL ARM.THIS CAR IS GARAGE KEPT IF THAT MEANS ANYTHING. WELL THIS CERTAINLY IS A BUMMER, I'LL HAVE TO FIGURE ON HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AT A REASONABLE EXPENSE. *TR | 416.7%ODI 10369432 · 100,000 miFRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER IN 1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM CRACKED OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 25MPH. CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT, SINCE IT HAPPEN AT LOW SPEED I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY STOP. UPON INSPECTION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER I FOUND OUT THAT RUSTING WAS SO EXTENSIVE THAT YOU COULD POKE A HOLE IN THE CROSS MEMBER BY SIMPLY PUSHING A SCREW DRIVER ON TO THE SURFACE OF THE CROSS MEMBER. *TR | 15.0%ODI 10446634 · 149,000 miMY 99 ESTEEM STARED PULLING TO ONE SIDE WHILE DRIVING. AS I ATTEMPTED TO GET IT HOME THE WHEEL WOULD RUB ON THE INNER FENDER WELL WHEN TURNING. UPON INSPECTION WHEN I GOT HOME I FOUND THE DRIVER SIDE SUBFRAME RUSTED THROUGH ON TOP AND OUTER SIDES WITH ONLY THE INSIDE PORTION INTACT. THIS PART HAD BENT ALLOWING MY WHEEL TO CHANGE POSITION. THE REST OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE SEEMS TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE WHILE THIS SECTION HAS RUSTED AWAY. THANKFULLY, THIS DID NOT HAPPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR THAT I DID NOT HIT A POTHOLE WHILE DRIVING. THIS COULD HAVE BROK… | 519.2%ODI 104572502000 SUZUKI ESTEEM SEDAN. THE SUBFRAME AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AXEL RUSTED THROUGH AND COLLAPSED WHILE TURNING CORNER. LOUD GRINDING OF TIRES. THIS CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL TO BE PUSHED BACK INTO THE WHEEL WELL. REPAIRED COST OF $1200. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT AS THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWING DOWN, BUT IF THESE PARTS HAD FAILED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IT IS QUITE LIKELY A FATAL ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. I HAVE SEARCHED ON LINE AND FOUND THAT OTHER SUZUKI OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WROTE TO CORPORATE RELATIONS AT SUZUKI… | 314.3%ODI 10588723 · 115,000 miI WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AND TOOK THE EXIT AND THEN TURNING RIGHT FROM STOP SIGN ABOUT 5 MILES PER HOUR AND THEN HEARD A CLICK AND THEN TIRE WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE CAR BODY THE KFRAME GOT RUSTED AND TWISTED PUSHING THE TIRE BACK AND STEERING WHEEL OFF. *TR | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Suspension:Front | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 28.3%ODI 734386REPORTED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD UNDERCARRIAGE WAS LOOSE AND RUBBING ON TIRES TO CAUSE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION, BUT IT STILL SHAKES AND VIBRATES | 315.0%ODI 10147496 · 99,980 miCAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 45 MPH; BRAKES WERE APPLIED HARD; SUBFRAME (PART THAT ALL BALL JOINTS AND SUSPENSION ARMS BOLTS INTO) COLLAPSED ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE CAUSING WHEEL TO BECOME UNSTABLE AND SEVERELY OUT OF ALIGNMENT. (WHEN MEASURED, THE PASSENGER WHEEL WAS +/-1-1/2" CLOSER TO THE REAR OF INNER FENDER, AND WOULD GRIND ONTO THE INNER FENDER. THE PART WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW REPLACEMENT PART. THE OLD PART WAS RUSTED THROUGH AT SEVERAL POINTS. THE OLD PART IS IN MY POSSESSION AND PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE. *JB | 27.7%ODI 10226715 · 122,367 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUZUKI ESTEEM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER WHEEL WENT OUT OF THE ALIGNMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT SUB- FRAME HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. UPDATED 05/20/08 | 29.5%ODI 10259958 · 60,000 miFRONT SUBFRAME ON A 2001 SUZUKI, ESTEEM CRACKED. CALL SUZUKI DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS FOR THAT PROBLEM AND THE ANSWER WAS NO. WHICH I THINK THERE SHOULD BE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR IS NOT THAT OLD TO HAVE DOES KIND OF PROBLEMS. PART AND LABOR WILL BE REALLY EXPENSIVE CLOSE TO A $1,000 DOLLARS FOR REPAIR. WHEN I TALKED TO THE PERSON IN THE PARTS DEPARTMENT, TOLD ME THAT THEY HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE LOOKING FOR THE SAME PART FOR REPAIR LATELY, THIS IS WHY I THINK IS A RECALL ISSUE AND SUZUKI SHOULD WARRANTY THIS KIND OF PARTS THEY… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 17.7%ODI 975421UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH AT APPROX. 30MPH, 12:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, PASSENGERS AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. TT | 120.0%ODI 811053DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SUDDENLY, HIT THE BRAKES BUT REARENDED VEHICLE ANYWAY; DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY; WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ESTEEM WAS TOTALED. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 416.7%ODI 547933ON 8-31-98 THE WHOLE FRONT END OF VEHICLE WAS WRECKED, AIRBAGS EXPERIENCED NO DEPLOYMENT DURING COLLISION. *YC | 15.0%ODI 843773HAD RESISTANT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. HAD SHIFTED INTO DRIVE & TAPPED ACCELERATOR PEDAL & IT BECAME STUCK. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INSIDE THE GARAGE & HIT A PILLAR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. NO INJURIES. *AK | 13.8%ODI 885059WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH HIT A DEER HEAD-ON , AND DUAL AIRBGAS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO, SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, CAUSING BACK INJURIES. CONSUMER HAD TO EMBRACE STEERING WHEEL HARD TO PREVENT OTHER INJURIES. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 17.7%ODI 843849VEHICLE WOULD DIE AFTER GOING 50MPH. HAD TAKEN TO DEALER & THE FUEL FILTER, PUMP, ALTERNATOR & BATTERY HAD BEEN CHANGED OR REPLACED AT LEAST 9 DIFFERENT TIMES. IT'S AN ERRACTIC OPERATION. *AK | 120.0%ODI 831708WHEN DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE PULLEY: CRANKSHAFT BROKE, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF STEERING, AND THE BALACING AND THE TIMING BELT WAS DAMAGED AND THE BOLT CAME OFF. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 210.0%ODI 709722WE BOUGHT THE CAR ON JUNE 13, 1999 AND AFTER TWO WEEKS NOTICED DROPS OF OIL IN DRIVEWAY, THE PROBLEM WASN'T VERY NOTICEABLE AT FIRST THAN AROUND 5 WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VECHICLE NOTICED MORE OIL BUT BIGGER DROPS AND UNDER THE HOOD OIL THAT HAD BEEN SPRAYING OVER THE ENGINE. WE TOOK THE VECHICLE IN ON JULY 28, 1999 TO THE DEALER AND THE PROBLEM WAS SHOWN TO BE A CRACKED GASKET COVER . THE VECHILE WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 1 WHOLE WEEK . WE PICKED UP THE VECHICLE WITH THE IMPRESSION THAT THE VECHICLE WAS CHECKED OVER AND REPAIRED ON AUG 4TH 1999. … | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 29.5%ODI 10042806 · 36,700 miWHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE MAKE A TICKING NOISE AS IF IT NEEDED OIL, BUT IT DIDN'T. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP THEY INDICATED THAT THE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY AN INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEM. *AK *CB *JB | 120.0%ODI 10007050CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON 6 TIMES AND THERE IS NO COMPUTER CODE. GAS GAUGE IS INACCURATE. *JB *NLM *****DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****768037 *TS |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 430.8% | 120.0%ODI 811053DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SUDDENLY, HIT THE BRAKES BUT REARENDED VEHICLE ANYWAY; DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY; WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ESTEEM WAS TOTALED. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 15.0%ODI 849592WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES WHILE TRAVELING AT 20MPH VEHICLE KEPT GOING, REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE. DEALER HAS VEHICLE CURRENTLY. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 17.7%ODI 803393BRAKE FAILURE, WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKES LOCKUP/ UNEVEN WEAR, MAKES A LOUD NOISE. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 228.6% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 15.0% | 13.8%ODI 558516CONSUMER HEARS A CLICKING NOISE UNDER THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. *SLC | 14.8%ODI 896206WHILE ENTERING A RAMP CONSUMER WAS ATTEMPTING TO SLOWDOWN AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. CONSUMER HAD TO RUN CAR UP ON CONCRETE TO STOP. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT BRAKES FELT SMUSHY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Tires | 215.4%ODI 10111982 · 80,000 miBRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED . *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 14.2%ODI 102139501998 SUZUKI ESTEEM LEFT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HIT THE GUARDRAIL. *KB THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED. OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT # 10-90-0789. *JB | 15.0%ODI 738467I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT SOME ADDITIONAL DEFECTIVE FIRESTONE TIRES. *AK (DOT NUMBER: ELBOCLJ129 TIRESIZE: P185/60R14) | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 14.8%ODI 882764VEHICLE PURCHASED WITH YOKOHAMA A460 P195/55R15 TIRES. IN WET ROAD CONDITIONS VEHICLE SKIDS WHEN MAKING A TURN, IN RAIN IT SLIDES. YOKOHAMA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THIS TYPE TIRE WILL CAUSE THESE PROBLEMS IN 50 AND BELOW DEGREE WEATHER.*AK DOT # FD8NNHB1700, YOKOHAMA ADVEN A-460 TIRES. *SLC | 120.0%ODI 8008716ORIGINAL TIRE ON SUZUKI, ESTEEM 2002, P18560R14 DOT ELBODEH340. WHILE TRAVELING AT 10 MPH ON SLIGHTLTY WET PAVEMENT CONSUMER WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN WHEN VEHICLE BEGAN TO SKID. VEHICLE FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO TIP OVER. CONSUMER FEELS THERE IS A DEFECT IN TIRES. *AK *JG |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure:Frame And Members | 86,766–127,500 mi | 110,000 mi | 19 | ODI 10279480 · 125,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 SUZUKI ESTEEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART THAT SUPPORTS THE A-FRAME WAS RUSTED IN HALF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. ODI 10292502 · 138,702 mi98 SUZUKI ESTEEM CROSS MEMBER(ENGINE CRADLE) ON THE SUZUKI ESTEEM THE ENGINE CRADLE OR CROSS MEMBER ROT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE CAUSING INTO AN ACCIDENT ,CROSSMEMBER OR ENGINE CRADLE SUPPORTS LOWER CONTROL ARMS WHICH IF THE CROSSMEMBER LET GO WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO POSSIBLE CRASH IN MY EXPERIENCE AS A AUTO MECHANIC EVERY SINGLE SUZUKI ESTEEM THAT HAVE COME TO MY SHOP FOR STATE INSPECTION HAS FAIL DUE TO THE CROSS MEMBER THIS INCLUDES 98 TO 01 SUZUKI ESTEEM ,EVERY SINGLE CAR AT JUNKYARDS ARE RUSTED OUT WHICH MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR A C… ODI 10348235 · 50,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE FRAME ON THE VEHICLE BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FRAME. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER TO CALL NHTSA. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS UNABLE TO LEAVE A MESSAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. |
| Suspension | 90,000–151,500 mi | 129,000 mi | 11 | ODI 10466498 · 70,000 miCAR EXHIBITED A TENDENCY TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AT FIRST. AFTER TURNING A CORNER THE CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT. GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE FRONT OF THE CAR WANDERED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. AFTER I PARKED THE CAR AND RE STARTED THE ENGINE WHEN I PUT IT INTO GEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND IT DID NOT MOVE IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. BANGING STOPPED IN NEUTRAL AND PARK. I JACKED UP THE CAR AND THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED THRU RIGHT NEXT TO WHERE THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM ATTACHED TO IT. *TR ODI 10493024 · 185,500 miDRIVING ALONG BIG TIMBER STRAIGHT AT 40 MPH THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR STARTED PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND STARTED TO SHAKE, I MANAGED TO STAY STRAIGHT UNTIL I TURNED LEFT TO MEADOWS RD. I MADE IT HOME OKAY IN THE COMPLEX BUT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE CAR AGAIN. NEXT DAY LOOKED AT THE UNDER CARRIAGE AND THEN NOTICED THE RUSTED OUT SUB FRAME (CRADLE) BY THE RIGHT (PASSENGER) CONTROL ARM.THIS CAR IS GARAGE KEPT IF THAT MEANS ANYTHING. WELL THIS CERTAINLY IS A BUMMER, I'LL HAVE TO FIGURE ON HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AT A REASONABLE EXPENSE. *TR ODI 10369432 · 100,000 miFRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER IN 1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM CRACKED OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 25MPH. CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT, SINCE IT HAPPEN AT LOW SPEED I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY STOP. UPON INSPECTION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER I FOUND OUT THAT RUSTING WAS SO EXTENSIVE THAT YOU COULD POKE A HOLE IN THE CROSS MEMBER BY SIMPLY PUSHING A SCREW DRIVER ON TO THE SURFACE OF THE CROSS MEMBER. *TR |
| Suspension:Front | 90,302–122,367 mi | 99,980 mi | 5 | ODI 10147496 · 99,980 miCAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 45 MPH; BRAKES WERE APPLIED HARD; SUBFRAME (PART THAT ALL BALL JOINTS AND SUSPENSION ARMS BOLTS INTO) COLLAPSED ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE CAUSING WHEEL TO BECOME UNSTABLE AND SEVERELY OUT OF ALIGNMENT. (WHEN MEASURED, THE PASSENGER WHEEL WAS +/-1-1/2" CLOSER TO THE REAR OF INNER FENDER, AND WOULD GRIND ONTO THE INNER FENDER. THE PART WAS REPLACED WITH A NEW REPLACEMENT PART. THE OLD PART WAS RUSTED THROUGH AT SEVERAL POINTS. THE OLD PART IS IN MY POSSESSION AND PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE. *JB ODI 10248931 · 90,302 miFRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER CORROSION OF 1999 SUZUKI ESTEEM GLX WAGON I HAVE THIS VEHICLE AND RUNNING OK FOR 5 YEARS. WHEN I DID MY ANNUAL CHECK UP THIS WEEKEND, IT WAS FOUND OUT THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER HAS BEEN RUST-THROUGH AND FORMED A CRACK IN THE AREA OF THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHMENT BRACKETS. BY VISUAL INSPECTION, THIS MEMBER IS HIGHLY CORRODED COMPARED WITH OTHER PARTS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC DID MY INSPECTION WAS SURPRISED THAT I WAS STILL DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE IF I HIT A POTHOLE… ODI 10226715 · 122,367 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUZUKI ESTEEM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER WHEEL WENT OUT OF THE ALIGNMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT SUB- FRAME HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. UPDATED 05/20/08 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | Too few reports for a range | 41,600 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10042806 · 36,700 miWHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE MAKE A TICKING NOISE AS IF IT NEEDED OIL, BUT IT DIDN'T. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DEALERSHIP THEY INDICATED THAT THE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY AN INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEM. *AK *CB *JB ODI 10141354 · 46,500 miNOTICED TICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. TOOK IT TO GET OIL CHANGED AND STATE INSPECTED NO PROBLEM FOUND. 3 WEEKS LATER TIMING CHAIN SLIPPED AND POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE MAY HAVE OCCURRED. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 46000 MILES. PRIOR TO HEARING TICKING NOISE CAR WAS DRIVING PERFECT. TIMING CHAIN REPAIR $1000. IF THEY FIND ENGINE DAMAGE $3400.*JB |
| Tires | Too few reports for a range | 80,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10111982 · 80,000 miBRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED . *AK |
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2001: 5 complaints · 2002: 3 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 2002 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 19 | 1 | 1 |
| 2002 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Structure:Frame And Members | Suspension | Suspension:Front | Air Bags:Frontal | Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure:Frame And Members | — | 1ODI 10369432 · 100,000 miFRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER IN 1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM CRACKED OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 25MPH. CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT, SINCE IT HAPPEN AT LOW SPEED I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY STOP. UPON INSPECTION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER I FOUND OUT THAT RUSTING WAS SO EXTENSIVE THAT YOU COULD POKE A HOLE IN THE CROSS MEMBER BY SIMPLY PUSHING A SCREW DRIVER ON TO THE SURFACE OF THE CROSS MEMBER. *TR | 1ODI 10226715 · 122,367 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUZUKI ESTEEM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER WHEEL WENT OUT OF THE ALIGNMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT SUB- FRAME HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. UPDATED 05/20/08 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1ODI 10369432 · 100,000 miFRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER IN 1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM CRACKED OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 25MPH. CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT, SINCE IT HAPPEN AT LOW SPEED I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY STOP. UPON INSPECTION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER I FOUND OUT THAT RUSTING WAS SO EXTENSIVE THAT YOU COULD POKE A HOLE IN THE CROSS MEMBER BY SIMPLY PUSHING A SCREW DRIVER ON TO THE SURFACE OF THE CROSS MEMBER. *TR | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension:Front | 1ODI 10226715 · 122,367 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUZUKI ESTEEM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE PASSENGER WHEEL WENT OUT OF THE ALIGNMENT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER FRONT SUB- FRAME HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. UPDATED 05/20/08 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 1ODI 811053DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SUDDENLY, HIT THE BRAKES BUT REARENDED VEHICLE ANYWAY; DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY; WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ESTEEM WAS TOTALED. *AK | 0 | 0 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 811053DRIVING 40 MPH VEHICLE IN FRONT STOPPED SUDDENLY, HIT THE BRAKES BUT REARENDED VEHICLE ANYWAY; DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY; WAS REARENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND ESTEEM WAS TOTALED. *AK | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 |
| Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
5 patterns with matching reports.
4 mentions · 3.3% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
BRAKE FAILURE, WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED BRAKES LOCKUP/ UNEVEN WEAR, MAKES A LOUD NOISE. *AK
ABS BRAKE FAILURE, FRONT CALIPERS AND BUSHING MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING FRONT END VIBRATION. *AK
\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints
Median mileage: 140,000 mi (2 usable records).
I WAS DRIVING ON FLAT PAVED ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE SUBFRAME SNAPPED ON THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO IMMEDIATELY JERK RIGHT WITH SUBSTANTIAL FORCE. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL DUE TO DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED BUT THE CAR WAS PULLING VERY HARD TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. I DROVE APPROXIMATELY ONE HALF MILE TO A SPOT WHERE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY, I NOTICED THE SUBFRAME WHICH CONNECTS THE FRONT RIG…
I WAS DRIVING MY 2000 SUZUKI ESTEEM HOME FROM UPTOWN WITH MY SISTER AND 8-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER IN THE CAR WHEN A NOISE WHICH WAS FAINT OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS GREW QUICKLY LOUDER AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR JERKED TO THE RIGHT, PRACTICALLY OUT OF MY HANDS. I GRASPED THE STEERING WHEEL AS HARD AS I COULD JUST TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. I WAS ONLY TRAVELING ABOUT 20-25 MPH. I FOUGHT THE DIFFICULT STEERING LONG ENOUGH AT A VERY SLOW SPEED TO GET THE CAR TO MY SISTER'S HOUSE. I PARKED THE CAR THERE AND CALLED MY HUSBAND AT WORK TO EXPLAIN W…
\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
LOSS OF POWER UPON ACCELERATION HAS ALMOST CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. DEALERS ATTEMPTS AT REPAIR HAVE BEEN COMICAL FROM SENSORS IN THE FUEL TANK TO THE GAS CAP. THIS HAS RECURRED OVER 5 TIMES BEGINNING ONE WEEK AFTER TAKING DELIVERY. WE HAVE BEGUN THE PROCESS TO FILE LEMON LAW. IT HAS COME TO OUR KNOWLEDGE THAT SEVERAL OTHER CARS HAVE ALREADY BEEN BOUGHT BACK BY SUZUKI. *AK
VEHICLE STALLED AT 20 MPH. TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED.*AK
\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
IT STARTED IN NOVEMBER 2000 MY ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT IN TO LITHIA IN OREGON THEY RESET IT . IN MARCH OF 2001 MYENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN SO I TOOK IN LITHIA IN SPARKS NV THEY RESET AGAIN . 13 MARCH 2002 THERE WAS A RECALL ON A FUEL VAPOR CONTROL VALVE AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN THEY REPLACE THE FUEL VAPOR CONTROL VALVE AND SAID THAT WAS MY PROBLEM 12 DAYS LATER IT HAPPEN AGAIN SO THEY REPLACE MY CANISTER AIR VALVE.06/20/2002 IT CAME ON AGAIN BUT I HAVE'NT TOOK IT IN YET.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON 6 TIMES AND THERE IS NO COMPUTER CODE. GAS GAUGE IS INACCURATE. *JB *NLM *****DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS****768037 *TS
\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b1 mentions · 0.8% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED IN RIGHT TURN POSITION. THIS CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO COLLIDE INTO AN EMBANKMENT, HITTING A TREE. *AK
\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b