Suzuki Esteem problems
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Suzuki Esteem model years
Common Suzuki Esteem problems
The Suzuki Esteem is known for its reliability, but like any car, it has some common problems. One of the most common engine problems with the Suzuki Esteem is related to the timing belt tensioner and water pump. These components can wear out over time, causing the timing belt to slip or break. If this happens, it can cause serious engine damage and may even require an engine rebuild or replacement. It is important to have the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump inspected regularly and replaced as necessary to prevent this from happening.
Another common engine problem with the Suzuki Esteem is oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and camshaft seal. These leaks can cause oil to drip onto other engine components, leading to contamination and potentially damaging the engine. If you notice oil leaks, it is important to have the gaskets and seals replaced as soon as possible.
On some models of the Suzuki Esteem, particularly those with the 1.8-liter engine, there have been issues with the head gasket. This can cause the engine to overheat and may require expensive repairs. If you notice your engine overheating or experiencing power loss, it is important to have it inspected immediately.
The automatic transmissions on some Suzuki Esteem models have also been known to have issues with slipping and rough shifting. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including low or dirty transmission fluid, a faulty solenoid, or worn clutch plates. Regular transmission fluid changes and inspections can help prevent transmission problems and extend the life of the transmission.
Troubleshooting based on symptoms can help diagnose and fix issues with the Suzuki Esteem. For example, oil leaks can be caused by a damaged valve cover gasket or a faulty oil pan gasket, which can be fixed by replacing the damaged gasket with a new one. Overheating can be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat, a damaged water pump, or a clogged radiator, which can be resolved by checking the coolant level and inspecting the thermostat, water pump, and radiator for any signs of damage. Engine misfires can be caused by a faulty spark plug or a clogged fuel injector, which can be fixed by checking the spark plugs and fuel injectors and replacing any faulty parts. Power loss can be caused by a clogged air filter or a failing fuel pump, which can be solved by checking the air filter and replacing it if necessary, and inspecting the fuel pump and replacing it if it's faulty. Poor fuel economy can be caused by a variety of issues, such as a clogged air filter, a failing oxygen sensor, or a faulty fuel pressure regulator, which can be improved by checking the air filter and replacing it if necessary, and inspecting the oxygen sensor and fuel pressure regulator and replacing any faulty parts.
In conclusion, while the Suzuki Esteem is a reliable car, it does have some common engine problems, including issues with the timing belt tensioner and water pump, oil leaks, head gasket issues, and automatic transmission problems. Regular maintenance, including timing belt and gasket replacement, and transmission fluid changes can help prevent these issues and keep your Suzuki Esteem running smoothly for years to come. If you notice any of the above engine problems, it is important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic to avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Suzuki Esteem years
We have researched Suzuki problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Suzuki Esteem cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Suzuki Esteem model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Suzuki Esteem model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Suzuki Esteem years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Suzuki Esteem car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Suzuki Esteem , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Structure problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Suzuki Esteem vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Esteem model years
A total of 19 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Esteem model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Esteem model years
There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 141 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Suzuki Esteem . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Suzuki Esteem vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Suzuki Esteem 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-02
- Date Complaint: 2019-09-04
- VIN: JS2GB31W0W5
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: AIR BAGS LIGHTS WENT ON YESTERDAY, I NEVER HAD ANY ACCIDENT. SEAT BET GETS STOCKS. SUZUKI ESTEEM 1998.[XXX] VIN # INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suzuki Esteem 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-29
- Date Complaint: 2015-08-31
- VIN: JS2GB41W615
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ONTO AN EXIT AT 45 MILES PER HOUR AND I HEARD A VERY LOUD POPPING NOISE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL PULLED OVER. THERE WAS NO MORE STEERING.
Suzuki Esteem 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-05
- Date Complaint: 2014-12-06
- VIN: JS2GB31W0W5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY , SLOWED DOWN TO TAKE A RIGHT TURN ONTO SIDE ROAD....THERE WAS A TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE AND IMMEDIATE PULL OF CAR TO RIGHT...HAD TO FIGHT TO KEEP CONTROL OF CAR...WAS HARD TO STEER BUT DROVE HOME AT ABOUT 5 MILES PER HOUR...LUCKILY ONLY A QUARTER OF A MILE...PRETTY SURE IF IT HAD LET GO IF I'D HIT A BUMP OR SOMETHING DRIVING 55 ON THE HIGHWAY...THAT THE CAR WOULD HAVE FLIPPED...THAT'S HOW QUICKLY I LOST CONTROL...AFTER READING ALL OTHER REPORTS...TOO BAD THIS CAR HAD NOT BEEN RECALLED...I MIGHT NOT NOW BE WITHOUT A CAR. *TR
Suzuki Esteem 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2014-09-24
- VIN: JS2GB41W0Y5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUZUKI ESTEEM. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER BAR FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Suzuki Esteem 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-25
- Date Complaint: 2014-05-29
- VIN: JS2GB41S615
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: HUSBAND WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN THE FRONT TIRE GAVE WAY AND BENT IN FROM FRAME. TOOK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS ROTTED OUT. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AS THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CAR ONLY HAD 129,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CAR AND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. FORTUNATELY, NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. SHAME ON SUZUKI FOR PRODUCING INFERIOR CARS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFELY ISSUE! *TR
Suzuki Esteem 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-11
- Date Complaint: 2014-05-20
- VIN: JS2GB41SX25
- Components: STRUCTURE,WHEELS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI ESTEEM. THE CONTACT OCCASIONALLY HEARD A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIELDING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AROUND THE MUFFLER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER,THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE RIGHT AXLE SHAFT WAS BROKEN ON THE SUBFRAME WHICH WAS CORRODED WITH EXTENSIVE RUST IN ADDITION TO THE ENGINE CRADLE CROSS MEMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Suzuki Esteem 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2014-05-15
- VIN: JS2GB41S915
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I 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
Suzuki Esteem 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-02
- Date Complaint: 2013-02-22
- VIN: JS2GB41S3Y5
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 2000 SUZUKI ESTEEM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FRONT END PROBLEMS AND SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT FOR UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR FRONT END PROBLEMS. WHILE THERE, HE WAS INFORMED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR A FRAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER THEN CONTACTED THE DEALER, AND THEY CONFIRMED, THAT IN FACT, THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE NEXT DAY, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER, STATING A MISTAKE HAD BEEN MADE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE IT WAS FIVE MONTHS OLDER THAN THE RECALLED COVERED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE COST FOR THE REPAIR WAS $603.26 AFTER DEDUCTING $300 FROM THE ORIGINAL BILL. THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEVER AUTHORIZED THEM TO PERFORM THE WORK, SINCE THE RECALL WAS NO LONGER VALID.
Suzuki Esteem 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-11
- Date Complaint: 2013-01-15
- VIN: JS2GB31S1V5
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVING 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
Suzuki Esteem 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-22
- Date Complaint: 2012-09-13
- VIN: JS2GB41W2Y5
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE BROKE DOWN AND RUMBLED UPON TURNING... APPARENTLY SUZUKI KNOWS OF THE RECALL BUT IS NOT WILLING TO REPAIR OUTSIDE MARCH 2012. *TR
Suzuki Esteem 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2012-06-08
- Date Complaint: 2012-07-18
- VIN: JS2GB31S3S5
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CAR 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
Suzuki Esteem 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-25
- Date Complaint: 2012-05-16
- VIN: JS2GB41WX15
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUZUKI ESTEEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE UNSTABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 199,000.
Suzuki Esteem 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-26
- Date Complaint: 2012-05-04
- VIN: JS2GB31SXY5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUZUKI ESTEEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, SHE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 125,000.
Suzuki Esteem 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-19
- Date Complaint: 2012-05-03
- VIN: JS2GB 41S7Y
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 2000 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 IN BREA CALIFORNIA, THEY CONTACTED ME AND LEFT A MESSAGE THAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF REPAIR AND THAT THE WARRANTY FOR THIS KNOWN PROBLEM WAS NO LONGER IN EFFECT AS OF DEC 21, 2011. HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY THEY SENT TO OWNERS SAID THIS REPAIR WOULD BE FOR 12 YEARS FROM THE DATE THE CAR WAS ORIGINALLY PUT IN SERVICE OR 180,000. MY CAR MET THE CONDITIONS BUT THEY REFUSE TO HONOR THE COVERAGE EXTENSION WARRANTY. I HOPE THIS VEHICLE IS RECALLED OR AT LEAST OWNERS SHOULD BE NOTIFIED OF THIS DEFECT BEFORE A FATAL ACCIDENT OCCURS. *TR
Suzuki Esteem 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-16
- Date Complaint: 2012-02-16
- VIN: JS2GB31W5W5
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 RIGHT PASSENGER WHEEL TO THE BODY HAD RUSTED SEVERELY AND BROKE APART, IT WAS SO BAD THE MATERIAL WAS CRUMBLING. IF THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE ALMOST CERTAINLY OCCURRED. A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET CITES HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM RECALLS WERE MADE ON SUBSEQUENT YEARS BUT NOT ON THIS MODEL YEAR DESPITE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SUBFRAME. *TR
Recalls Suzuki Esteem
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Suzuki Esteem.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Suzuki Esteem 2002
- Report Received Date: 2003-06-16
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
- Summary: 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.
Are you having problems with your Suzuki Esteem?
