1998 Suzuki Esteem problems
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Common 1998 Suzuki Esteem problems
The Suzuki Esteem, particularly the 1998 model, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues in detail:
- Engine Oil Leak From Front Crankshaft Seal: The front crankshaft seal is responsible for preventing oil leakage from the engine. In the Suzuki Esteem 1998, this seal has been reported to fail, causing oil to leak from the front of the engine. This issue can lead to significant oil loss, which may result in engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Brake Pedal Pulsation: Brake pedal pulsation is a condition where the brake pedal vibrates or pulsates when applied. This issue is often caused by warped brake rotors or drums, which can result from excessive heat buildup during heavy braking or prolonged use. If not addressed, brake pedal pulsation can lead to reduced braking performance and increased stopping distances, potentially compromising vehicle safety.
- Check Engine Light due to poor fuel quality: The Check Engine Light (CEL) is a critical part of the onboard diagnostic system that alerts the driver when one or more of the vehicle's systems require attention. In the Suzuki Esteem 1998, the CEL may be triggered due to poor fuel quality, which can cause the engine to run poorly or even stall. This issue can be resolved by using high-quality fuel and addressing any underlying engine problems that may have been caused by the poor fuel quality.
- Engine Issues: According to a reliability report, the Suzuki Esteem ranks 3rd out of 12 Suzuki models, with owners making 2 complaints over 5 model years, mostly about engine issues. These issues can be caused by various factors, including faulty sensors, worn-out components, or mechanical failures, and may require professional diagnosis and repair.
- Exhaust System Issues: The exhaust system is responsible for reducing harmful emissions and noise levels produced by the engine. In the Suzuki Esteem 1998, the exhaust system has been reported to have issues, including a rotten egg smell, which can be caused by a malfunctioning catalytic converter or other exhaust components. This issue can lead to reduced vehicle performance and increased emissions, potentially resulting in failed emissions tests.
In summary, the Suzuki Esteem 1998 has several common problems, including engine oil leaks, brake pedal pulsation, check engine light issues, engine problems, and exhaust system issues. These problems can lead to reduced vehicle performance, increased emissions, and potential safety hazards if not addressed promptly. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's safe and reliable operation.
1998 Suzuki Esteem car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Suzuki Esteem problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
- Suspension problems
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Suzuki Esteem vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Suzuki Esteem complaints
The NHTSA has received 25 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Suzuki Esteem.
2019-09-04
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-02
- 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
2014-12-06
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-05
- 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
2012-02-16
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
2011-02-24
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-01
- VIN: JS2GB31W1W5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHIFTING TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,524. ..UPDATED 09-26-12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 10/01/2012 *JS
2010-12-07
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-28
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT 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
2010-08-09
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-05
- VIN: JS2GB31S2W5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL*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.
2009-11-17
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-17
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS2GB31WXW5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 98 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 CUSTOMER TO GET A USED REPLACEMENT FOR A CHEAPER PRICE ,,,I BELIEVE THAT FACTORY OR DEALER SHOULD CONSIDER THIS AS A SAFETY RECALL SINCE THIS CAN PUT IN DANGER ALOT OF PEOPLE ,,THANKS AND I HOPE THIS WILL BE TAKE ON CONSIDERATION RIGHT AT THIS MOMENT I HAVE A CUSTOMER WHICH HIS CAR CROSS MEMBER OR ENGINE CRADLE LET GO AND WE CANT FIND A USED ONE ANYWHERE ALL JUNKYARDS STATE THAT IT IS A COMMON THING ON SUZUKI ESTEEMS ...ALL DEALERS SHOULD SEND A LETTER TO ALL ESTEEMS OWNER TO GET THE CROSS MEMBER OR ENGINE CRADLE REPLACED AT NO COST. *TR
2008-01-03
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-02
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS2GB3157W5
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 1998 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
2004-10-26
POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-06
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,SEATS
- Summary: RE: 1-131916218, 1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM CLUTCH FAILED. *BF SEAT BELT LOOSENING WHILE DRIVING. DRIVER'S SEAT COVER AND DOOR PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HESTIATION ON ACCELERATION. CLUTCH FAILED PREMATURELY. *TT
2002-04-29
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-01
- VIN: JS2GB31W8W5
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THIS COMPLAINT DEALS WITH FAILED INNER TIE-ROD IN THE GEAR ASSEMBLY. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN SEVERE PROBLEMS IN CONTROLLING THE CAR AT HIGH SPEED. THE PROBLEM AROSE BECAUSE OF BROKEN BOOT AND SUBSEQUENT MOISTURE BUILD-UP AND DAMAGE TO THE TIE-ROD. THE SERVICE PERSONNEL ATTRIBUTED THE FAILURE TO FAULTY PART AND POOR WORKMANSHIP. THERE WAS THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AND DANGER TO OCCUPANTS OF THE CAR AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD.*AK
2002-03-08
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-01
- VIN: JS2GB31S8W5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING THAT STOPPED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY CHANGED BRAKE PADS. THREE MONTHS LATER, PROBLEM REOCCURRED. BRAKES HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY CHANGED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
2001-08-08
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-01
- VIN: JS2GB31S6W5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2001-08-08
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-01
- VIN: JS2GB31S6W5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
2001-05-17
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-01
- VIN: JS2GB31S3W5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS, APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND HIGHER, VEHICLE WILL WEAVE, AND VEHICLE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL ON HIGHWAY. *NOTE: CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE WITH APPROXIMATELY 15,000 MILES ON IT, AND HAD TO HAVE STRUTS REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 22,000 MILES. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS. *AK
2000-10-15
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-15
- VIN: JS2GB31SXW5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: REPORTED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD UNDERCARRIAGE WAS LOOSE AND RUBBING ON TIRES TO CAUSE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION, BUT IT STILL SHAKES AND VIBRATES
2000-06-20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2GB31F5W514
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK FOR OVER TWO HOURS. THEN, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL LIGHTS, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED, AND DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *AK *ML
1999-11-28
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-28
- VIN: JS2GB31S1W5
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THIS IS THE SECOND SEPERATE INCIDENT WITH DOOR HANDLES ON THIS CAR. THE FIRST FAILURE WAS ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, THE SECOND FAILURE IS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. BOTH HANDLES LIFT UP AND JAM IN AN OPEN POSITION. HANDLES CAN BE PUSHED BACK DOWN WITH SOME EFFORT BUT THEN FAIL TO OPERATE. THIS MAKES THE DOORS INOPERATIVE FROM THE OUTSIDE, SO IN AN ACCIDENT PASSENGERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE EXTRACTED FROM THE VEHICLE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE WEB AND NO SERVICE BULLETINS EXIST FOR THIS PROBLEM.
1999-08-12
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-31
- VIN: JS2GB31W3W5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ON 8-31-98 THE WHOLE FRONT END OF VEHICLE WAS WRECKED, AIRBAGS EXPERIENCED NO DEPLOYMENT DURING COLLISION. *YC
1999-06-08
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS2GB31WGW5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 35 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
1999-05-14
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-03
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS2GB31SXW5
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS REARENDED. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEAT RETRACTORS BROKE, CAUSING THE PASSENGERS TO FALL/LIDE INTO THE REAR SEATS. ALSO, DRIVER'S SIDE HEADREST BENT. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
1998-11-16
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS2GB31W3W5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER FOUR TIMES, NEITHER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFED.
1998-07-20
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: J52EB31W6W5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AT 405 MPH, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY DETAILS.
1998-07-20
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JS2GB31W5W5
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING COLLISION, ALSO SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP, RESULTING IN INJURIES. (QCAW)
1998-06-15
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JS2GB31S3W1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL. STEERING PULLS LEFT TO RIGHT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERS, WHERE THEY ARE UNABLE FIX PROBLEM. *AK
1998-01-13
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JS2GB31W7W5
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS VEHICLE IS UNSTABLE.
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