1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM

0 recalls, 36 complaints - 8 TSBs

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

36 total complaints 9 crashes 1 fires 7 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
SUSPENSION4
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS4
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL4
AIR BAGS2
SEATS2
SEAT BELTS2
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY2
SUSPENSION:FRONT2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Sep 4, 2019
Incident date: Sep 2, 2019
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
SEAT BELTS Sep 4, 2019
Incident date: Sep 2, 2019
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
AIR BAGS Sep 4, 2019
Incident date: Sep 2, 2019
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
SUSPENSION Dec 6, 2014
Incident date: Dec 5, 2014
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 I... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY Feb 16, 2012
Incident date: Feb 16, 2012
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... Read more
SUSPENSION Feb 16, 2012
Incident date: Feb 16, 2012
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... Read more
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Feb 24, 2011
Incident date: Nov 1, 2010
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 R... Read more
SUSPENSION Dec 7, 2010
Incident date: Nov 28, 2010
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 HOL... Read more
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Dec 7, 2010
Incident date: Nov 28, 2010
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 HOL... Read more
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Aug 9, 2010
Incident date: Aug 5, 2007
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 MANU... Read more
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Nov 17, 2009
Incident date: Nov 17, 2009
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 E... Read more
Crash
TIRES Jan 3, 2008
Incident date: Nov 2, 2007
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
Crash 1 injured
SEAT BELTS Oct 26, 2004
Incident date: Jan 6, 2000
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
SEATS Oct 26, 2004
Incident date: Jan 6, 2000
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
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR Oct 26, 2004
Incident date: Jan 6, 2000
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
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY Oct 26, 2004
Incident date: Jan 6, 2000
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
STEERING:LINKAGES May 3, 2002
Incident date: Jan 1, 2002
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 F... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS Mar 8, 2002
Incident date: Nov 1, 2000
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY Aug 16, 2001
Incident date: Aug 1, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC Aug 16, 2001
Incident date: Aug 1, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY Aug 13, 2001
Incident date: Aug 1, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC Aug 13, 2001
Incident date: Aug 1, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT May 17, 2001
Incident date: Jan 1, 2001
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 P... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT Oct 25, 2000
Incident date: Oct 15, 2000
REPORTED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD UNDERCARRIAGE WAS LOOSE AND RUBBING ON TIRES TO CAUSE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION, BUT IT STILL SHAKES AND VIBRATES
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Jun 20, 2000
Incident date: Jun 16, 2000
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
Fire
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR Nov 28, 1999
Incident date: Nov 28, 1999
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. TH... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Aug 30, 1999
Incident date: Aug 31, 1998
ON 8-31-98 THE WHOLE FRONT END OF VEHICLE WAS WRECKED, AIRBAGS EXPERIENCED NO DEPLOYMENT DURING COLLISION. *YC
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jun 8, 1999
Incident date: Mar 20, 1999
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 35 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Crash
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT May 14, 1999
Incident date: Apr 3, 1999
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
Crash 2 injured
SEATS May 14, 1999
Incident date: Apr 3, 1999
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
Crash 2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Feb 17, 1999
Incident date: Jun 25, 1998
DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AT 405 MPH, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY DETAILS.
Crash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Nov 16, 1998
Incident date: Oct 25, 1998
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER FOUR TIMES, NEITHER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFED.
Crash
AIR BAGS Aug 26, 1998
Incident date: Jul 5, 1998
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING COLLISION, ALSO SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP, RESULTING IN INJURIES. (QCAW)
Crash 1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Aug 26, 1998
Incident date: Jul 5, 1998
NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING COLLISION, ALSO SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP, RESULTING IN INJURIES. (QCAW)
Crash 1 injured
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Jun 15, 1998
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL. STEERING PULLS LEFT TO RIGHT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERS, WHERE THEY ARE UNABLE FIX PROBLEM. *AK
SUSPENSION Apr 2, 1998
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS VEHICLE IS UNSTABLE.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 24.0 31.0 26.0 Regular $2,400
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 26.0 33.0 29.0 Regular $2,150

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM

8 manufacturer communications from 6 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
020000 SUSPENSION2
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM1
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
350000 EQUIPMENT1
160000 STRUCTURE1
SUZ_016008 Jul 8, 2022
020000 SUSPENSION
Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.
SUZ_016008 Jul 8, 2022
160000 STRUCTURE
Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.
N-Q-G-045 Nov 20, 2018
020000 SUSPENSION
This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension lower arm ball joints to prevent the ball
N-Q-G-045 Nov 20, 2018
350000 EQUIPMENT
This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension lower arm ball joints to prevent the ball
0109193 Sep 11, 2003
030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE - IMPROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. *TT
SW07 May 4, 2000
111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS THE REVISED CLAIMS SUBMISSION PROCEDURES FOR REPLACEMENT BATTERIES UNDER WARRANTY. *TT
0204145 May 10, 2005
062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
CORRECT COOLANT USAGE. *EH
0210063 Sep 12, 2005
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE-INCORRECT WIRING DIAGRAM OF THE WIPER/WASHER COMBINATION SWITCH. *SC

SUZUKI ESTEEM - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUZUKI ESTEEM across all model years (2002, 2002).

1 Total Recalls
192 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
27 Reported Crashes
1 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

SUZUKI ESTEEM - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2002 1 8 View
2001 0 24 View
2000 0 43 View
1999 0 31 View
1998 (current) 0 36
1997 0 10 View
1996 0 8 View
1995 0 31 View

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