AutoStatsIQ
Data through Oct 2026
Model year

1997 Suzuki Esteem

Sedan, gasoline, 4x2, built in Japan. Owner complaints on file from Jul 18, 1997 to Jan 15, 2013.

Recalls (0)Complaints (7)Investigations (0)Bulletins (5)
Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints7Below the median 1997 sedan
Severity index14.31997 sedans average 14.9
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 1997 Suzuki Esteem peaked in 2001, with 2 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.511.5219972000220032006200920122015201820212026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

43% of complaints about the 1997 Suzuki Esteem name brakes

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Brakes
3
Electrical system
2
Structure
2
Equipment
1
Seat belts
1
Suspension
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 1997 Suzuki Esteem

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Look up a VIN at NHTSA
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 1997 Suzuki Esteem

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

7 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jan 15, 2013Failure Jan 11, 2013185,500 milesGilberts, ILUnderbody shields, Suspension

    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

    NHTSA complaint 10493024
  2. Filed Aug 5, 2009Failure Jul 4, 2009125,000 milesMoorseville, INFrame and members

    TL*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.

    NHTSA complaint 10279480
  3. Filed Oct 4, 2001Failure Sep 1, 2000Jacksonville, ARService brakes, Hoses, Lines/piping, And fittings

    OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES , BEING PLASTIC, KEEP BREAKING AND YOU CAN'T GET IN THE CAR.

    NHTSA complaint 752943
  4. Filed Jun 15, 2001Failure Mar 1, 2001Fallon, NVHorn, Radio/tape deck/cd etc.

    HORN STOPPED WORKING, CONSUMER NOT ABLE TO PASS INSPECTION . NOT REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. *AK STEREO AND TAPE PLAYER FAILED. *SLC

    NHTSA complaint 890469
  5. Filed Feb 8, 1999Failure Feb 2, 1999Napchez, MSElectrical system, Service brakes, Foundation components

    CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXEPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. VEHICLE HAD A TOTAL ELECTRICAL SHUTDOWN. IN ADDITION, VEHICLE MADE A CLICKING NOISE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 834572
  6. Filed May 6, 1998Failure Nov 24, 1997Wales, MERetractor1 injured

    DURING A COLLISION, PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY. PASSENGER SUFFERED BROKEN RIBS. ALSO, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.

    NHTSA complaint 535234
  7. Filed Jul 18, 1997LAS Vegas, NVService brakes, Foundation components

    BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

    NHTSA complaint 521849
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
All investigations
Service bulletins

5 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • N-Q-G-045 Nov 20, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    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 stud from becomin…
  • 0210063 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE-INCORRECT WIRING DIAGRAM OF THE WIPER/WASHER COMBINATION SWITCH. *SC
  • 0204145 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CORRECT COOLANT USAGE. *EH
  • 0109193 Sep 11, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE - IMPROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. *TT
  • SW07 May 4, 2000 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS THE REVISED CLAIMS SUBMISSION PROCEDURES FOR REPLACEMENT BATTERIES UNDER WARRANTY. *TT
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.
About service bulletins