1998 Suzuki Esteem

24 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Sep 4, 2019Failure Sep 2, 2019SAN Juan, PRAir bags, Exterior lighting, Seat belts

   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

   NHTSA complaint 11253298
2. Filed Dec 6, 2014Failure Dec 5, 201467,400 milesPocasset, MASuspension

   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

   NHTSA complaint 10662579
3. Filed Feb 16, 2012Failure Feb 16, 2012200,000 milesCollingswood, NJBody, Suspension

   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

   NHTSA complaint 10448231
4. Filed Feb 24, 2011Failure Nov 1, 2010114,524 milesNewport, RIFrame and members

   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

   NHTSA complaint 10384308
5. Filed Dec 7, 2010Failure Nov 28, 2010100,000 milesBrookfield, ILFrame and members, Suspension

   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

   NHTSA complaint 10369432
6. Filed Aug 9, 2010Failure Aug 5, 200750,000 milesCleveland Heights, OHFrame and members

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 10348235
7. Filed Nov 17, 2009Failure Nov 17, 2009138,702 milesManchester, NHFrame and membersCrash

   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

   NHTSA complaint 10292502
8. Filed Jan 3, 2008Failure Nov 2, 2007Elyria, OHTiresCrash1 injured

   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

   NHTSA complaint 10213950
9. Filed Oct 26, 2004Failure Jan 6, 20007,700 milesSeattle, WAClutch assembly, Seat belts, Seats, Door

   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

   NHTSA complaint 10097388
10. Filed Apr 29, 2002Failure Jan 1, 2002Rochester, MILinkages

    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

    NHTSA complaint 761320
11. Filed Mar 8, 2002Failure Nov 1, 2000Ambridge, PAService brakes, Pads

    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

    NHTSA complaint 8005254
12. Filed Aug 8, 2001Failure Aug 1, 2001Chicago, ILFuel system, Delivery, Service brakes, Disc

    NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 750077
13. Filed May 17, 2001Failure Jan 1, 2001Bath, NYFront

    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

    NHTSA complaint 888479
14. Filed Oct 15, 2000Failure Oct 15, 2000LAS Vegas, NVFront

    REPORTED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD UNDERCARRIAGE WAS LOOSE AND RUBBING ON TIRES TO CAUSE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION, BUT IT STILL SHAKES AND VIBRATES

    NHTSA complaint 734386
15. Filed Jun 20, 2000Failure Jun 16, 2000Fort Lauderdale, FLWiringFire

    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

    NHTSA complaint 863815
16. Filed Nov 28, 1999Failure Nov 28, 1999Deforest, WIDoor

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 715340
17. Filed Aug 12, 1999Failure Aug 31, 1998North Lawr, OHFrontal

    ON 8-31-98 THE WHOLE FRONT END OF VEHICLE WAS WRECKED, AIRBAGS EXPERIENCED NO DEPLOYMENT DURING COLLISION. *YC

    NHTSA complaint 547933
18. Filed Jun 8, 1999Failure Mar 20, 1999Houston, TXFrontalCrash

    CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 35 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER'S/PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 837682
19. Filed May 14, 1999Failure Apr 3, 1999Gainesville, FLSeats, Head restraintCrash2 injured

    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

    NHTSA complaint 837961
20. Filed Nov 16, 1998Failure Oct 25, 1998Mountain Home, IDFrontalCrash

    CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER FOUR TIMES, NEITHER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFED.

    NHTSA complaint 830813