MYRModel Year Report

1997 Suzuki Esteem

○ Not enough data
1997 Suzuki Esteem
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:44:07.946Z

Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Suzuki Esteem Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1995: 13 complaints 1995 1996: 5 complaints 1996 1997: 7 complaints 1997 1998: 24 complaints 1998 1999: 20 complaints 1999 2000: 26 complaints 2000 2001: 21 complaints 2001 2002: 5 complaints 2002
1997: 7 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199513
19965
19977
199824
199920
200026
200121
20025

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SERVICE BRAKES

3 of 7 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

STRUCTURE

2 of 7 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing underbody shields and frame and members.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130115

Also filed under SUSPENSION

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20090805

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 of 7 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing horn.

Show complaint excerpts

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 ODI report, 19990208

SUSPENSION

1 of 7 total reports mentions: suspension.

SEAT BELTS

1 of 7 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 19980506

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Suzuki Esteem — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 Suzuki Esteem reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Suzuki Esteem?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Suzuki Esteem have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.