MYRModel Year Report

1998 Suzuki Esteem

○ Not enough data
1998 Suzuki Esteem
RENDERED 2026-09-16T23:25:55.858Z

Only 24 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 24 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, 1998 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
1998: 24 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199513
19965
19977
199824
199920
200026
200121
20025

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 24 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STRUCTURE

7 of 24 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and door.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 20091117

SUSPENSION

6 of 24 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing front.

Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 20141206

AIR BAGS

6 of 24 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 19981116

NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG DURING COLLISION, ALSO SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK UP, RESULTING IN INJURIES. (QCAW)

NHTSA ODI report, 19980826

Also filed under 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 ODI report, 20190904

Also filed under SEAT BELTS and EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SEATS

3 of 24 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing head restraint.

CRASH INJURY
SEAT BELTS

3 of 24 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing anchorage.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1998 Suzuki Esteem — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 Suzuki Esteem?

The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 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.