2002 Suzuki Esteem
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 13 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 7 |
| 1998 | 24 |
| 1999 | 20 |
| 2000 | 26 |
| 2001 | 21 |
| 2002 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Wheels
2 of 5 total reports mention: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Suzuki Esteem. The contact occasionally heard a loud noise from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shielding needed to be replaced around the muffler.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-20
Also filed under Structure
Structure
2 of 5 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
Sole owner 2002 Suzuki Esteem wagon with rotted k-frame and rusted wheels. Suzuki will only cover k-frame part and dealer wants $390. For labor. Are there other Suzuki vehicles with reported rotted k-frames?.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-12-10
Tires
1 of 5 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Original tire on Suzuki, Esteem 2002, P18560R14 DOT ELBODEH340. While traveling at 10 MPH on slightlty wet pavement consumer was making a right turn when vehicle began to skid. Vehicle felt like it was going to tip over.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-04-29
Steering
1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
While traveling another vehicle crossed into consumer's vehicle's lane and hit it. Steering wheel had played into wheel, enabling him to steer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-03-25
Fuel system, other
1 of 5 total reports mentions: fuel system, other, most commonly citing fuel gauge system.
Show complaint excerpts
Check engine light has come on 6 times and there is no computer code. Gas gauge is inaccurate. *jb *nlm *****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to…
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-02
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2003-07-08Visibility03V223000 Certain passenger (111 my 2002 Esteem, 777 my 2002 Aerio, 2,368 my 2003 Aerio) and sport utility (324 my 2002 Grand Vitara, 274 my 2003 Grand Vitara, 684 my 2002 Grand Vitara XL-7, and 781 my 2003…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles. Vehicles that are found to have insufficient paint adhesion will either have the problem remedied by repainting, or will be replaced, or repurchased and…
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Suzuki Esteem — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Wheels: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V223000 · Visibility
FAQ
- Is the 2002 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 2002 Suzuki Esteem?
- The most-reported component is wheels, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Suzuki Esteem have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-20 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.