Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2003 Suzuki Aerio with NHTSA between 2003 and 2014.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 74
Against the median year of the Suzuki Aerio. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 86
16.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
64% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
27.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
27.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1139.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
414.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
725.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
13.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
13.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2003peak 4Oct 2014
Recalls on the 2003 Suzuki Aerio
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20072335,130 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the retaining clip that secures the gear shift cable to the shift lever can contact the lever housing if excessive lateral force is applied when shifting to first gear. Repeated shifting in this manner can eventually cause the retaining clip to break. Should this happen, the shift cable can become disconnected from the lever, resulting in loss of the ability to change transmission gears. This can result in a crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will replace the gear shift cable retaining clip with a clip that has a different shape.
Recall 2003155867 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body due to insufficient adhesion between paint applied during the second-stage painting process and paint applied during final-stage painting. If the windshield is not properly secured to the vehicle body, it may separate from the vehicle during a collision resulting in ejection of unbelted occupants and severe injury or death. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 15,000 milesRockport, MEFire
ENGINE
STARTED THE CAR TO WARM IT UP, AND SMOKE CAME OUT OF DASH BOARD, MAKING GLASS WHERE SPEEDOMETER IS SMOKEY AND IT STILL IS. SMELT LIKE WIRE BURNING AND SHUT IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. WHEN CHECKED ON, A WIRE INSULATION HAD BURNT OFF CAUSING THE SMOKE AND SMELL. AFTER REPLACING THE WIRE COATING, IT WAS FINE FOR A WHILE, THEN COMING BACK FROM A TRIP TO AUGUSTA THE SPEEDOMETER NUMBER GOT DIMMER, BUT I DID NOT SMELL ANY SMOKE. SO NOT SURE WHAT THE DEFECT IS, JUST KNOW THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10640942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GACrash4 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
PURCHASE CAR MAY 13, 2004 HAD 18,000.00 MILES IT WAS A 2003 SUZUKI AERIO. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR I NOTICED A CLICKING, AND CLACKING NOISE WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE OR MAKE A TURN. I WAS GOING OUT OF TOWN ON JUNE 25, 2004. I TOOK THE CAR TO GET SERVICE ON JUNE 23,2004, AND TO FOUND OUT WHAT WAS THAT CLACKING, AND CLICKING NOISE I WAS HEARING. AFTER THE MECHANIC TOOK A LOOK AT THE CAR HE TOLD ME HE COULD HEAR IT TO, AND THAT THE BALL BEARING NEEDED WORK HE SAID HE DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS IN AT THE TIME AND WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THEM, AND THAT IT WOULD BE IN TOMORROW. I WAS THEN TOLD HE NEEDED THE PROPER TOOLS TO WORK ON IT BUT IF I COULD BRING IT IN THAT FOLLOWING MONDAY HE WOULD THEN HAVE EVERYTHING HE NEEDED. I INFORMED HIM I WAS GOING OUT OF TOWN THAT FRIDAY, AND NEEDED BY THEN. HE TOLD ME HE DID NOT SEE ANY PROBLEM WITH ME DRIVING THE CAR OUT OF TOWN BECAUSE I HAD BEEN DRIVING IT, AND THAT IT WOULD BE FIND. ON OUR WAY TO SC THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL. IT START ZIG ZAGING FROM ONE LANE TO THE NEXT. IT THEN FLIP OVER THREE TIMES ON LEVEL GOUND, AND LANDED ON THE TOP THE WHOLE FRONT AXEL FROM WHEEL ON DOWN WAS MISSING FROM THE CAR. MY NEPHEW WAS THROWN OUT THE WINDOW HAD TO HAVE EMERGECY SURGERY. THE DRIVER SUFFER CRACK VERTABRA, AND I SUFFERED INJURY TO MY EYE, HEAD, AND GLASS IN SKIN. MY SON WALKED AWAY WITH CUTS, AND LACERATIONS TO SKIN. I FORGOT TO MENTION THE MECHANIC DID SAY THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT PARTICULAR PART OF THE CAR. THIS CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS VECHICLE, AND WOULD LIKE FOR SOMEONE TO INVESTERGATE THIS COMPLAINT. 770 478-5751
NHTSA complaint #10078970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesAlexandria, LACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE DUAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. AS A RESULT, THE PASSENGER SUFFERED SEVERE HEAD INJURIES. INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT "THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS". THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10076231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesBushkill, PACrash1 injured
WHEELS:RIM
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 2003 SUZUKI AERIO WITH MY INFANT GRAND DAUGHTER IN THE CAR AND THE RIM SNAPPED IN 2 PIECES AND THE WHOLE WHEEL FELL OFF AND THE CAR SLIP 175 FEET ON THE ROTOR. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT A DEFECT AND I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR ALL THE DAMAGES INCLUDING THE BODY WORK. I WAS WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR OVER 30 DAYS NO RENTAL CAR AND MY DAUGHTER'S BACK WAS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT. ALSO THE BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS RANDOMLY LIGHTING UP AND GOING OUT AND NO ONE SEEMS ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHY.
NHTSA complaint #10073297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 15,000 milesRockport, MEFire
ENGINE
STARTED THE CAR TO WARM IT UP, AND SMOKE CAME OUT OF DASH BOARD, MAKING GLASS WHERE SPEEDOMETER IS SMOKEY AND IT STILL IS. SMELT LIKE WIRE BURNING AND SHUT IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. WHEN CHECKED ON, A WIRE INSULATION HAD BURNT OFF CAUSING THE SMOKE AND SMELL. AFTER REPLACING THE WIRE COATING, IT WAS FINE FOR A WHILE, THEN COMING BACK FROM A TRIP TO AUGUSTA THE SPEEDOMETER NUMBER GOT DIMMER, BUT I DID NOT SMELL ANY SMOKE. SO NOT SURE WHAT THE DEFECT IS, JUST KNOW THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10640942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesCrandon, WI
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUZUKI AERIO SX WAGON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION DISLODGED FROM THE FIFTH GEAR WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE FIFTH GEAR OF THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE FIFTH GEAR WAS EXTERNALLY HOUSED, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE REMAINING GEARS WERE ALL INTERNALLY HOUSED AND OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND REPAIRS WERE AGAIN PERFORMED. THE FAILURE HAD SINCE CONTINUOUSLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #10458571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,586 milesPort Orange, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUZUKI AERIO SX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE BROKE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN IT. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE DOOR HANDLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,586 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
NHTSA complaint #10404571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesCarrollton, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR FOR ALMOST 2 MONTHS AND IT SEEMS IT NEVER ENDS. SERIOUS POWER STEERING PROBLEMS WHICH CAUSES A LOT OF INCONVENIENCES FOR A SINGLE MOTHER LIKE ME, TAKEN TO SOME SHOPS, MONEY WASTED ON NOTHING BECAUSE IT SEEMS THIS IS ONE OF THE WEAKEST AND WORST PROBLEMS A SUZUKI AERIO 2003 COULD HAVE. CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND ALL OF THEM HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM !
NHTSA complaint #10372230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
TIRES
THE REASON IS THAT I BOUGHT ONE USED GOOD YEAR TIRE BUT I JUST RUN ON HIGH WAY FOR FEW MILES ONLY IT WAS SERIOUSLY FLAT ON LAST SATURDAY (MAY 9, 2009). I DID NOT KNOW WHY AN INFERIOR TIRE WOULD BE SOLD IN THE STORE, WHEN I PURCHASED IT SEEMS VERY GOOD LIKE A NEW GOOD YEAR TIRE, AND I WAS NOTICED I NEED TO PAY FOR REPLACE IT. I NOTICED THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE SOMETHING WAS MELTED---A FLIMSY PIECE OF MATERIAL. COULD YOUR OFFICE INVESTIGATE THOSE PROBLEMS, BECAUSE IF THOSE TIRES WERE EQUIPPED TO THE FRONT OF THE CARS WOULD CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS ON THE HIGH WAY?. COULD YOU INVESTIGATE WHY THEY HAVE/SELL THOSE INFERIOR TIRES? THE USED TIRE STORE INFORMATION: AFFORDABLE TIRE & WHEELS; 12099 BALLAIRE BLVD, HOUSTON, TX 77072. *TR WENLUO ZHANG
NHTSA complaint #10268657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMadera, CA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
2003 SUZUKI AERIO CV JOINT KEEPS COMING OUT DUE TO SNAP RING IN REAR END,CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. CAR DEALER WILL NOT HONOR WARRANTY,SAYS REAR AXLE IS A AFTER MARKET PART, THIS IS NOT TRUE,WHY WOULD WE HAVE CAR WORKED ON WHEN UNDER WARRANTY, WE ARE THIRD OWNER OF CAR AND KNOW THE TWO PREVIOUS OWNERS WHICH IS A FATHER AND SON,THEY ARE ADAMANT NO WORK HAS BEEN DONE ON THIS CAR,THEY WOULD HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO GET FIXED SINCE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, ITS VERY EASY FOR THE MECHANIC TO GET SOME REAR END AXLE AND SAY IT CAME OUT OF MY CAR ,JUST TO AVOID FIXING MY CAR,THEIR CLAIM IS IF SOMEONE ELSE WORKED ON THIS CAR THAT VOIDS THE WARRANTY, SO THIS IS THEIR CONVENIENT WAY OF GETTING OUT OF FIXING MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10251693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMadera, CA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
2003 SUZUKI AERIO CV JOINT KEEPS COMING OUT DUE TO SNAP RING IN REAR END,CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. CAR DEALER WILL NOT HONOR WARRANTY,SAYS REAR AXLE IS A AFTER MARKET PART, THIS IS NOT TRUE,WHY WOULD WE HAVE CAR WORKED ON WHEN UNDER WARRANTY, WE ARE THIRD OWNER OF CAR AND KNOW THE TWO PREVIOUS OWNERS WHICH IS A FATHER AND SON,THEY ARE ADAMANT NO WORK HAS BEEN DONE ON THIS CAR,THEY WOULD HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO GET FIXED SINCE IT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, ITS VERY EASY FOR THE MECHANIC TO GET SOME REAR END AXLE AND SAY IT CAME OUT OF MY CAR ,JUST TO AVOID FIXING MY CAR,THEIR CLAIM IS IF SOMEONE ELSE WORKED ON THIS CAR THAT VOIDS THE WARRANTY, SO THIS IS THEIR CONVENIENT WAY OF GETTING OUT OF FIXING MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10251693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesOxford, NY
WHEELS
CRACKING AND BENDING OF RIM WHERE THE TIRE BEAD SEALS,HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THREE DIFFERENT RIMS IN THE LAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10240139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jericho, NY
TIRES
I AM WRITING IN REFERENCE TO TIRE DEBRIS BEING LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF NEW YORK'S HIGHWAYS. THESE SITUATIONS CREATE HAZARDOUS ROAD CONDITIONS AND SHOULD BE HANDLED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES. TODAY, I WAS TRAVELING ON 495 GOING WEST AND A HUGE TIRE WAS LEFT IN THE MIDDLE LANE, I WAS NOT ABLE TO SWERVE SO IT CREATED DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE OF WHICH I AM SEEKING TO B E COMPENSATED. PLEASE CONTACT ME REGARDING THIS MATTER. THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10234856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, CT
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUZUKI AERIO. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V307000 (POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION). THE DEALER IS GIVING THE CONTACT THE RUN AROUND. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE DEALER HAS THE PART, BUT THE DEALER STATED OTHERWISE. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO SPEAK WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER, BUT THE SERVICE MANAGER HAS NOT RETURNED HIS PHONE CALLS. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN CALLING TO CONFIRM THE PART IS AVAILABLE ALWAYS RECEIVES THE RUN AROUND FROM THE DEALER. UPDATED 02/19/08
NHTSA complaint #10215896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,575 milesClinton, IL
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
DRIVING HOME ON I-72 WESTBOUND FROM CHAMPAIGN, IL. 2003 SUZUKI AERIO HAD BEEN IN CRUISE CONTROL MODE AT 65MPH. TOOK OFF CRUISE TO PASS A SEMI TRAILER. CAR ENGINE REVVED UP AND DOWN RESULTING IN NO POWER FOR A MOMENT. WAS ABLE TO PULL BACK IN BEHIND SEMI, ALLOWING CAR FOLLOWING ME TO GO AROUND. LOST ALL POWER, BUT WAS ABLE TO PULL SAFELY OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER JUST EAST OF THE EXIT RAMP TO RT 47. CAR WAS TOWED IN TO SHOP IN CLINTON, IL. MECHANIC LOOKED UP TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TS 02 06284- M/T LEFT DRIVESHAFT POPS OUT OF FINAL DRIVE. CAR HAS JUST OVER 108,000 MILES, SO IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS WAS A POTENTIALLY FATAL SITUATION TO HAVE BEEN IN. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS BECOMING A PROBLEM WITH THESE MODELS, BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO SUZUKI VIA THEIR 800-934-0934 NUMBER. CASE NUMBER IS 1-140908504. THEY STATED THEY ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO COVER ANY COSTS BECAUSE THE CAR IS OUT OF THE 7 YEAR/100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. REASON FOR SUBMITTING THIS COMPLIANT- TO MAKE NSHTA AWARE OF A POTENTIALLY FATAL SITUATION WITH THE SUZUKI AERIO.
NHTSA complaint #10213043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesBridgeport, CT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUZUKI AERIO. OVER THE COURSE OF A FEW DAYS, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE NOISE INTENSIFIED AS TIME PROGRESSED. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE NOISE BECAME LOUDER AND THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY LOST POWER AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #10190366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,400 milesWestbrookville, NY
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
I OWN A 2003 AERIO SUZUKI SX 5-SPEED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION. IT'S BEEN POPPING OUT OF 5TH GEAR AND INTO NEUTRAL. I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WHERE PURCHASED. THEY SAID THEY TEST DROVE IT AND COULD NOT "DUPLICATE CONCERN". THE VERY RUDE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME EVEN IF PROBLEM WAS FOUND THEY DO NOT HAVE EQUIPMENT TO REPAIR IT AND TO TAKE IT SOMEPLACE ELSE. SHE ALSO MADE A COMMENT ABOUT NOT NEEDING "FREE WORK",LEADING ME TO BELIEVE BECAUSE IT IS UNDER WARRANTY, THEY DID NOT WANT TO DO EXTENSIVE WORK FOR FREE!! I CALLED SUZUKI AND THEY SAID MOST DEALERS PROBABLY WOULDN'T TEST DRIVE IT MORE THAN 20 MILES AND IT IS HARD TO FIX AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND TO TRY ANOTHER DEALER. DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS AND HAVING GEARS POP OUT SHOULD GET MORE ATTENTION THAN AN" INTERMITTENT PROBLEM". OTHER DEALERS ARE MORE THAN 30 MILES AWAY AND HARD TO LEAVE VEHICLE THERE. I READ ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM ON LINE AND ONE OF THE PEOPLE 'S DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS PREMATURE WEAR IN THE 5TH GEAR SYNCHRO ASSEMBLY AND REPAIRED HIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10164609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesColumbus, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
DEVELOPMENT OF "BRAKE SHAKE" UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, I.E. USAGE UNDER 15,000 MILES ANNUALLY; WARPED FRONT DISCS DUE TO INFERIOR MANUFACTURE/MATERIALS; ATTEMPTED TO RESOLVE UNDER WARRANTY; ADVISED BY SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS TO HAVE BRAKE PADS CHANGED AGAIN, NORMAL BRAKE PAD SEATING REACTION, OTHER LIES, ETC.
NHTSA complaint #10162993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170 milesColumbus, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BUTTON USED TO OPEN THE SLIDING DOORS JAMMED. THE OCCUPANTS IN THE BACK SEAT WERE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DOOR WAS RIGGED WITH A SCREW DRIVER TO RELEASE THE PASSENGERS AND FIX THE DOOR JAM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10161132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesEL Paso, TX
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
APPROXIMATELY IN JUNE 2005 A NOISE AND VIBRATION DEVELOPED WHEN RUNNING THE A/C AND IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE S-BELT TENSIONER, WHICH WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, AT CRAWFORD SUZUKI ON AIRWAYS BLVD. IN EL PASO, TEXAS.ON JUNE 12, 2006, WHILE RETURNING FROM TUCSON, AZ, MY WIFE NOTICED A VIBRATION AND NOISE. I TOOK THE CAR TO CRAWFORD SUZUKI ON 6/15/2006 (SMCS345882). AFTER THE CAR WAS EXAMINED BY THE TECHNICIAN I WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A MISALIGNED, FACTORY INSTALLED POWER STEERING BRACKET. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICEMAN ABLE AGUIRRE, I WOULD HAVE TO FULLY PAY FOR THE REPAIR AS THE CAR IS OVER THE WARRANTY PERIOD.ON SATURDAY 17, I SPOKE TO JAVIER, THE OWNER OF THRIFTY CAR SALES AND HE AGREED THAT SUZUKI SHOULD REPAIR AT THEIR EXPENSE WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY A FACTORY DEFECT. AT CRAWFORD THEY AGREE THAT THIS IS A MATTER OF A FACTORY DEFECT AND THEREFORE THE MANUFACTURER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.ON FRIDAY 23, I SPOKE TO A PERSON WHO IDENTIFIED HIMSELF AS ''MANNY'' THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT ALL HE COULD DO WAS TO CONTACT THE SUZUKI DISTRICT MANAGER AND HE WOULD GET BACK TO ME. HE ALSO, STATED THAT THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM WAS ADDRESSED IN A ''SERVICE BULLETIN'' THEY HAD RECEIVED ABOUT A MONTH AFTER THESE UNITS WERE PLACED ON THE MARKET AND A REPLACEMENT BRACKET WAS AVAILABLE, BUT THERE WAS NO RECALL. SOMETIME LATER, MANNY TOLD MY WIFE THAT THEIR SOLUTION IS THAT THEY WILL PROVIDE THE PARTS AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR LABOR. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AS I ALREADY PAID A COUPLE OF HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR A PROBLEM THAT NOW WE KNOW WAS CAUSED BY THIS FACTORY DEFECT. I THINK THAT SINCE THEY KNEW OF THE DEFECT EARLY ENOUGH, THEY ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE SINCE THEY NEITHER THE SUZUKI DEALERSHIPS NOR THE FACTORY, DISCLOSED THIS DEFECT PRIOR TO THE SALE OF THE AUTOMOBILE TO THE PROSPECTIVE CUSTOMERS, NEITHER DID THEY MAKE AN EFFORT TO CAUSE THE REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10161046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irondale, AL
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
I TOOK MY CAR IN TO BIRMINGHAM SUZUKI BECAUSE MY CAR WAS SHAKING AND WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR IT WOULD MAKE A POPPING NOISE. THEY REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME IT WAS THE RACKING PINION AND THE TIE ROD. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE CARE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL IT WAS REPAIRED. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED IT. I TOOK MY CARE BACK IN ON SEPT. 6, 2005 BECAUSE MY CAR WOULD NOT START. THE REPAIR SHOP AT BIRMINGHAM SUZUKI INFORMED ME THAT WHEN THEY RAN THE DIAGNOSTIC THAT MY ECM HAD LOOSE WIRING. THEY PUT IT BACK IN AND THEN THE CAR RAN FINE. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THAT BECAUSE THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PARTS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10136165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irondale, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I TOOK MY CAR IN TO BIRMINGHAM SUZUKI BECAUSE MY CAR WAS SHAKING AND WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR IT WOULD MAKE A POPPING NOISE. THEY REPAIR SHOP TOLD ME IT WAS THE RACKING PINION AND THE TIE ROD. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE CARE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE UNTIL IT WAS REPAIRED. MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED IT. I TOOK MY CARE BACK IN ON SEPT. 6, 2005 BECAUSE MY CAR WOULD NOT START. THE REPAIR SHOP AT BIRMINGHAM SUZUKI INFORMED ME THAT WHEN THEY RAN THE DIAGNOSTIC THAT MY ECM HAD LOOSE WIRING. THEY PUT IT BACK IN AND THEN THE CAR RAN FINE. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY DID NOT COVER THAT BECAUSE THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PARTS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10136165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 257 milesFort Wayne, IN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DT: 2003 SUZUKI AERIO, VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO REVERSE AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED UNLESS THE CONSUMER PULLS VEHICLE FORWARD FIRST, THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ALL THE TIME, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER DIRECTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. DEALER SAID THE CABLE BUSTED. THEN THE DEALER CHANGED A CABLE CORD. THIS STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. TO DEALER, CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME, AND DEALER CHANGED OUT THE GEAR BOX, THIS STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE THIRD TIME THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY .
NHTSA complaint #10126245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, MO
EQUIPMENT
TRUNK POPS UP WHILE DRIVING AND PAINT IS PEELING
NHTSA complaint #10122019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marshall, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
2003 SUZUKI AERIO ENGINE FAILED DUE TO LACK OF OIL.*MR THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS DRIVING, WHICH LEFT HER WITHOUT BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO LACK OF OIL, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER DISAGREED BECAUSE THE CONSUMER HAS ALL OF THE SERVICE RECORDS. (LAWYER ON BEHALF OF CONSUMER).
NHTSA complaint #10119188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesKnoxville, TN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES A LOUD BANGING SOUND WAS PRODUCED AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. *AK BRAKE GRABS AND PULLS THE CAR OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT. BRAKES SNAP AND POP CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP IN A PECULIAR FASHION. THE CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS OCCUR TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. *BF
NHTSA complaint #10117775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,961 milesBrigham City, UT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH AND MAKING A TURN DRIVER TRIED TO ACCELERATE AND THE VEHICLE JUST STOPPED. THE LEFT FRONT CV AXLE CAME OUT OF THE TRANS AXLE. THE CLIP CAME OUT OF THE CV JOINT, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BECOME IMMOBILE. OWNER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10113294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver City, NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
VEHICLE TENDED TO SHAKE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND STEER THE VEHICLE . ALSO, VEHICLE HAD A HARD TIME STOPPING WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. TAKEN FOR REPAIRS TWICE, BUT THE CAUSE WAS STILL UNDETERMINED.
NHTSA complaint #10109314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver City, NM
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
VEHICLE TENDED TO SHAKE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND STEER THE VEHICLE . ALSO, VEHICLE HAD A HARD TIME STOPPING WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. TAKEN FOR REPAIRS TWICE, BUT THE CAUSE WAS STILL UNDETERMINED.
NHTSA complaint #10109314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.