Owners have filed 31 complaints
about the 1995 Suzuki Esteem with NHTSA between 1995 and 2012.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 6 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 — 53
Against the median year of the Suzuki Esteem. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
12.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% 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.
50,000 – 74,999 miles
321.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1071.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
17.1%
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.
Nov 1995peak 10Jul 2012
Recalls on the 1995 Suzuki Esteem
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 19982529,731 units in Canada
Electrical
Note: Vehicles equipped with a Suzuki accessory engine block heater. Certain vehicles may experience a high temperature condition in the silicone connector plug and/or electrical extension cord. Prolonged high temperatures in the plug and cord can result in material degradation and an electrical short circuit. Arcing from a short circuit in the presence of combustible materials could result in an engine compartment fire. Correction: Block heaters will be replaced/refurbished with new units or components incorporating an improved design.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bloomington, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH AT APPROX. 30MPH, 12:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, DRIVERS AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. TT
NHTSA complaint #975421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomington, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
UPON IMPACT, DURING FRONTAL CRASH AT APPROX. 30MPH, 12:00 ON FRONT BUMPER, PASSENGERS AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. TT
NHTSA complaint #975421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 70,000 milesPkymouth, MN
POWER TRAIN
CAR EXHIBITED A TENDENCY TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AT FIRST. AFTER TURNING A CORNER THE CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT. GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE FRONT OF THE CAR WANDERED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. AFTER I PARKED THE CAR AND RE STARTED THE ENGINE WHEN I PUT IT INTO GEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND IT DID NOT MOVE IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. BANGING STOPPED IN NEUTRAL AND PARK. I JACKED UP THE CAR AND THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED THRU RIGHT NEXT TO WHERE THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM ATTACHED TO IT.
NHTSA complaint #10466498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesPkymouth, MN
STEERING
CAR EXHIBITED A TENDENCY TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AT FIRST. AFTER TURNING A CORNER THE CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT. GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE FRONT OF THE CAR WANDERED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. AFTER I PARKED THE CAR AND RE STARTED THE ENGINE WHEN I PUT IT INTO GEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND IT DID NOT MOVE IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. BANGING STOPPED IN NEUTRAL AND PARK. I JACKED UP THE CAR AND THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED THRU RIGHT NEXT TO WHERE THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM ATTACHED TO IT.
NHTSA complaint #10466498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesPkymouth, MN
SUSPENSION
CAR EXHIBITED A TENDENCY TO PULL TO THE RIGHT AT FIRST. AFTER TURNING A CORNER THE CAR PULLED TO THE LEFT. GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE FRONT OF THE CAR WANDERED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. AFTER I PARKED THE CAR AND RE STARTED THE ENGINE WHEN I PUT IT INTO GEAR A LOUD BANGING NOISE CAME FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND IT DID NOT MOVE IN REVERSE OR DRIVE. BANGING STOPPED IN NEUTRAL AND PARK. I JACKED UP THE CAR AND THE FRONT SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED THRU RIGHT NEXT TO WHERE THE LOWER SUSPENSION ARM ATTACHED TO IT.
NHTSA complaint #10466498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesBlair, NE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 SUZUKI ESTEEM. WHENEVER THE CONTACT WALKED NEAR THE VEHICLE, HE WOULD SMELL GASOLINE. HE STATED THAT GASOLINE WAS LEAKING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE PIPE ONTO THE GROUND. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 127,700 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000. UPDATE 10/01/08 *CW UPDATED 10/03/08.
NHTSA complaint #10240216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoise, ID
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
BRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED .
NHTSA complaint #10111982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoise, ID
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
BRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED .
NHTSA complaint #10111982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoise, ID
WHEELS
BRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED .
NHTSA complaint #10111982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoise, ID
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED .
NHTSA complaint #10111982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoise, ID
TIRES
BRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED .
NHTSA complaint #10111982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoise, ID
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED .
NHTSA complaint #10111982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoise, ID
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
BRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED .
NHTSA complaint #10111982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoise, ID
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
BRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED .
NHTSA complaint #10111982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoise, ID
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
BRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED .
NHTSA complaint #10111982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesBoise, ID
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
BRAKES LOCKING UP AT HIGH SPEEDS,EPLACED MASTER CYLINDER,REPLACED CV AXLE AND BOOT,ENT OBJECT REPORTED,RUNK LEAKS AND WATER WHERE SPARE SITS,REPLACED CATALYIC CONVERTER,END RIMS WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC CAR WAS WRECKED BEFORE PURCHASED .
NHTSA complaint #10111982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Paso, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES WHEN BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE ROTORS WERE RESURFACED AND EVENTUALLY REPLACED, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES HE SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPLACED PART. NLM
NHTSA complaint #559530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Paso, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO PEP BOY SHOP TO REFACE ROTORS EVERY SIX THOUSAND MILES. HAD BEEN PERFORMED FIVE TIMES, AND CONSUMER WAS MAD AT REPAIR SHOP FOR NOT TELLING HIM THAT ROTORS SHOULD BE REPLACED. COSUMER HAD CONTACTED BETTER BUSSINES BUREAU. REPORT MADE UP TO CONSUMER RESQUEST.
NHTSA complaint #878159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EL Paso, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
CONSUMER HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO PEP BOY SHOP TO REFACE ROTORS EVERY SIX THOUSAND MILES. HAD BEEN PERFORMED FIVE TIMES, AND CONSUMER WAS MAD AT REPAIR SHOP FOR NOT TELLING HIM THAT ROTORS SHOULD BE REPLACED. COSUMER HAD CONTACTED BETTER BUSSINES BUREAU. REPORT MADE UP TO CONSUMER RESQUEST.
NHTSA complaint #878159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairmont, WV
TIRES
THIS TIRE IS NOT THE ORIGINAL TIRE PROVIDED BY SUZUKI, THEREFORE SUZUKI IS NOT INVOLVED IN THE PROBLEM. THE TIRE HAS DEVELOPED SEVERAL CRACKS. THERE IS A CRACK (AVERAGING 3/4" IN LENGTH) IN EVERY OUTER TREAD GROOVE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TIRE (LOOKING FROM THE RIDER'S PERSPECTIVE). THERE ARE NO CRACKS ON THE LEFT SIDE, OR ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE TIRE. THE TIRE HAS ABOUT 6000 MILES ON IT, AND STILL HAS ABOUT HALF OF IT'S USABLE TREAD LEFT. THE REAR TIRE HAS NOT DEVELOPED THIS PROBLEM, AND IS WEARING FINE.( DOT NUMBER: B56F K9801 TIRE SIZE: 110/70ZR17 )
NHTSA complaint #730726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE Woodlands, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
VEHICLE WOULD DIE AFTER GOING 50MPH. HAD TAKEN TO DEALER & THE FUEL FILTER, PUMP, ALTERNATOR & BATTERY HAD BEEN CHANGED OR REPLACED AT LEAST 9 DIFFERENT TIMES. IT'S AN ERRACTIC OPERATION.
NHTSA complaint #843849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE Woodlands, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VEHICLE WOULD DIE AFTER GOING 50MPH. HAD TAKEN TO DEALER & THE FUEL FILTER, PUMP, ALTERNATOR & BATTERY HAD BEEN CHANGED OR REPLACED AT LEAST 9 DIFFERENT TIMES. IT'S AN ERRACTIC OPERATION.
NHTSA complaint #843849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE Woodlands, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
VEHICLE WOULD DIE AFTER GOING 50MPH. HAD TAKEN TO DEALER & THE FUEL FILTER, PUMP, ALTERNATOR & BATTERY HAD BEEN CHANGED OR REPLACED AT LEAST 9 DIFFERENT TIMES. IT'S AN ERRACTIC OPERATION.
NHTSA complaint #843849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE Woodlands, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VEHICLE WOULD DIE AFTER GOING 50MPH. HAD TAKEN TO DEALER & THE FUEL FILTER, PUMP, ALTERNATOR & BATTERY HAD BEEN CHANGED OR REPLACED AT LEAST 9 DIFFERENT TIMES. IT'S AN ERRACTIC OPERATION.
NHTSA complaint #843849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE Woodlands, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
VEHICLE WOULD DIE AFTER GOING 50MPH. HAD TAKEN TO DEALER & THE FUEL FILTER, PUMP, ALTERNATOR & BATTERY HAD BEEN CHANGED OR REPLACED AT LEAST 9 DIFFERENT TIMES. IT'S AN ERRACTIC OPERATION.
NHTSA complaint #843849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chula Vista, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
BRAKES STARTED TO MAKE NOISES EVEN AFTER THEY WERE REPLACED AND ARE NOT RESPONDING LIKE THEY SHOULD. THEY HAVE BEEN INSPECTED 3 TIMES AND CONTINUE TO PERFORM POORLY.
NHTSA complaint #709206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairchilds AFB, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
DRIVING VEHICLE ABOUT 35MPH ON RESIDENTIAL STREET; APPLIED THE BRAKES. HEARD A GRINDING SOUND AT THAT TIME. TOOK TO DEALER & REFUSED TO REPAIR VEHICLE DUE TO NOT BEING UNDER WARRANTY. BRAKE PADES WEARING UNEVENLY IN THE FRONT. DEALER GAVE PADS TO OWNER TO REPLACE.
NHTSA complaint #818455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.