1998 Suzuki Esteem Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1998 Suzuki Esteem recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 1998 Suzuki Esteem.

Most common 1998 Suzuki Esteem problems

Problem areas named in the 24 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Structure	7
Suspension	6
Air Bags	6
Seat Belts	3
Seats	3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	3
Steering	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Electrical System	1
Power Train	1

What owners report

2019-09-04, Air Bags
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

2014-12-06, Suspension
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 HOUR...LUCKILY ONLY A QUARTER OF A MILE...PRETTY SURE IF IT HAD LET GO IF I'D HIT A BUMP OR SOMETHING DRIVING 55 ON THE HIGHWAY...THAT THE CAR WOULD HAVE FLIPPED...THAT'S HOW QUICKLY I LOST CONTROL...AFTER READING ALL OTHER REPORTS...TOO BAD THIS CAR HAD NOT BEEN RECALLED...I MIGHT NOT NOW BE WITHOUT A CAR. *TR

2012-02-16, Suspension
I WAS DRIVING ON FLAT PAVED ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE SUBFRAME SNAPPED ON THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO IMMEDIATELY JERK RIGHT WITH SUBSTANTIAL FORCE. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL DUE TO DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED BUT THE CAR WAS PULLING VERY HARD TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. I DROVE APPROXIMATELY ONE HALF MILE TO A SPOT WHERE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER SAFELY, I NOTICED THE SUBFRAME WHICH CONNECTS THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER WHEEL TO THE BODY HAD RUSTED SEVERELY AND BROKE APART, IT WAS SO BAD THE MATERIAL WAS CRUMBLING. IF THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE

2011-02-24, Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHIFTING TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,524. ..UPDATED 09-26-12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 10/01/2012 *JS

2010-12-07, Suspension
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER IN 1998 SUZUKI ESTEEM CRACKED OPEN WHILE DRIVING AT 25MPH. CAR SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT, SINCE IT HAPPEN AT LOW SPEED I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY STOP. UPON INSPECTION OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION CROSS MEMBER I FOUND OUT THAT RUSTING WAS SO EXTENSIVE THAT YOU COULD POKE A HOLE IN THE CROSS MEMBER BY SIMPLY PUSHING A SCREW DRIVER ON TO THE SURFACE OF THE CROSS MEMBER. *TR

1998 Suzuki Esteem questions

Does the 1998 Suzuki Esteem have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 1998 Suzuki Esteem at this time.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Suzuki Esteem?

Based on 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (7), Suspension (6), Air Bags (6).

How do I check if a recall on my 1998 Suzuki Esteem has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.