1998 Suzuki ESTEEM problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
15 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
100,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1998 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Structure:Frame And Members is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 15 complaints (26.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 2 | 13.3% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 6.7% |
| Braking behavior | 1 | 6.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 6.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Structure:Frame And Members | 4 |
| Suspension | 3 |
| Seat Belts | 2 |
| Suspension:Front | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery | 1 |
Structure:Frame And Members: 4; Suspension: 3; Seat Belts: 2; Suspension:Front: 2; Air Bags: 1; Electrical System:Wiring: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 2 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 3 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 1
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 8 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 2 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
2000: 2; 2001: 2; 2002: 2; 2004: 1; 2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 2; 2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2014: 1; 2019: 1
Pattern summary
Structure:Frame And Members leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10448231 · 2012-02-16 (February 16, 2012)
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 RIG…
Owner-reported narrative. 200,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10448231 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 734386 · 2000-10-15 (October 15, 2000)
REPORTED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD UNDERCARRIAGE WAS LOOSE AND RUBBING ON TIRES TO CAUSE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION, BUT IT STILL SHAKES AND VIBRATES
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 734386 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10384308 · 2011-02-24 (February 24, 2011)
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
Owner-reported narrative. 114,524 miles reported. Look up ODI 10384308 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 8005254 · 2002-03-08 (March 8, 2002)
THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING THAT STOPPED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY CHANGED BRAKE PADS. THREE MONTHS LATER, PROBLEM REOCCURRED. BRAKES HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY CHANGED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8005254 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 863815 · 2000-06-20 (June 20, 2000)
VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK FOR OVER TWO HOURS. THEN, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL LIGHTS, AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED, AND DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *AK *ML
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 863815 at NHTSA ↗