1998 Suzuki Esteem Problems
- Complaints
- 24filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles, 7 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 26 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Suzuki Esteem (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints for the 1998 Suzuki Esteem. The part named most often is body and structure, with 7 complaints (29% of the total), followed by air bags (6) and suspension (6). 7 of the complaints include a mileage, and 14% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 100,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 4 technical service bulletins for this model year. Body and structure complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Body and structure7 29%
- Air bags6 25%
- Suspension6 25%
- Seat belts3 13%
- Brakes2 8.3%
- Seats2 8.3%
- Steering2 8.3%
- Electrical system1 4.2%
- Exterior lighting1 4.2%
- Fuel system1 4.2%
Also reported: Tires (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Body and structure: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10448231, filed 2012-02, 200,000 milesSuspension: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10369432, filed 2010-12, 100,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
14% of the 7 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 67,400 and 114,524 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 Suzuki Esteem version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esteem FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Esteem FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Esteem Wagon FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 26 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Esteem Wagon FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Suzuki Esteem in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 4 on record; the latest 4 are shown.
- 10216558Jul 8, 2022Suspension, Body and structure. Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.
- 10152052Nov 20, 2018Suspension, Equipment. This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension…
- 10016419Sep 12, 2005Electrical system. Service manual update-incorrect wiring diagram of the wiper/washer combination switch.
- 10014822May 10, 2005Engine cooling. Correct coolant usage.
Other model years of the Suzuki Esteem
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 5 | 67,050 | 1 | — | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 21 | 123,000 | 0 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
| 2000 | 26 | 96,000 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 20 | 86,917 | 0 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
| 1998 | 24 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 28 | — | Stable |
| 1997 | 7 | 155,250 | 0 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 5 | 73,000 | 0 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 1995 | 13 | 80,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Suzuki Esteem have?
NHTSA recorded 24 consumer complaints for the 1998 Suzuki Esteem as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Suzuki Esteem is reported most often?
Body and structure is named most often, in 7 complaints (29% of the total), followed by air bags with 6.
Has the 1998 Suzuki Esteem been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Suzuki Esteem get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Suzuki Esteem (Esteem Wagon, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 26 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Suzuki Esteem reported?
Among the 7 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 100,000 miles and the middle half falls between 67,400 and 114,524 miles; 14% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.