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SuspensionPart report

1998 Suzuki Esteem Suspension Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
25%of 24 total for the year
Median mileage
100,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Suzuki Esteem, 25% of the 24 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“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 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10662579, filed 2014-12, 67,400 miles

“While operating vehicle at higher speeds, approximately 55 MPH and higher, vehicle will weave, and vehicle is very difficult to control on highway. *note: consumer purchased vehicle with approximately 15,000 miles on it, and had to have struts replaced at approximately 22,000 miles. Please provide any additional information/attachments.”

NHTSA complaint #888479, filed 2001-05

Related service bulletins

Suspension: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2001524%
2000831%
1999420%
1998625%
1997114%
1995215%

Other parts of the 1998 Suzuki Esteem

Body and structure
7 complaints
Air bags
6 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints
Seats
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Electrical system
1 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Tires
1 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1998 Suzuki Esteem

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology