1999 Suzuki Esteem Problems
- Complaints
- 20filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 86,917miles, 8 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
- 26 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 31 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Suzuki Esteem (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 1999 Suzuki Esteem. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 4 complaints (20% of the total), followed by body and structure (4) and suspension (4). 8 of the complaints include a mileage, and 25% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 86,917 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 4 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. 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.
- Engine cooling4 20%
- Body and structure4 20%
- Suspension4 20%
- Air bags2 10%
- Brakes2 10%
- Equipment2 10%
- Fuel system2 10%
- Exterior lighting1 5.0%
Also reported: Steering (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The 1999 Suzuki Esteem I purchased started havin g trou ble keeping up speed on 5-29-02,they refused to even look at it, until a month later when I went back up there again. The problem with the car is htat there is sealant on the #1 plug, and all they say is wrong with it is the #1 fuel injector,which they want $500.00 to put it in.ive had at least 3 other mechanics tell me that the head gasket is blown, or the head is cracked on the car, and the dealership I bought it from refused to check it out.”
NHTSA complaint #765259, filed 2002-08Body and structure: “My 99 Esteem stared pulling to one side while driving. As I attempted to get it home the wheel would rub on the inner fender well when turning. Upon inspection when I got home I found the driver side subframe rusted through on top and outer sides with only the inside portion intact. This part had bent allowing my wheel to change position. The rest of the undercarriage seems to be in good shape while this section has rusted away. Thankfully, this did not happen at highway speed or that I did not hit a pothole while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10446634, filed 2012-02, 149,000 milesSuspension: “Front suspension crossmember corrosion of 1999 Suzuki Esteem glx wagon I have this vehicle and running ok for 5 years. When I did my annual check up this weekend, it was found out that the front suspension crossmember has been rust-through and formed a crack in the area of the right front lower control arm attachment brackets. By visual inspection, this member is highly corroded compared with other parts on the bottom of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10248931, filed 2008-11, 90,302 milesAir bags: “The power windows are very slow going up and down. First started on passenger side front but is now all windows. Had it into shop several times and they just greased them and they work better for a couple of months. Also, airbag never opened during collision a couple of years ago, but the airbag compartment slightly opened up on one side and the cover is slightly raised on one side.”
NHTSA complaint #10045330, filed 2003-11Mileage when problems were reported
25% of the 8 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 55,000 and 99,980 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 1999 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 FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Esteem FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| 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 |
| Esteem Wagon FWD | 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Esteem Wagon FWD | 1.8L 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 1999 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 1999 Suzuki Esteem have?
NHTSA recorded 20 consumer complaints for the 1999 Suzuki Esteem as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Suzuki Esteem is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 4 complaints (20% of the total), followed by body and structure with 4.
Has the 1999 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 1999 Suzuki Esteem get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Suzuki Esteem (Esteem, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 24 city and 31 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Suzuki Esteem reported?
Among the 8 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 86,917 miles and the middle half falls between 55,000 and 99,980 miles; 25% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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.