1999 Suzuki Esteem Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 10%of 20 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Suzuki Esteem, 10% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 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.
“1999, Suzuki, Esteem wagon transmission needed to be replaced at 33,000 miles 05-09-2002, Suzuki repaired it free of charge, even though warranty expired 2 months earlier. Currently, at 48,000 miles it has started making the same noises again. Vehicle was parked to avoid further damage. It was explained to consumer that the first time it did this was because internal transmission broke off inside holding plate, causing gears and bearings to malfunction due to debris.”
NHTSA complaint #10042919, filed 2003-10, 48,000 miles“When driving consumer noticed a loud noise coming from engine compartment. Vehicle would not accelerate over 40 MPH. Contacted the dealer. Dealer noted that manual transmission went out, needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #868729, filed 2000-08Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Suzuki Esteem
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Suzuki Esteem
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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