Driving along big timber straight at 40 mph then all of a sudden car started pulling to the right and started to shake, I managed to stay straight until I turned left to meadows rd. I made it home okay in the complex but was unable to use the car again. Next day looked at the under carriage and then noticed the rusted out sub frame (cradle) by the right (passenger) control arm.This car is garage kept if that means anything. Well this certainly is a bummer, I'll have to figure on how to fix this problem at a reasonable expense. *Tr
Vehicle safety record
1997 Suzuki Esteem Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 1997 Suzuki Esteem with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (3) and the electrical system (2). Those complaints describe 1 injury. There are no recalls for it. For comparison, the 1996 has 5 and the 1998 has 24.
NHTSA data checked
AFar fewer problems than a typical Esteem year, for its age
#176 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 7
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Suzuki Esteem problems
Share of all 7 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
No recalls for the 1997 Suzuki Esteem
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Suzuki Esteem. Recalls can be announced at any time - this page updates daily.
What owners say
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7 complaints about the 1997 Suzuki Esteem
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 suzuki esteem. The contact stated that the part that supports the a-frame was rusted in half. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they could not repair the failure. The contact also called the manufacturer, but they could not assist. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Outside door handles , being plastic, keep breaking and you can't get in the car.
Horn stopped working, consumer not able to pass inspection . Not repaired at this time. *Ak stereo and tape player failed. *Slc
Consumer has been exeperiencing problems with electrical system. Vehicle had a total electrical shutdown. In addition, vehicle made a clicking noise when applying brakes. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted. *Ak
During a collision, passenger's seat belt failed to work properly. Passenger suffered broken ribs. Also, vehicle was totaled.
BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Suzuki Esteem: every year compared
All Esteem years1997 Suzuki Esteem vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Suzuki Esteem | 7 | 0 | A | |
| 1997 Suzuki Sidekick | 48 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki TL1000S | 11 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki Suzuki Motorcycle | 5 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki Swift | 4 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki Intruder | 3 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki GSX-R750 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Suzuki GSX-R600 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Suzuki Esteem
Does the 1997 Suzuki Esteem have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Suzuki Esteem right now. Recalls can be announced at any time, and this page checks NHTSA every day. You can also check your exact vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Suzuki Esteem?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (3), electrical system (2), body, doors & structure (2).
How many complaints has the 1997 Suzuki Esteem had?
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 18, 1997 and the latest on January 15, 2013. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 1 injury and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Suzuki Esteem a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 79 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Suzuki Esteem year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Suzuki Esteem years have the most complaints?
2000 (26), 1998 (24), 2001 (21). See every Suzuki Esteem year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Suzuki Esteem has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data