Car exhibited a tendency to pull to the right at first. After turning a corner the car pulled to the left. Going down the highway the front of the car wandered from side to side. After I parked the car and re started the engine when I put it into gear a loud banging noise came from the front of the car and it did not move in reverse or drive. Banging stopped in neutral and park. I jacked up the car and the front sub-frame was rusted thru right next to where the lower suspension arm attached to it. *Tr
Steering
Suzuki Esteem Steering problems by year
7 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Suzuki Esteem's steering. Loss of power steering, stiff or loose steering, wandering, column and rack problems.
Steering complaints by model year
Latest Esteem steering complaints
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...
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driving. This could have broken and caused total loss of control, ending in injuries and/or fatalities not only to the occupants of my vehicle but to other cars in my vicinity. I understand that this is not uncommon on this vehicle an sincerely believe that this is an issue that merits immediate attention before people are killed. *Tr *kb
While making a right turn steering wheel locked in right turn position. This caused the consumer to collide into an embankment, hitting a tree. *Ak
This complaint deals with failed inner tie-rod in the gear assembly. The failure resulted in severe problems in controlling the car at high speed. The problem arose because of broken boot and subsequent moisture build-up and damage to the tie-rod. The service personnel attributed the failure to faulty part and poor workmanship. There was the possibility of loss of control of the car and danger to occupants of the car and other drivers on the road.*Ak
While traveling another vehicle crossed into consumer's vehicle's lane and hit it. Steering wheel had played into wheel, enabling him to steer.*Ak
The steering wheel makes noise and it feels loose when turning, it was replaced however the problem still exists. *Yh
While driving 50 mph vehicle loses control. Steering pulls left to right. Vehicle has been to dealers, where they are unable fix problem. *Ak
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data