2002 Suzuki Aerio problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 19 complaints on file for the 2002 Suzuki Aerio — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Aerio years?

Aerio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Aerio years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Suzuki Aerio problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Suspension	5	26%	new
Brakes	3	16%	new
Body & Structure	3	16%	new
Latches & Locks	2	11%	new
Engine	2	11%	new
Visibility & Wipers	1	5%	new
Electrical System	1	5%	new
Tires & Wheels	1	5%	new
Transmission	1	5%	new

Does the 2002 Suzuki Aerio have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V307000TransmissionJuly 15, 2007 · 14,251 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, DUE TO IMPROPER SHAPE OF THE CLIP, THE RETAINING CLIP THAT KEEPS THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE ATTACHED TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAN CONTACT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER HOUSING IF EXCESSIVE LATERAL FORCE IS APPLIED WHEN SHIFTING TO FIRST GEAR.

Consequence

REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

03V223000Visibility & WipersJune 16, 2003 · 5,319 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER (111 MY 2002 ESTEEM, 777 MY 2002 AERIO, 2,368 MY 2003 AERIO) AND SPORT UTILITY (324 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA, 274 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA, 684 MY 2002 GRAND VITARA XL-7, AND 781 MY 2003 GRAND VITARA XL-7) VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING." THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED TO THE VEHICLE BODY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT ADHESION BETWEEN THE PAINT APPLIED DURING THE SECOND-STAGE PAINTING PROCESS AND THE PAINT APPLIED DURING FINAL-STAGE PAINTING.

Consequence

IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, IT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE EJECTION OF UNBELTED OCCUPANTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES. VEHICLES THAT ARE FOUND TO HAVE INSUFFICIENT PAINT ADHESION WILL EITHER HAVE THE PROBLEM REMEDIED BY REPAINTING, OR WILL BE REPLACED, OR REPURCHASED AND DESTROYED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE TURNING RIGHT AT 45 MPH THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED. CONSUMER LOST STEERING CONTROL AND HIT A POLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. UPDATED 02/09/06. *JB”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 21, 2003 · crash

“1. THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SIMPLY FELL OUT OF THE DOOR 2. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ONLY OPENS WHEN IT WANTS, LOCK STICKS 3. BODY PART SCREWS HAVE FALLEN OFF OF THE CAR CAUSING BODY PARTS TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. 4. SCREWS HOLDING FRONT BUMPER ON FELL OUT AND BUMPER FELL OFF. 5.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 18, 2007

“WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING SOUND, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIED. THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 14, 2003

“1. THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SIMPLY FELL OUT OF THE DOOR 2. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ONLY OPENS WHEN IT WANTS, LOCK STICKS 3. BODY PART SCREWS HAVE FALLEN OFF OF THE CAR CAUSING BODY PARTS TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. 4. SCREWS HOLDING FRONT BUMPER ON FELL OUT AND BUMPER FELL OFF. 5.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · April 18, 2007

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEAT SHIELD BOLTS ON THE MOTOR CONTINUALLY BECAME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR TIGHTENING OF BOLTS SEVERAL TIMES. ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 4, 2006

2002 Suzuki Aerio — common questions

Is the 2002 Suzuki Aerio reliable?

The record is thin — 19 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2002 Aerio problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (5 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2002 Suzuki Aerio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Suzuki Aerio. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Suzuki Aerio years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Aerio years to avoid are 2003. The cleanest record among Aerio years belongs to 2007.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2002 compare to other Aerio years?

What are the most common 2002 Suzuki Aerio problems?

Does the 2002 Suzuki Aerio have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2002 Suzuki Aerio — common questions

Is the 2002 Suzuki Aerio reliable?

What are the most common 2002 Aerio problems?

Does the 2002 Suzuki Aerio have recalls?

Which Suzuki Aerio years should you avoid?

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