VehicleVerdict

2003 Suzuki Aerio problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 42 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Aerio year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 6 Aerio years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (29% of the total).

42

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Aerio years?

Aerio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted42 complaints2002: 19 complaints2003: 42 complaints2004: 21 complaints2005: 26 complaints2006: 33 complaints2007: 4 complaints
Aerio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Aerio years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Suzuki Aerio problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission1229%
Tires & Wheels819%
Electrical System512%
Engine37%
Brakes37%
Steering25%
Other25%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Fuel System12%
Latches & Locks12%
Speed Control12%
Body & Structure12%
Suspension12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2003 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.

“AT APPROX. 23,000 MILES FRONT RIGHT WHEEL BEARING FAILED. WITH IN 20 MILES AFTER REPAIR FAILED AGAIN, AND HAS DONE SO FOR THE NEXT FIVE WHEEL BEARINGS. THE DEALER & OR SUZUKI REPRESENITIVES DON'T NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THIS SITUATION, ON THIS 2003 SUZUKI. THIS CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY I FEEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 1, 2004

“MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 2003 SUZUKI AERIO WITH MY INFANT GRAND DAUGHTER IN THE CAR AND THE RIM SNAPPED IN 2 PIECES AND THE WHOLE WHEEL FELL OFF AND THE CAR SLIP 175 FEET ON THE ROTOR. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT A DEFECT AND I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR ALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 28, 2004 · crash

“ VEHICLE TENDED TO SHAKE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND STEER THE VEHICLE . ALSO, VEHICLE HAD A HARD TIME STOPPING WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. TAKEN FOR REPAIRS TWICE, BUT THE CAUSE WAS STILL UNDETERMINED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 2, 2003

“WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES A LOUD BANGING SOUND WAS PRODUCED AND THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT. *AK BRAKE GRABS AND PULLS THE CAR OFF THE ROAD TO THE RIGHT. BRAKES SNAP AND POP CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP IN A PECULIAR FASHION. THE CAR NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS OCCUR TOTAL BRAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 7, 2005

“STARTED THE CAR TO WARM IT UP, AND SMOKE CAME OUT OF DASH BOARD, MAKING GLASS WHERE SPEEDOMETER IS SMOKEY AND IT STILL IS. SMELT LIKE WIRE BURNING AND SHUT IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. WHEN CHECKED ON, A WIRE INSULATION HAD BURNT OFF CAUSING THE SMOKE AND SMELL. AFTER REPLACING THE WIRE COATING, IT WAS FINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 23, 2014 · fire

2003 Suzuki Aerio — common questions

Is the 2003 Suzuki Aerio reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 42 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 6 Aerio years. It is one of the Aerio years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Aerio problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (12 complaints), tires & wheels (8 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2003 Suzuki Aerio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.