1998 Suzuki Esteem problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1998 Suzuki Esteem sits mid-pack among Esteem years: 36 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 27, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (7), airbags (6), and suspension (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
36
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1998 compare to other Esteem years?
What are the most common 1998 Suzuki Esteem problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 7 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 6 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 6 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 3 | 8% | new |
| Brakes | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“98 SUZUKI ESTEEM CROSS MEMBER(ENGINE CRADLE) ON THE SUZUKI ESTEEM THE ENGINE CRADLE OR CROSS MEMBER ROT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLAPSE CAUSING INTO AN ACCIDENT ,CROSSMEMBER OR ENGINE CRADLE SUPPORTS LOWER CONTROL ARMS WHICH IF THE CROSSMEMBER LET GO WILL CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO POSSIBLE CRASH IN MY…”
“WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE AT HIGHER SPEEDS, APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND HIGHER, VEHICLE WILL WEAVE, AND VEHICLE IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL ON HIGHWAY. *NOTE: CONSUMER PURCHASED VEHICLE WITH APPROXIMATELY 15,000 MILES ON IT, AND HAD TO HAVE STRUTS REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 22,000 MILES. PLEASE PROVIDE…”
“CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER FOUR TIMES, NEITHER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFED.”
“AIR BAGS LIGHTS WENT ON YESTERDAY, I NEVER HAD ANY ACCIDENT. SEAT BET GETS STOCKS. SUZUKI ESTEEM 1998.[XXX] VIN # INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
“THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING THAT STOPPED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY CHANGED BRAKE PADS. THREE MONTHS LATER, PROBLEM REOCCURRED. BRAKES HAVE BEEN CONSTANTLY CHANGED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”
1998 Suzuki Esteem — common questions
Is the 1998 Suzuki Esteem reliable?
It is close to typical for the Esteem: 36 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1998 Esteem problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (7 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), suspension (6 complaints).
Does the 1998 Suzuki Esteem have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1998 Suzuki Esteem.
Which Suzuki Esteem years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Esteem years to avoid are 2000. The cleanest record among Esteem years belongs to 2002.
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.