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1996 Suzuki Esteem problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Suzuki Esteem is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical Esteem model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
5
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
26-29mpg

The worst 1996 Suzuki Esteem problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Tires
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Suzuki Esteem 5

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1996 Suzuki Esteem fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cylFWD23-2631-3426-29

What 1996 Suzuki Esteem owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 1, 2004 · Tires · 73,000 miles · VA

After 31,000 miles, 4 goodyear aquatread tires developed feathered tread blocks on all 4 tires. This resulted in road noise from the tires that was similar to that of all 4 wheel bearings failing simultaneously. The noise was so loud that normal conversation in the vehicle was not possible and any emergency signals such as sirens or horns could not be heard. I believe that prolonged exposure would have lead to hearing loss. The dealer where the tires were purchased could find no excuse for the tires doing this so he refused to honor the tires warranty based on my not having him rotate the tires on schedule. Even though I informed him that I had rotated the tires myself and that I had found many postings on internet sites detailing the exact or similar failure on these specific tires. I sent a email message to goodyear customer service. Their reply was that there was little they could do to control what their dealers do. I was forced to replace the tires at another dealer at my expense. It seems that the only warranty goodyear honors or the only defects they are interested in correcting are ones the judge says fix.

Filed Jul 1, 1999 · Brakes, Electrical · WA

Took it to the service dept. Repeatedly and they never found problems so convienantly we had numerous problems and ended up turning the car in and lossing everything we put in to it and messing up our credit due to we were tired of fighting with the dealership and the manufacturer. So other people need to be aware of these dangerous problems with this car. It stranded me and my 2 children seveeral times not including my mother in law once when we let her borrow it . No one would listen to us so maybe you will ! I have written statements of these problems that other people had seen this car do ! No safety defected mentione din summary.

Filed Dec 3, 1998 · Engine · NV

When driving at 45 MPH, the pulley: crankshaft broke, causing the consumer to lose control of steering, and the balacing and the timing belt was damaged and the bolt came off.

Filed May 19, 1997 · Airbags, Brakes · IL · crash

Driving 40 MPH vehicle in front stopped suddenly, hit the brakes but rearended vehicle anyway; driver's side air bag did not deploy; was rearended by another vehicle and esteem was totaled.

Filed Apr 22, 1997 · Brakes · NV

Abs brake failure, front calipers and bushing malfunctioned, causing front end vibration.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1996 Suzuki Esteem before you buy

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Questions about the 1996 Suzuki Esteem

Is the 1996 Suzuki Esteem reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1996 Suzuki Esteem, fewer than a typical Esteem model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Suzuki Esteem?

Brakes, with 3 complaints. Next is airbags (1).

How many recalls does the 1996 Suzuki Esteem have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 1996 Suzuki Esteem get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Suzuki Esteem range from 26 to 29 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23-26 city and 31-34 highway.

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