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2002 Suzuki Esteem problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Suzuki Esteem is body and structure. It has fewer complaints than a typical Esteem model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
92/100
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
4
Worst area
Body
Fuel economy
25-27mpg

The worst 2002 Suzuki Esteem problems

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

  • Body
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Steering
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Body
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 1

Visibility: windshieldReported June 16, 2003 · 5,319 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 03V223000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Suzuki Esteem

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Suzuki Esteem 4

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

2002 Suzuki Esteem fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cylFWD23-2430-3226-27
1.6L 4‑cylFWD23-2430-3125-26

What 2002 Suzuki Esteem owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 20, 2014 · Body, Wheels · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 suzuki esteem. The contact occasionally heard a loud noise from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the shielding needed to be replaced around the muffler. The vehicle was repaired however,the failure recurred. The right axle shaft was broken on the subframe which was corroded with extensive rust in addition to the engine cradle cross member. The vehicle was inspected, diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Dec 10, 2008 · Body, Wheels · 67,050 miles · NH

Sole owner 2002 suzuki esteem wagon with rotted k-frame and rusted wheels. Suzuki will only cover k-frame part and dealer wants $390. For labor. Are there other suzuki vehicles with reported rotted k-frames?. I've owned this vehicle since april 2002. This vehicle will not pass state inspection due to rotted frame.

Filed Oct 2, 2002 · Engine, Fuel system · UT

Check engine light has come on 6 times and there is no computer code. Gas gauge is inaccurate. *jb *nlm *****dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****768037

Filed Apr 29, 2002 · Tires · NY

Original tire on suzuki, esteem 2002, p18560r14 dot elbodeh340. While traveling at 10 MPH on slightlty wet pavement consumer was making a right turn when vehicle began to skid. Vehicle felt like it was going to tip over. Consumer feels there is a defect in tires. *ak

Filed Mar 25, 2002 · Steering · PA · crash

While traveling another vehicle crossed into consumer's vehicle's lane and hit it. Steering wheel had played into wheel, enabling him to steer.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2002 Suzuki Esteem before you buy

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Questions about the 2002 Suzuki Esteem

Is the 2002 Suzuki Esteem reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2002 Suzuki Esteem, fewer than a typical Esteem model year.

What is the 2002 Suzuki Esteem year score?

The 2002 Suzuki Esteem scores 92 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Suzuki Esteem: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Suzuki Esteem?

Body and structure, with 2 complaints. Next is wheels (2).

How many recalls does the 2002 Suzuki Esteem have?

1 recall, covering visibility.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Suzuki Esteem get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Suzuki Esteem range from 25 to 27 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 23-24 city and 30-32 highway.

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