SkipThatYearREAL DATA. SMARTER CAR DECISIONS.
← New search

1998 Suzuki Esteem

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →
24Owner complaints

Model-year median: 16.5

0Recall campaigns

View recall details →

0Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
13
19955
19967
199724
199820
199926
200021
2001
Compare all Esteem years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Structure
7Air Bags
6Suspension
6Seat Belts
3Seats
2
All reported categories
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2Steering
2Electrical System
1Exterior Lighting
1Fuel System, Gasoline
1Power Train
1Tires
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 7 of 24 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Structure. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

Steering complaints

2 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2002
Steering

THIS COMPLAINT DEALS WITH FAILED INNER TIE-ROD IN THE GEAR ASSEMBLY. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN SEVERE PROBLEMS IN CONTROLLING THE CAR AT HIGH SPEED. THE PROBLEM AROSE BECAUSE OF BROKEN BOOT AND SUBSEQUENT MOISTURE BUILD-UP AND DAMAGE TO THE TIE-ROD. THE SERVICE PERSONNEL ATTRIBUTED THE FAILURE TO FAULTY PART AND POOR WORKMANSHI…

Read full complaint

THIS COMPLAINT DEALS WITH FAILED INNER TIE-ROD IN THE GEAR ASSEMBLY. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN SEVERE PROBLEMS IN CONTROLLING THE CAR AT HIGH SPEED. THE PROBLEM AROSE BECAUSE OF BROKEN BOOT AND SUBSEQUENT MOISTURE BUILD-UP AND DAMAGE TO THE TIE-ROD. THE SERVICE PERSONNEL ATTRIBUTED THE FAILURE TO FAULTY PART AND POOR WORKMANSHIP. THERE WAS THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AND DANGER TO OCCUPANTS OF THE CAR AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD.*AK

NHTSA ODI #761320

Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 1998
Steering

WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH VEHICLE LOSES CONTROL. STEERING PULLS LEFT TO RIGHT. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERS, WHERE THEY ARE UNABLE FIX PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #824306

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.