Total Complaints
19 filings
SUZUKI AERIO · model year
19 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2002SUZUKIAERIO carries 19 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2002 AERIO is visibility:windshield with 1 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:caliper (1) and service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2002 AERIO. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
19 filings
Crashes Reported
2 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM | 1 |
| TIRES | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 1 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS | 1 |
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
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 STANDA
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI AERIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS IN TRAFFIC, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE EMITTED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE GEAR INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,663.
Mileage: 164,663
QUITE A FEW OF THE SCREWS OR GROMMETS THAT HOLD THE BODY PARTS ONTO MY CAR HAVE FELL OUT. MY FRONT BUMPER WAS BARELY BUMPED AND IT BROKE ONE OF THE CLIPS ON THE BUMPER AND IS NOW TIED UP WITH A SHOE STRING. MY A/C COMPRESSOR HAS ALREADY HAD TO BE REPLACED AND FOR SOME REASON THE COOLING FANS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE STRUCTURE ON THIS CAR IS POOR. THE LOCK TO THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOW JUST SPINS NOW, SO IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE TRUNKS LOCK DUE TO SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH ALSO DUE TO KEY NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. CLIPS FROM BOTH BUMPERS HAVE FALLEN OFF FOR NO REASON. I EXPECTED MORE FROM A SUZUKI CAR. I BELILEVE THIS WILL BE MY LAST PURCHASE FROM THEM. *TR
QUITE A FEW OF THE SCREWS OR GROMMETS THAT HOLD THE BODY PARTS ONTO MY CAR HAVE FELL OUT. MY FRONT BUMPER WAS BARELY BUMPED AND IT BROKE ONE OF THE CLIPS ON THE BUMPER AND IS NOW TIED UP WITH A SHOE STRING. MY A/C COMPRESSOR HAS ALREADY HAD TO BE REPLACED AND FOR SOME REASON THE COOLING FANS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE STRUCTURE ON THIS CAR IS POOR. THE LOCK TO THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOW JUST SPINS NOW, SO IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE TRUNKS LOCK DUE TO SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH ALSO DUE TO KEY NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. CLIPS FROM BOTH BUMPERS HAVE FALLEN OFF FOR NO REASON. I EXPECTED MORE FROM A SUZUKI CAR. I BELILEVE THIS WILL BE MY LAST PURCHASE FROM THEM. *TR
1. THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SIMPLY FELL OUT OF THE DOOR 2. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ONLY OPENS WHEN IT WANTS, LOCK STICKS 3. BODY PART SCREWS HAVE FALLEN OFF OF THE CAR CAUSING BODY PARTS TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. 4. SCREWS HOLDING FRONT BUMPER ON FELL OUT AND BUMPER FELL OFF. 5. TRUNK LOCK SIMPLY TURNS IN CIRCULAR MOTION WHEN TRYING TO OPEN WITH A KEY 6. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT STAY CLOSED DUE TO LOCK ASSEMBLY NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY 7. CAR WILL NOT GO INTO 4TH GEAR WITHOUT WARMING UP, YET ALL SYSTEMS CHECK OK WHEN TESTED AT MECHANIC SHOPS. NO ONE WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT USED FORM A DEALER. THEY SAY THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *JB
Mileage: 40,000
1. THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SIMPLY FELL OUT OF THE DOOR 2. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ONLY OPENS WHEN IT WANTS, LOCK STICKS 3. BODY PART SCREWS HAVE FALLEN OFF OF THE CAR CAUSING BODY PARTS TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. 4. SCREWS HOLDING FRONT BUMPER ON FELL OUT AND BUMPER FELL OFF. 5. TRUNK LOCK SIMPLY TURNS IN CIRCULAR MOTION WHEN TRYING TO OPEN WITH A KEY 6. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT STAY CLOSED DUE TO LOCK ASSEMBLY NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY 7. CAR WILL NOT GO INTO 4TH GEAR WITHOUT WARMING UP, YET ALL SYSTEMS CHECK OK WHEN TESTED AT MECHANIC SHOPS. NO ONE WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT USED FORM A DEALER. THEY SAY THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *JB
Mileage: 40,000
1. THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SIMPLY FELL OUT OF THE DOOR 2. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ONLY OPENS WHEN IT WANTS, LOCK STICKS 3. BODY PART SCREWS HAVE FALLEN OFF OF THE CAR CAUSING BODY PARTS TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. 4. SCREWS HOLDING FRONT BUMPER ON FELL OUT AND BUMPER FELL OFF. 5. TRUNK LOCK SIMPLY TURNS IN CIRCULAR MOTION WHEN TRYING TO OPEN WITH A KEY 6. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT STAY CLOSED DUE TO LOCK ASSEMBLY NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY 7. CAR WILL NOT GO INTO 4TH GEAR WITHOUT WARMING UP, YET ALL SYSTEMS CHECK OK WHEN TESTED AT MECHANIC SHOPS. NO ONE WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT USED FORM A DEALER. THEY SAY THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *JB
Mileage: 40,000
1. THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SIMPLY FELL OUT OF THE DOOR 2. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ONLY OPENS WHEN IT WANTS, LOCK STICKS 3. BODY PART SCREWS HAVE FALLEN OFF OF THE CAR CAUSING BODY PARTS TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. 4. SCREWS HOLDING FRONT BUMPER ON FELL OUT AND BUMPER FELL OFF. 5. TRUNK LOCK SIMPLY TURNS IN CIRCULAR MOTION WHEN TRYING TO OPEN WITH A KEY 6. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT STAY CLOSED DUE TO LOCK ASSEMBLY NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY 7. CAR WILL NOT GO INTO 4TH GEAR WITHOUT WARMING UP, YET ALL SYSTEMS CHECK OK WHEN TESTED AT MECHANIC SHOPS. NO ONE WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT USED FORM A DEALER. THEY SAY THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *JB
Mileage: 40,000
1. THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SIMPLY FELL OUT OF THE DOOR 2. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ONLY OPENS WHEN IT WANTS, LOCK STICKS 3. BODY PART SCREWS HAVE FALLEN OFF OF THE CAR CAUSING BODY PARTS TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. 4. SCREWS HOLDING FRONT BUMPER ON FELL OUT AND BUMPER FELL OFF. 5. TRUNK LOCK SIMPLY TURNS IN CIRCULAR MOTION WHEN TRYING TO OPEN WITH A KEY 6. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT STAY CLOSED DUE TO LOCK ASSEMBLY NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY 7. CAR WILL NOT GO INTO 4TH GEAR WITHOUT WARMING UP, YET ALL SYSTEMS CHECK OK WHEN TESTED AT MECHANIC SHOPS. NO ONE WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT USED FORM A DEALER. THEY SAY THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *JB
Mileage: 40,000
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEAT SHIELD BOLTS ON THE MOTOR CONTINUALLY BECAME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR TIGHTENING OF BOLTS SEVERAL TIMES.
Mileage: 10,000
DT; HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TIRES. HAS THEM ROTATED EVERY 6 MONTHS. DURING THIS TIME, A KNOT WAS VISIBLE ON THE TIRE. HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED, DEALER SAID TIRES WERE DRY ROTTING. ACTUALLY WENT TO SEPERATE DEALERS AND THEY BOTH NOTED THE SAME THING IN REGARDS TO THE TIRES DRY ROTTING. NOW HAS TO REPLACE 2 MORE TIRES, THERE IS PLENTY OF TREAD ON TIRES BUT DEALER SAID IF SIDEWALL IS STRUCK WITH THOSE KNOTS A BLOWOUT WILL OCCUR.
Mileage: 27,000
WHILE TURNING RIGHT AT 45 MPH THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED. CONSUMER LOST STEERING CONTROL AND HIT A POLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. UPDATED 02/09/06. *JB
Mileage: 19,000
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. *AK
Mileage: 50,000
HAD WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED ON VEHICLE AT 12,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 30,000 MILES. AT 42,000 MILES AXLE BROKE AT THE WHEEL. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH AND CAUSE $4,400.00 IN DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END.
Mileage: 42,500
WHEN BRAKING THERE IS A GRINDING AND OR POPPING NOISE. ALSO, THE BRAKE PEDAL FEELS SOFTER THAN NORMAL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED 4 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK THE CONSUMER NOTICED A POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END AND PULSATION IN THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL. SUZUKI ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM BUT THEY WEREN'T SURE OF HOW TO RESOLVE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT WOULD COME WHEN TRAVELING AT CERTAIN ANGLES BOTH ON AND OFF RAMP. *SC
Mileage: 8,004
CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY AS SHE WAS EXITING ONTO A RAMP. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL CAME TO HER RESCUE. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO A SUZUKI DEALER, AND CHECKED, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT BALL JOINTS FELL OUT. *AK
CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY AS SHE WAS EXITING ONTO A RAMP. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL CAME TO HER RESCUE. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO A SUZUKI DEALER, AND CHECKED, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT BALL JOINTS FELL OUT. *AK
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING SOUND, AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIED. THE SAME THING HAPPENED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Mileage: 8,000
BRAKE CALIPER HAS A HOLE AND LEAKS, CAUSING BRAKE FAILURE . *AK
WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE REAR WINDOW SEALANT PEELS OFF AND STICKS TO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER STATED THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY THE HEAT. VEHICLE IS WITHIN THE REMEDY SCOPE FOR A RECALL WITH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.