Model year
2002 Suzuki Esteem
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 5 complaints for the 2002 Suzuki Esteem (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS (2), WHEELS (2), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE (1). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 25–27 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,500–$2,700, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
Recalls
03V223000 · Jun 16, 2003
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…
Complaints
5 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 1, fire flag on 0, injury field 0, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esteem · 1.6L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 31 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
| Esteem · 1.8L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 23 | 30 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
| Esteem · 1.8L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 32 | 27 | — | — | $2,500 |
| Esteem Wagon · 1.6L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 23 | 30 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| Esteem Wagon · 1.8L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 23 | 30 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
| Esteem Wagon · 1.8L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 24 | 31 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2002 Suzuki Esteem at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.