2002 Suzuki Aerio: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern suspension.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2017
“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.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2006
“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.”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2004
Show 6 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2003
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2003
“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.”Owner report · Visibility · Aug 2003
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2003
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2003
“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”Owner report · Suspension
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP WITH A CLIP THAT HAS A DIFFERENT SHAPE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AMERICAN SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Aerio by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Suzuki Aerio reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Suzuki Aerio. The most complained-about area is suspension.
Does the 2002 Suzuki Aerio have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.