2003 Suzuki Aerio: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 36 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (31% of complaints); the 2002 and 2004 model years look more trouble-free.
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 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Started the car to warm it up, and smoke came out of dash board, making glass where speedometer is smokey and it still is. Smelt like wire burning and shut it off immediately. When checked on, a wire insulation had burnt off causing the smoke and smell. After replacing the wire coating, it was fine for a while, then coming back from a trip to augusta the speedometer number got dimmer, but I did not smell any smoke. So not sure what the defect is, just know this can't be right. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2014
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki aerio sx. The contact stated that the door handle broke while attempting to open it. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the defect. The door handle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 10,586 and the current mileage was 11,000.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Mar 2011
“I have had problems with my car for almost 2 months and it seems it never ends. Serious power steering problems which causes a lot of inconveniences for a single mother like me, taken to some shops, money wasted on nothing because it seems this is one of the weakest and worst problems a suzuki aerio 2003 could have. Checked on the internet and all of them have the same problem ! *ln”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“I am writing in reference to tire debris being left in the middle of new york's highways. These situations create hazardous road conditions and should be handled by the local governmental agencies. Today, I was traveling on 495 going west and a huge tire was left in the middle lane, I was not able to swerve so it created damage to my vehicle of which I am seeking to b e compensated. Please contact me regarding this matter. Thank you. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Jul 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki aerio. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 07v307000 (power train:manual transmission). The dealer is giving the contact the run around. The manufacturer stated that the dealer has the part, but the dealer stated otherwise. The dealer advised him to speak with the service manager, but the service manager has not returned his phone calls. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 50,000. Updated 02-19-08 *bf the consumer stated when calling to confirm the part is available always receives the run around from the dealer. Updated 02/19/08 *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 suzuki aerio. Over the course of a few days, the contact heard a noise coming from the engine. The noise intensified as time progressed. While driving 55 mph, the engine noise became louder and the vehicle gradually lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the engine needs to be replaced. The VIN and engine size were unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 73,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2007
“Development of "brake shake" under normal conditions, I.e. Usage under 15,000 miles annually; warped front discs due to inferior manufacture/materials; attempted to resolve under warranty; advised by several dealerships to have brake pads changed again, normal brake pad seating reaction, other lies, etc. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2006
“I took my car in to birmingham suzuki because my car was shaking and when you turn the car it would make a popping noise. They repair shop told me it was the racking pinion and the tie rod. They also told me that the care was unsafe to drive until it was repaired. My extended warranty covered it. I took my care back in on sept. 6, 2005 because my car would not start. The repair shop at birmingham suzuki informed me that when they ran the diagnostic that my ecm had loose wiring. They put it back in and then the car ran fine. The extended warranty did not cover that because they stated that there were no parts replaced. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2005
“When applying the brakes a loud banging sound was produced and the vehicle veered to the right. *ak brake grabs and pulls the car off the road to the right. Brakes snap and pop causing the car to stop in a peculiar fashion. The car needs to be recalled before serious problems occur total brake failure. *bf *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2005
“2003 suzuki aerio engine failed due to lack of oil.*mr the engine failed while the consumers wife was driving, which left her without brakes. The manufacturer stated the failure was due to lack of oil, however the consumer disagreed because the consumer has all of the service records. (lawyer on behalf of consumer). *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - 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.
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 2003 Suzuki Aerio reliable?
NHTSA has 36 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Suzuki Aerio. The most complained-about area is power train (31% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Suzuki Aerio problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 28,981 miles or less.
Does the 2003 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.