Aerio (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.3-I4-Gas
2.3L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
2.0-I4-Gas
2.0L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Suzuki Aerio Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Suzuki Aerio, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio
On a used 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (21), the wheels and tires (21) and the transmission and drivetrain (19). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 21 owner complaints on the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio about the brakes.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 21 owner complaints on the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio about the wheels and tires.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 19 owner complaints on the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio about the suspension.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 9 owner complaints on the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Recalls (2)
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.
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.
Alternatives in Subcompact Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio complaints?
Owners have filed 118 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the wheels and tires and the transmission.
Is the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 118 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio have?
NHTSA has 118 owner complaints on file for the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Suzuki Aerio?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the wheels and tires and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Aerio have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002-2007 Suzuki Aerio. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 118 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.