2001 Suzuki Esteem Reliability Score: 9.1 out of 10

21 NHTSA Complaints

0 Recalls

0 Fire Reports

1 Crash Reports

Reliability Score

9.1 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar subcompact sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 2 powertrain complaints. A typical subcompact sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 12.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall2 complaints against about 12 for similar vehicles

9.1

Last three years

n/aNot enough data

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

1.8-I4-Gas

1.8L 4-cyl

17 complaints 17.0 per year Gasoline

View details

Complaint Breakdown

body

suspension

engine

cooling

electrical

Same engine used in

HYUNDAI Elantra (2011-2016)FORD Focus (2000-2007)KIA Forte (2014-2018)VOLKSWAGEN Passat (2012-2022)TOYOTA Corolla (2014-2018)NISSAN Versa (2012-2019)

+35 more

HYUNDAI Elantra (2017-2020)DODGE Caliber (2007-2012)FORD Mustang (2005-2014)NISSAN Sentra (2013-2019)KIA Sephia (2000-2001)AUDI A4 (2009-2016)VOLKSWAGEN New Beetle (2000-2010)CHRYSLER 200 (2011-2014)AUDI A4 (2006-2008)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2000-2005)VOLKSWAGEN Passat (2000-2005)AUDI TT (2000-2006)KIA Spectra (2004-2009)FORD Focus (2012-2018)TOYOTA Matrix (2009-2014)AUDI A3 (2015-2020)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2001-2007)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2006-2010)RAM 1500 (2009-2018)DODGE Neon (2000-2005)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2008-2014)TOYOTA Corolla (2003-2008)KIA Forte (2010-2013)NISSAN Cube (2009-2014)VOLKSWAGEN Beetle (2012-2019)TOYOTA Camry (2007-2011)HYUNDAI Elantra (2007-2010)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2015-2021)DODGE Challenger (2008-2023)VOLKSWAGEN Jetta (2011-2018)TOYOTA Corolla (2009-2013)MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class (2015-2021)VOLKSWAGEN Golf (2000-2006)HYUNDAI Elantra (2001-2006)AUDI A4 (2002-2005)

Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data

These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Suzuki Esteem Unidentified Engine

4 complaints 4.0 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

body

suspension

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Suzuki Esteem, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Body/Trim: 10 owner complaints

Suspension: 5 owner complaints

All Generations

20002000 20012001

Alternatives in Subcompact Sedan

1 engine / 31 complaints

1 engine / 35 complaints

2 engines / 120 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2001-2001 Suzuki Esteem complaints?

Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Suzuki Esteem. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the suspension and the engine.

Is the 2001-2001 Suzuki Esteem 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 21 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2001 Suzuki Esteem. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2001 Suzuki Esteem have?

NHTSA has 21 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2001 Suzuki Esteem 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 2001-2001 Suzuki Esteem?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001-2001 Suzuki Esteem.

What should I check before buying a used Suzuki Esteem?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the body and trim, the suspension and the engine, 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 Esteem have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001 Suzuki Esteem. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 21 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-10-12.