Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 27 | 1.5× | 1 | Brake | Caution |
| 2005 | 22 | typical | 1 | Suspension | Average |
| 2004 | 14 | −55% | 1 | Wheel & Tire | Good |
| 2003 | 36 | 1.9× | 2 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2002 | 13 | −47% | 2 | Suspension | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Aerio year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Suzuki Aerio problems
Latest Suzuki Aerio recalls
Power train › Manual transmission
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.
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 vehicle safety standard no.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Suzuki Aerio should you avoid?
2003 and 2006 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Aerio years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2003.
What is the best year for the Suzuki Aerio?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other Aerio years at the same age, followed by 2002. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Suzuki Aerio problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the wheels & tires (20), brakes (18) and transmission & drivetrain (18). Wheel & Tire complaints peak in the 2003 model year.
How many recalls has the Suzuki Aerio had?
2 recalls across 2002–2006. The model year with the most is 2002.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.