Most common 2004 Suzuki Aerio problems
Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Suzuki Aerio complaints by model year
Best Aerio years: 2004, 2002. Years to avoid: 2003, 2006. Compare all years →
2004 Suzuki Aerio recalls (1)
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.
What 2004 Suzuki Aerio owners say
Wheels & tires
I own a 2004 Suzuki Aerio AWD. The car seemed on the brink of hydroplaning at low rates of speed. At 14,000 miles the rear tires were completely bald and I purchased 4 new tires. The dealership attributed this to lack of rotation. Local tire shops stated this is a common problem with this model car. A full alignment was performed and regular rotation recommended. I had the car aligned and tires rotated every 5,00 miles. Again, I purchased 4 new tires at 42,000 miles after sliding off the road at a low rate of speed (less than 10 MPH) and into a curb. The conditions were slippery and snowy. At 50,000 miles, I had my car inspected and a tire is starting to wear on the outside rim at an unusual rate. This compromises the belt and traction of the tires. …
My rear alignment is off so in October of 2005 I took it in to get fixed as my rear tires appeared to be wearing at an unusual rate and pattern. Problem was said to be in some Suzuki Aerio's but was said to be fixed. The specs were off and had to be reset and rear tires warranted. On January 5th I took car in to get oil changed and rotation of tires. They would not rotate as back tires were worn and they told me to take it back where I got it fixed the previous time. On January 20th rear alignment fixed again and this time they had to bend something (a strut ?) in order to get the specs right on the car. I went off the road when I returned home and went into a ditch. No damage. Then on January 31th new tires put on the front and old ones rotated to the back. The old ones were from October and were in excellent condition per Suzuki dealership. …
Suspension
Tl contact owns a 2004 Suzuki Aerio. The contact placed brand new rear tires on the vehicle because the alignment failed at 14,000 miles. The dealer stated that the tire failure was caused by the factory improperly aligning the vehicle's rear end. Currently, the contact needs to have the front tires and bushings replaced for the same failure. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 18,000 and failure mileage was 14,000. The consumer provided copies of the repair invoices. The dealer stated the vehicle passenger and driver mirrors are loose, tail light has moisture, windshields leak, tires are knotted and click, passenger has to hold seatbelt, and popping noise when brakes are applied. Updated 06/15/07
Tl*- contact bought the 2004 Suzuki Aerio in March 2004, and at the time of the purchase the vehicle had yokohama tires. At 12,000 miles all 4 tires had to be replaced because the tread was wearing out. The contact thought that the tires were faulty so she replaced them with 4 new Michelin tires. At 14,000 miles the tread was wearing out on all 4 tires. The contact took vehicle to the dealership, and they stated that the vehicle needed a rear alignment, and that they would also replace all the tires. They replaced all 4 tires with Michelin tires, and at 12,000 miles the contact took ehicle to the dealership, and they stated that both rear tires needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 48000.
2004 Suzuki Aerio engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 28 / 24 |
| 2.3L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 21 / 26 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Suzuki Aerio a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Aerio rates better than average: 55% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Aerio at the same age. It is one of the best Aerio years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Suzuki Aerio?
The wheels & tires — 6 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about tread/belt. Next are the suspension (3) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2004 Suzuki Aerio have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Suzuki Aerio, the most recent from July 15, 2007 (manual transmission). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Suzuki Aerio?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003 and 2006. See the full Suzuki Aerio years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Suzuki Aerio problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 20,000 miles; 67% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.