Most common 2000 Suzuki Esteem problems
Share of the 26 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Suzuki Esteem complaints by model year
Best Esteem years: 2002, 1996, 1997. Years to avoid: 1998, 1999, 2000. Compare all years →
What 2000 Suzuki Esteem owners say
Body & structure
I was a licensed mechanic for many years with a lot of expertise. I bought my daughter a 2000 Suzuki Esteem two years ago. We live in michigan and I bought this particular car because it was from virginia and was immaculate not like the cars from the rust belt here in michgan. She was driving the car and it all of a sudden, violently and without warning pulled very hard. She called me I told her to stop the car and let me inspect it. She got it to a safe area and also told me the passenger side wheel was "bent in". I inspected it and immediately noticed the cross frame that supports the two a frames to the subframe of the car had completed rusted out and detached on the passenger side and was almost gone on the driver side too. …
2000 Suzuki Esteem wagon. Subframe and front passenger side axel rusted through and collapsed while coming to a stop.. This caused the front passenger side wheel to be pushed back into the wheel well. The car needed to be towed and is being repaired for a cost of $1000. Fortunately no one was hurt as the vehicle was slowing down, but if these parts had failed at highway speeds, it is quite likely a fatal accident would have occurred. I have searched on line and found that other Suzuki owners have reported this same problem. I hope this vehicle is recalled or at least owners should be notified of this defect.
Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Suzuki Esteem. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle made a loud grinding noise and smoke appeared from the front passenger side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the front cross member bar fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Suzuki Esteem. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the passenger wheel went out of the alignment. The dealer stated that the passenger front sub- frame had excessive rust. Updated 05/20/08
Engine & cooling
It started in November 2000 my engine check light came on. I took it in to lithia in oregon they reset it . In March of 2001 myengine check light came on again so I took in lithia in sparks nv they reset again . 13 March 2002 there was a recall on a fuel vapor control valve and my check engine light was on again they replace the fuel vapor control valve and said that was my problem 12 days later it happen again so they replace my canister air valve.06/20/2002 it came on again but I have'nt took it in yet.
Vehicle broke down and rumbled upon turning... Apparently Suzuki knows of the recall but is not willing to repair outside March 2012.
2000 Suzuki Esteem engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 26 / 33 / 29 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 32 / 27 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 24 / 31 / 26 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Suzuki Esteem a good car?
Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 Esteem rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Esteem at the same age. It is one of the Esteem years we suggest avoiding. 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 2000 Suzuki Esteem?
The body & structure — 9 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frame and members. Next are the suspension (8) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 2000 Suzuki Esteem have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000 Suzuki Esteem. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Suzuki Esteem?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 1996 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998, 1999 and 2000. See the full Suzuki Esteem years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 Suzuki Esteem problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 96,000 miles; 0% 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.