NHTSA vehicle safety data

2002 Suzuki Aerio Recalls & Complaints

The 2002 Suzuki Aerio has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 13 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Suzuki dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2002 Suzuki Aerio. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2002 Suzuki Aerio owner complaints

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Suzuki Aerio, describing incidents dated March 2, 2003 to February 4, 2017.

Most-cited components

Suspension 4 complaints
Service Brakes 3 complaints
Engine 2 complaints
Structure 2 complaints
Electrical System 1 complaint
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1 complaint

Of the 13 complaints on file, 2 report a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10949707 · Filed February 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI AERIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS IN TRAFFIC, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE EMITTED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE GEAR INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE…
ODI #10212483 · Filed December 21, 2007
QUITE A FEW OF THE SCREWS OR GROMMETS THAT HOLD THE BODY PARTS ONTO MY CAR HAVE FELL OUT. MY FRONT BUMPER WAS BARELY BUMPED AND IT BROKE ONE OF THE CLIPS ON THE BUMPER AND IS NOW TIED UP WITH A SHOE STRING. MY A/C COMPRESSOR HAS ALREADY HAD TO BE REPLACED AND FOR SOME REASON THE COOLING FANS ARE NOT…
ODI #10188356 · Filed April 19, 2007
1. THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SIMPLY FELL OUT OF THE DOOR 2. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ONLY OPENS WHEN IT WANTS, LOCK STICKS 3. BODY PART SCREWS HAVE FALLEN OFF OF THE CAR CAUSING BODY PARTS TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. 4. SCREWS HOLDING FRONT BUMPER ON FELL OUT AND BUMPER FELL OFF. 5…

Read all 13 complaints

SHIFT CABLE RETAINING CLIP

NHTSA #07V307000 · Power Train — Manual Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported July 15, 2007 · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Potentially affected: 14,251 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign MU · Owners notified August 13, 2007

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

REPEATED SHIFTING IN THIS MANNER CAN EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE RETAINING CLIP TO BREAK. IF THE RETAINING CLIP BREAKS, THE SHIFT CABLE CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE SHIFT LEVER, RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO CHANGE TRANSMISSION GEARS.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

SUZUKI RECALL NO. MU.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

SUZUKI/FMVSS 212/WINDSHIELD MOUNTING

NHTSA #03V223000 · Visibility — Windshield · NHTSA notice

Reported June 16, 2003 · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Potentially affected: 5,319 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign EC · Owners notified July 8, 2003 · Vehicles built December 1, 2001 – May 31, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, IT MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE EJECTION OF UNBELTED OCCUPANTS, INCREASING THE RISK OF SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH.

Manufacturer 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. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.

Notes

SUZUKI RECALL NO. EC.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2002 Suzuki Aerio 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

13 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Suzuki Aerio.

Power Train

ODI #10949707

Incident: February 4, 2017 · Filed: February 6, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUZUKI AERIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS IN TRAFFIC, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE EMITTED AND THE GEAR SHIFTER BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE GEAR INTO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,663.

Engine and Engine Cooling; Structure

ODI #10212483

Incident: November 1, 2007 · Filed: December 21, 2007

QUITE A FEW OF THE SCREWS OR GROMMETS THAT HOLD THE BODY PARTS ONTO MY CAR HAVE FELL OUT. MY FRONT BUMPER WAS BARELY BUMPED AND IT BROKE ONE OF THE CLIPS ON THE BUMPER AND IS NOW TIED UP WITH A SHOE STRING. MY A/C COMPRESSOR HAS ALREADY HAD TO BE REPLACED AND FOR SOME REASON THE COOLING FANS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE STRUCTURE ON THIS CAR IS POOR. THE LOCK TO THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOW JUST SPINS NOW, SO IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE THE TRUNKS LOCK DUE TO SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH ALSO DUE TO KEY NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. CLIPS FROM BOTH BUMPERS HAVE FALLEN OFF FOR NO REASON. I EXPECTED MORE FROM A SUZUKI CAR. I BELILEVE THIS WILL BE MY LAST PURCHASE FROM THEM. *TR

Electrical System; Structure; Latches/Locks/Linkages

ODI #10188356

Incident: April 18, 2007 · Filed: April 19, 2007

1. THE SCREWS THAT HOLD THE DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY SIMPLY FELL OUT OF THE DOOR 2. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR ONLY OPENS WHEN IT WANTS, LOCK STICKS 3. BODY PART SCREWS HAVE FALLEN OFF OF THE CAR CAUSING BODY PARTS TO FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. 4. SCREWS HOLDING FRONT BUMPER ON FELL OUT AND BUMPER FELL OFF. 5. TRUNK LOCK SIMPLY TURNS IN CIRCULAR MOTION WHEN TRYING TO OPEN WITH A KEY 6. PASSENGER FRONT DOOR SOMETIMES WILL NOT STAY CLOSED DUE TO LOCK ASSEMBLY NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY 7. CAR WILL NOT GO INTO 4TH GEAR WITHOUT WARMING UP, YET ALL SYSTEMS CHECK OK WHEN TESTED AT MECHANIC SHOPS. NO ONE WILL DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE I BOUGHT IT USED FORM A DEALER. THEY SAY THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10154483

Incident: April 4, 2006 · Filed: April 4, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HEAT SHIELD BOLTS ON THE MOTOR CONTINUALLY BECAME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR TIGHTENING OF BOLTS SEVERAL TIMES.

Tires

ODI #10122529

Incident: April 28, 2004 · Filed: May 31, 2005

DT; HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TIRES. HAS THEM ROTATED EVERY 6 MONTHS. DURING THIS TIME, A KNOT WAS VISIBLE ON THE TIRE. HAD TO HAVE IT REPLACED, DEALER SAID TIRES WERE DRY ROTTING. ACTUALLY WENT TO SEPERATE DEALERS AND THEY BOTH NOTED THE SAME THING IN REGARDS TO THE TIRES DRY ROTTING. NOW HAS TO REPLACE 2 MORE TIRES, THERE IS PLENTY OF TREAD ON TIRES BUT DEALER SAID IF SIDEWALL IS STRUCK WITH THOSE KNOTS A BLOWOUT WILL OCCUR.

Suspension

ODI #10112844

Crash

Incident: December 21, 2003 · Filed: February 22, 2005

WHILE TURNING RIGHT AT 45 MPH THE LOWER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED. CONSUMER LOST STEERING CONTROL AND HIT A POLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED. DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. UPDATED 02/09/06. *JB

Suspension

ODI #10072297

Incident: March 11, 2004 · Filed: May 7, 2004

FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WORE OUT PREMATURELY. *AK

Suspension

ODI #10053404

Filed: January 5, 2004

CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY AS SHE WAS EXITING ONTO A RAMP. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL CAME TO HER RESCUE. AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO A SUZUKI DEALER, AND CHECKED, CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT BALL JOINTS FELL OUT. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10053357

Incident: March 2, 2003 · Filed: February 19, 2004

WHEN BRAKING THERE IS A GRINDING AND OR POPPING NOISE. ALSO, THE BRAKE PEDAL FEELS SOFTER THAN NORMAL. VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED 4 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK THE CONSUMER NOTICED A POPPING NOISE IN THE FRONT END AND PULSATION IN THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL. SUZUKI ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM BUT THEY WEREN'T SURE OF HOW TO RESOLVE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT WOULD COME WHEN TRAVELING AT CERTAIN ANGLES BOTH ON AND OFF RAMP. *SC

Suspension

ODI #10053089

Crash

Incident: December 20, 2003 · Filed: January 13, 2004

HAD WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED ON VEHICLE AT 12,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 30,000 MILES. AT 42,000 MILES AXLE BROKE AT THE WHEEL. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH AND CAUSE $4,400.00 IN DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END.

Other Suzuki Aerio model years

Check your 2002 Suzuki Aerio VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Suzuki Aerio at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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