KnownCarProblems2003 Suzuki Aerio Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Suzuki Aerio, most often about the transmission (31% of complaints, typically around 28,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Aerio model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2003 Suzuki Aerio problems
Transmission
11 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 28,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline, manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch assembly.
While driving at 15 MPH and making a turn driver tried to accelerate and the vehicle just stopped. The left front cv axle came out of the trans axle. The clip came out of the cv joint, causing the vehicle to become immobile. Owner had vehicle towed to the dealership.
At approx. 23,000 miles front right wheel bearing failed. With in 20 miles after repair failed again, and has done so for the next five wheel bearings. The dealer & or Suzuki represenitives don't not know what to do with this situation, on this 2003 Suzuki. This car is still under warranty I feel they are stalling…
Wheels and tires
8 complaints · 22%Parts named most often: rim.
Aluminium rim failure on 2003 Suzuki Aerio - rim manufacturered by enkei.aughter realized something did not feel right on car and told her to take it to local tire shop we trade at.tire shop said she could have got in a serious accident if she had not taken it in.rim cracked on inboard side and chunk came off.tire…
My daughter was driving my 2003 Suzuki Aerio with my infant grand daughter in the car and the rim snapped in 2 pieces and the whole wheel fell off and the car slip 175 feet on the rotor. When taken to the dealer for repair I was told that this was not a defect and I had to pay out of pocket for all the damages…
Brakes
3 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components.
When applying the brakes a loud banging sound was produced and the vehicle veered to the right. Brake grabs and pulls the car off the road to the right. Brakes snap and pop causing the car to stop in a peculiar fashion. The car needs to be recalled before serious problems occur total brake failure.
Development of "brake shake" under normal conditions, I.e. Usage under 15,000 miles annually; warped front discs due to inferior manufacture/materials; attempted to resolve under warranty; advised by several dealerships to have brake pads changed again, normal brake pad seating reaction, other lies, etc.
Engine
3 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: engine.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Suzuki Aerio. Over the course of a few days, the contact heard a noise coming from the engine. The noise intensified as time progressed. While driving 55 MPH, the engine noise became louder and the vehicle gradually lost power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the…
Started the car to warm it up, and smoke came out of dash board, making glass where speedometer is smokey and it still is. Smelt like wire burning and shut it off immediately. When checked on, a wire insulation had burnt off causing the smoke and smell. After replacing the wire coating, it was fine for a while, then…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Suzuki Aerio recalls
Transmission: manual transmission
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: windshield
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2003 Suzuki Aerio
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Suzuki Aerio?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (11 complaints, typically around 28,000 miles); wheels and tires (8 complaints); brakes (3 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Suzuki Aerio have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 15, 2007 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Suzuki Aerio?
- It is the most complained-about Aerio model year since 2000, with 36 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.
Other Suzuki Aerio years
- 2003
- 2006