2003 Suzuki Aerio recalls and problems

The 2003 Suzuki Aerio has 2 safety recalls and 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Suzuki dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
36
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Suzuki Aerio vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Suzuki Aerio recalls

Recall 07V-307: Power Train

Reported Jul 15, 2007 · 14,251 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 03V-223: Visibility

Reported Jun 16, 2003 · 5,319 vehicles affected · AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.

Problem: 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.

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.

2003 Suzuki Aerio problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train12
Wheels6
Electrical System4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Steering2
Tires2
Structure1
Air Bags1
Suspension1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Visibility1

Most reported parts

  • Wheels › Rim — 5
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 4
  • Power Train › Driveline — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) — 1
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 27,961 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Suzuki Aerio complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 15,000 miles · reported Oct 2, 2014
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 coming back from a trip to augusta the speedometer number got dimmer, but I did not smell any smoke. So not sure what the defect is, just know this can't be right.
Power Train · at 82,000 miles · reported May 15, 2012
The contact owns a 2003 suzuki aerio sx wagon. The contact stated that the manual transmission dislodged from the fifth gear while driving 55 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent repair shop and the fifth gear of the transmission was repaired. The contact was also informed that the fifth gear was externally housed, causing the failure. The remaining gears were all internally housed and operated as normal. The failure recurred approximately one week later. The…
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 10,586 miles · reported Jun 6, 2011
The contact owns a 2003 suzuki aerio sx. The contact stated that the door handle broke while attempting to open it. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the defect. The door handle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 10,586 and the current mileage was 11,000.
Unknown or Other · at 61,000 miles · reported Dec 23, 2010
I have had problems with my car for almost 2 months and it seems it never ends. Serious power steering problems which causes a lot of inconveniences for a single mother like me, taken to some shops, money wasted on nothing because it seems this is one of the weakest and worst problems a suzuki aerio 2003 could have. Checked on the internet and all of them have the same problem !
Power Train · at 60,000 miles · reported Dec 13, 2008
2003 suzuki aerio cv joint keeps coming out due to snap ring in rear end,car is under warranty. Car dealer will not honor warranty,says rear axle is a after market part, this is not true,why would we have car worked on when under warranty, we are third owner of car and know the two previous owners which is a father and son,they are adamant no work has been done on this car,they would have taken the car to get fixed since it is still under warranty, its very easy for the mechanic to get some rear end axle and say it came out of my car ,just to avoid fixing my car,their claim is if someone else…

Other Suzuki Aerio years

Compare all Suzuki Aerio years · All Suzuki models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Suzuki Aerio have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Suzuki Aerio: 07V-307 (power train), 03V-223 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Suzuki Aerio?

Owners report power train problems most often (12 reports), followed by wheels (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 27,961 miles.

Are Suzuki recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Suzuki dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.