NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 36 owner complaints for the 2003 Suzuki Aerio. Most complaints involve power train (11) and wheels (6). The EPA rates it 23–25 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* 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 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND REPAIRS WERE AGAIN PERFORMED. THE FAILURE HAD SINCE CONTINUOUSLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.”
“THE RIGHT FRONT RIMS HAVE BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIMS BEND EASILY AND ALLOW AIR TO ESCAPE UPON THE SLIGHTEST IMPACT ON ROAD SURFACES. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *JB”
“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. *NM”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerio Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Aerio Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Aerio SX Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Aerio SX Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,500 | 355 |
| Aerio 4WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Aerio SX 4WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (11), wheels (6), service brakes, hydraulic (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2003 Suzuki Aerio at 23–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).