NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 14 owner complaints for the 2004 Suzuki Aerio. Most complaints involve tires (6) and suspension (3). The EPA rates it 23–24 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I OWN A 2004 SUZUKI AERIO AWD. THE CAR SEEMED ON THE BRINK OF HYDROPLANING AT LOW RATES OF SPEED. AT 14,000 MILES THE REAR TIRES WERE COMPLETELY BALD AND I PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES. THE DEALERSHIP ATTRIBUTED THIS TO LACK OF ROTATION. LOCAL TIRE SHOPS STATED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR. A FULL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED AND REGULAR ROTATION RECOMMENDED. I HAD THE CAR ALIGNED AND TIRES ROTATED EVERY 5,00 MILES. AGAIN, I PURCHASED 4 NEW TIRES AT 42,000 MILES AFTER SLIDING OFF THE ROAD AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED (LESS THAN 10 MPH) AND INTO A CURB. THE CONDITIONS WERE SLIPPERY AND SNOWY. AT 50,000 MILES, I HAD MY CAR INSPECTED AND A TIRE IS STARTING TO WEAR ON THE OUTSIDE RIM AT AN UNUSUAL RATE. THIS COMPROMISES THE BELT AND TRACTION OF THE TIRES. THIS CAR IS A MAJOR HAZARD BECAUSE IT MAY NOT EVEN ABLE TO GO 12 MONTHS BETWEEN INSPECTIONS OR 3 MONTHS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES WITHOUT TIRES GOING BALD OR BLOWING OUT. THERE HAS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW CAUSING THE TIRES TO WEAR AT UNUSUALLY HIGH RATES: EITHER THE TIRE SIZE OR SURROUNDING STRUCTURES. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION. I WOULD HAVE PURCHASED A SAFER CAR BUT CANNOT…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SUZUKI AERIO. THE CONTACT PLACED BRAND NEW REAR TIRES ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE ALIGNMENT FAILED AT 14,000 MILES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE FACTORY IMPROPERLY ALIGNING THE VEHICLE'S REAR END. CURRENTLY, THE CONTACT NEEDS TO HAVE THE FRONT TIRES AND BUSHINGS REPLACED FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 18,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED COPIES OF THE REPAIR INVOICES. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE PASSENGER AND DRIVER MIRRORS ARE LOOSE, TAIL LIGHT HAS MOISTURE, WINDSHIELDS LEAK, TIRES ARE KNOTTED AND CLICK, PASSENGER HAS TO HOLD SEATBELT, AND POPPING NOISE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. UPDATED 06/15/07 *TR”
“The contact owns a 2004 Suzuki Aerio. The contact stated that the gear shifter was loose. The gear shifter was shifted, but the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 220,886.”
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, 2.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Aerio Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Aerio SX Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Aerio SX Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| Aerio AWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| Aerio SX AWD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 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 |
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 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 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (6), suspension (3), power train (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2004 Suzuki Aerio at 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).