Sub frame of 1999 Suzuki Esteem had rusted thru.I was driving at 70 miles per hour when the sub frame cracked and pushed the passenger front tire back against the fender caused the front tire to lock up which caused me to wreck. I spoke with Suzuki and gave them my VIN number and was told that part was on recall and to have my car towed in and they would fix that part. Two days later I was called and told that the recall had expired 3 months earlier. I was never notified and was also wondering how a recall on a safety issue could expire. I have seen hundreds of complaints on forums about the same issue and it is always the passenger side.

- Bardstown, KY, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Suzuki Esteem. While driving at 55 mph in dry conditions the vehicle began to pull to the right and produced a rubbing noise. The contact stated that upon arriving at the mechanic shop the front passenger side wheel collapsed. The mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that a possible cause of failure was the air conditioner leaking and may have rusted through the vehicle's frame. The current and failure mileage were 130,000. The consumer has included pictures of the frame damages. Update 5/3/07

- Shelbyville, IN, USA

I own a 1999 Suzuki Esteem, 55,000 miles, car is kept in a garage. My sub frame rusted in half and broke. The aaa person that towed the car, 2 mechanics, and every male I have told are appalled that this could have happened. My mechanic called fred martins Suzuki, where is was purchased, and spoke to the mechanic there. He was told 3 subframes had been fixed during the month of July, but no recall was made. This is supposed to be one of the strongest parts of the car. Fred martin Suzuki has informed me that nothing can be done, after all the car is 6 years old, not under warranty, etc. Do I have a legitimate complaint, seeing as this could have caused a fatal accident had it broken while driving on the expressway. Is this something to be expected of a six year old car? the car was repaired at the cost of $1,100. I do not feel safe in the car, but haven't the option of buying a new one at this time.

- Akron, OH, USA