The contact owns a 2000 Suzuki Esteem. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle made a loud grinding noise and smoke appeared from the front passenger side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the front cross member bar fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Madison, WI, USA

2000 Suzuki Esteem. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle front end problems and seeks reimbursement for unauthorized repairs. The consumer stated he took the vehicle to a repair shop for front end problems. While there, he was informed a recall had been issued for a frame problem. The consumer then contacted the dealer, and they confirmed, that in fact, the vehicle was covered. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer. The next day, the consumer received a call from the dealer, stating a mistake had been made, and the vehicle was no longer covered under the recall. According to the dealer, the vehicle was not covered because it was five months older than the recalled covered. The dealer informed the consumer the cost for the repair was $603.26 after deducting $300 from the original bill. The consumer stated he never authorized them to perform the work, since the recall was no longer valid.

- Mastic Beach, NY, USA

Vehicle broke down and rumbled upon turning... apparently Suzuki knows of the recall but is not willing to repair outside March 2012.

- Dingman Ferry, PA, USA

2000 Suzuki Esteem sedan. The subframe and front passenger side axel rusted through and collapsed while turning corner. Loud grinding of tires. This caused the front passenger side wheel to be pushed back into the wheel well. Repaired cost of $1200. Fortunately no one was hurt as the vehicle was slowing down, but if these parts had failed at highway speeds, it is quite likely a fatal accident would have occurred. I have searched on line and found that other Suzuki owners have reported this same problem. I wrote to corporate relations at Suzuki in brea California, they contacted me and left a message that they were not going to reimburse me for the cost of repair and that the warranty for this known problem was no longer in effect as of Dec 21, 2011. However, the warranty they sent to owners said this repair would be for 12 years from the date the car was originally put in service or 180,000. My car met the conditions but they refuse to honor the coverage extension warranty. I hope this vehicle is recalled or at least owners should be notified of this defect before a fatal accident occurs.

- Swedesboro, NJ, USA

Steering wheel vibrates while driving or at a stop. Dealer has looked at vehicle 5 times, but cannot determine the cause.

- Fresno, CA, USA