Two problems related to transmission noise have been reported for the 1999 Suzuki Esteem. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1999, Suzuki, Esteem wagon transmission needed to be replaced at 33,000 miles 05-09-2002, Suzuki repaired it free of charge, even though warranty expired 2 months earlier. Currently, at 48,000 miles it has started making the same noises again. Vehicle was parked to avoid further damage. It was explained to consumer that the first time it did this was because internal transmission broke off inside holding plate, causing gears and bearings to malfunction due to debris.
When driving consumer noticed a loud noise coming from engine compartment. Vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph. Contacted the dealer. Dealer noted that manual transmission went out, needed to be replaced.