VehicleVerdict

2012 Suzuki DL1000 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2012 Suzuki DL1000 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other DL1000 years?

DL1000 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted15 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 2 complaints2007: 5 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 5 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 6 complaints2014: 15 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints
DL1000 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all DL1000 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Suzuki DL1000 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine233%
Fuel System233%
Electrical System117%
Speed Control117%

Does the 2012 Suzuki DL1000 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V018000Electrical SystemJanuary 19, 2016 · 68,344 units

Defect

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 AN400, AN400A, DL1000, GSX1300R, 2008-2009 GSF1250S and GSF1250SA, 2008 GSX1300BK and GSX1300BKA, 2008-2010 GSX650F, GSX-R600, GSX-R750, VLR1800, VLR1800T, and 2009-2010 SFV650 and VZ1500 motorcycles. Due to a problem with the circuit board for the regulator/rectifier power module, the motorcycle may not sufficiently charge the battery and the motorcycle may stall.

Consequence

If the engine stalls while riding, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy

Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the regulator/rectifier, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 4, 2016. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-444-5077. Suzuki's number for this recall is 2A56 to 2A64.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE HAS ISSUES STARTING WHEN IT SITS IN THE SUN. ENGINE WILL CRANK AND CRANK STRONGLY BUT WILL NOT START EASILY. VEHICLE WILL EVENTUALLY START AFTER 3 TO 4 TRIES, BUT EXHAUST WILL SMELL LIKE GAS. THE THROTTLE NEEDS TO BE HELD OPEN TO KEEP RUNNING AND TO GET VEHICLE STARTED. VEHICLE IS ROUGH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 4, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUZUKI DL1000 MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF TEN MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN DEALER. THE MECHANIC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 18, 2013

“VEHICLE HAS ISSUES STARTING WHEN IT SITS IN THE SUN. ENGINE WILL CRANK AND CRANK STRONGLY BUT WILL NOT START EASILY. VEHICLE WILL EVENTUALLY START AFTER 3 TO 4 TRIES, BUT EXHAUST WILL SMELL LIKE GAS. THE THROTTLE NEEDS TO BE HELD OPEN TO KEEP RUNNING AND TO GET VEHICLE STARTED. VEHICLE IS ROUGH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 4, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 (NA) SUZUKI DL 1000AL4 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 15, 2014

2012 Suzuki DL1000 — common questions

Is the 2012 Suzuki DL1000 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Suzuki DL1000 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Suzuki DL1000. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.