VehicleVerdict

2012 Suzuki DL650 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2012 Suzuki DL650 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other DL650 years?

DL650 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted6 complaints2004: 1 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 2 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 1 complaints2009: 1 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 0 complaints
DL650 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all DL650 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Suzuki DL650 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System467%
Brakes117%
Transmission117%

Does the 2012 Suzuki DL650 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V878000Electrical SystemDecember 6, 2016 · 8,613 units

Defect

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 DL650 motorcycles manufactured August 30, 2011, to October 12, 2015. In the affected motorcycles, the alternator stator may have insufficient heat resistance, resulting in a short circuit of the stator wires.

Consequence

A short circuit of the stator wires may prevent the battery from properly charging, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the stator, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2017. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-714-572-1490. Suzuki's number for this recall is 2A67.

15V852000EngineDecember 18, 2015 · 6,214 units

Defect

Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 SFV650 and AN650A, and 2012-2014 DL650A motorcycles. Contamination from component production and storage combined with manufacturing variations may result in excessive tappet and camshaft wear within the engines of the affected motorcycles.

Consequence

The excessive wear may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tappet clearance, replacing the tappets and camshafts, as necessary. All motorcycles that have less than 2500 miles will have their tappets and camshafts replaced since wear may not be evident. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2016. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-714-996-7040. Suzuki's number for this recall is 2A50, 2A51, and 2A52.

12V038000LightingFebruary 3, 2012 · 1,396 units

Defect

SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 AN400, AN650, AND DL650 SCOOTERS AND MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO DECEMBER 17, 2011, BECAUSE THE LEVER-MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHT ACTUATING SWITCH(ES) MAY FAIL.

Consequence

ON THE AN400 AND AN650 MODELS, FAILURE OF THE SWITCHES WILL PREVENT THE SCOOTERS FROM STARTING. ON ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS, FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH(ES) MAY CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN A SCOOTER OR MOTORCYCLE IS BRAKING, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITH A TRAILING VEHICLE.

Remedy

SUZUKI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND SUZUKI DISTRIBUTORS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT ACTUATING SWITCH, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-714-996-7040.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 SUZUKI DL650. AFTER RIDING 360 MILES, OVER A TWO DAY PERIOD, THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS AND THE PARKING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED SLIGHTLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE LIGHTS OFF AND DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 16, 2015 · fire

“ABS pump issue, very likely clogged valves, lead to rear brake pedal locked up in disengaged position while riding - no rear brakes. When I was riding at moderate speed, the ABS module engaged after the rear wheel slid a little on a patch of grass. Immediately afterwards I found the rear brake…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 1, 2023

“UPON PULLING AWAY FROM A STOPLIGHT AND SHIFTING INTO 2ND GEAR WITH A TOE LIFT ON THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER, THE SHIFTING LINKAGE BROKE AND FELL DOWN. THE LINKAGE ALLOWED THE SHIFTER ARM TO FALL DOWN AND INTERMITTENTLY CONTACT THE GROUND WHILE DRIVING. USING 20X MAGNIFICATION IT APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 19, 2017

2012 Suzuki DL650 — common questions

Is the 2012 Suzuki DL650 reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Suzuki DL650 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Suzuki DL650. 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.