VehicleVerdict

2012 Suzuki Equator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2012 Suzuki Equator — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Equator years?

Equator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted9 complaints2009: 5 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 2 complaints2012: 1 complaints
Equator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Equator years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Suzuki Equator problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting1100%

Does the 2012 Suzuki Equator have recalls?

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

12V464000SuspensionSeptember 19, 2012 · 25 units

Defect

Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2012 Equator two-wheel drive vehicles manufactured from June 19, 2012, through July 12, 2012. These vehicles may have been equipped with front wheel hubs that may not meet the design hardness specifications. A wheel hub that was manufactured below hardness specification may wear prematurely and eventually crack.

Consequence

If the vehicle is driven with a cracked wheel hub, the wheel hub may break, which would reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

Remedy

All of the affected vehicles have been quarantined at Suzuki dealers prior to being sold. As such, a recall notification letter will not be issued. Suzuki dealers will replace the left and right side front wheel hub assemblies free of charge. Customers may contact Suzuki at 1-877-697-8985.

11V593000EngineDecember 19, 2011 · 73 units

Defect

SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 EQUATOR PICKUP TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 16, 2011, THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2011. SOME OF THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE ENGINE OIL COOLER AND THE ENGINE OIL FILTER TO THE ENGINE IN THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO BELOW SPECIFICATION STRENGTH. AS A RESULT, THE BOLT MAY BREAK AT THE OIL FILTER ATTACHMENT POINT AND CAN CAUSE AN ENGINE OIL LEAK.

Consequence

IF THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

SUZUKI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONNECTOR BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2012. 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.

“THE REAR CARGO/TAILLIGHT/BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY LOCATED ON THE REAR OF THE CAB OVERHEATS AND HAS MELTED THE LENS COVER. THIS WAS NOTICED RECENTLY AND THERE IS NO APPARENT REASON OTHER THAN EITHER FAULTY LIGHT APPLICATION/LENGTH OF LIGHT TIME OR FAULTY LENS MATERIALS. THIS COULD CAUSE FIRES IF NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 1, 2016

2012 Suzuki Equator — common questions

Is the 2012 Suzuki Equator reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Suzuki Equator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Suzuki Equator. 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.