RoadVitals

2010 Suzuki Equator

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
7
Latest Jul 24, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Sep 1, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Suzuki Equator, most frequently naming the airbags, interior & seats and suspension categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 6 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags333.3%
  • Interior & seats222.2%
  • Suspension222.2%
  • Engine111.1%
  • Powertrain (other)111.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10V392000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

Sep 1, 2010
20,692 units potentially affected
The defect: SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 SX4, 2010 GRAND VITARA, AND 2009 THROUGH 2010 EQUATOR VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750, 760, AND 765 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
The risk: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: SUZUKI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR SUZUKI AT 1-887-697-8985. OWNERS MAY ALSO VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.Manufacturer number SJView on NHTSA.gov
10V213000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

May 19, 2010
582 units potentially affected
The defect: SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 EQUATOR PICKUP TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 20, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2010. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK BUSHING COLLARS, LOCATED IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS. IF A COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, IT MAY CHANGE THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE VEHICLE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS TO DETERIORATE.
The risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER TO HAVE DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE, ONE OR BOTH LOWER CONTROL LINKS ON THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
10V118000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR

Mar 25, 2010
15 units potentially affected
The defect: SUZUKI HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 EQUATOR TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2010 TO MARCH 13, 2010. THE FASTENERS SECURING THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG MODULE, AND ALSO THE FASTENERS SECURING THE STEERING SHAFT POSITIONING BRACKET MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT TRAJECTORY MIGHT BE AFFECTED. THE FASTENERS COULD POSSIBLY COME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN POSITIONING BRACKET INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG FASTENERS AND ANY MISSING FASTENERS WILL BE REPLACED AND ALL LOOSE FASTENERS WILL BE RETIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS FREE OF CHARGE. ALL THE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REMEDIED THERE FORE AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS NOT ISSUED. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-800-934-0934.
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Suspension
Filed Jul 24, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUZUKI EQUATOR. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, A CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OUTER TIE ROD WAS REPLACED AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.

NHTSA ID
11010376
Incident
Jul 2, 2017
Mileage
79,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Mar 7, 2016

I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT ON 03/03/16. MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CAMBER LINK ON LOWER DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM WAS WORN OUT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS GETTING CLOSE TO THE SAME CONDITION. AN ALIGNMENT COULD NOT BE COMPLETED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT NISSAN/SUZUKI MADE THE PART THE BE PERMANENT BY WELDING IT IN PLACE. THE ONLY WAY TO CORRECT IT WAS TO CUT OUT THE PART AND REPLACE IT. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PART/DEFECT ON MY MAKE AND MODEL TRUCK MANUFACTURED FROM NOV 9, 2009 TO MARCH 3, 2010. I CONTACTED SUZUKI AND THEY STATED MY VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER THE RECALL. I FEEL THAT MY VEHICLE DOES FALL UNDER THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON EITHER MARCH 13 OR 16, 2010. JUST DAYS AFTER THE RECALL DATES GIVEN.

NHTSA ID
10840252
Incident
Mar 3, 2016
Mileage
116,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Dec 31, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUZUKI EQUATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

NHTSA ID
10817196
Incident
Dec 28, 2015
Mileage
72,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 22, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUZUKI EQUATOR. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLANT MIXED IN WITH THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. AS A RESULT, THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

NHTSA ID
10811679
Incident
Dec 17, 2015
Mileage
83,000 mi
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Aug 5, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUZUKI EQUATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT INTERNAL PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V118000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,284. UPDATED 09/16/14*LJ UPDATED 1/26/2015*JS

NHTSA ID
10618947
Incident
Jun 3, 2014
Mileage
39,284 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 26, 2014

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WENT TO DEALER WERE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED THEY TOLD ME SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY FAILED CHARGED ME 1835.00 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. ITS BEEN THREE WEEKS , TRUCK IS NOT FIXED AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME IF AND WHEN IT WILL BE FIXED. I FEEL I SHOULDN'T PAY FOR A SAFETY PART THAT FAILED. DEALER NAME [XXX] INDOOR AUTO OUTLET 241 BOSTON POST RD MILFORD CT 06460. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10606160
Incident
Jun 9, 2014
Mileage
39,284 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Apr 30, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUZUKI EQUATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE DRIVERS KNEES AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE CONCERN. SHE WAS ALSO UNABLE TO TRADE THE VEHICLE FOR ANOTHER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 900.

NHTSA ID
10328211
Incident
Mar 25, 2010
Mileage
20 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SUZ_016008

STRUCTURE; SUSPENSION

Reminder of the importance to conduct safety inspections for rust damage to suspension and related parts that could be caused by road salt or other chemicals applied to the roadway.

DOR-M3J3F-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.

DOR-M9J4S-07

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.

N-Q-G-045

EQUIPMENT; SUSPENSION

This Service Bulletin was sent by Suzuki Motor Corporation to its authorized Suzuki automobile distributors in the U.S., explaining the importance of proper inspection and maintenance of suspension lower arm ball joints to prevent the ball stud from becoming separated from the suspension lower arm.

SC-75R

AIR BAGS

This is a revised version of a previously-issued bulletin providing Suzuki Service Providers with details of a customer satisfaction Service Campaign to reprogram the Airbag Control Unit on affected vehicles. The revised bulletin contains programming error code diagnostics to assist the technician in resolving programming difficulties.

SC-75

AIR BAGS

This Service Campaign Bulletin explains to dealers the details of a customer satisfaction service campaign to reprogram the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) on affected vehicles. The ACU software could allow an unintended deployment of the side curtain airbags under certain driving conditions. These driving conditions typically include vehicle operation on unpaved roads or off-road areas where one side of the vehicle is higher than the other. Attached to the bulletin is a copy of the letter that was sent to known owners of affected vehicles explaining the customer satisfaction service campaign.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Suzuki Equator by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013000—
2012120—
2011210—
2010Viewing730—
2009510—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.