Suzuki Equator problems
The Suzuki Equator was a mid-size pickup truck based on the Nissan Frontier and assembled by Nissan. It was first sold in the US for the 2009 model year with MSRPs starting at $17,220, and made its debut at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.
The Equator was offered as either a four-seat Extended Cab or a five-seat Crew Cab. In the Canadian market, the Equator is only offered in the Crew Cab configuration, in a single trim level.
Power on base Extended Cab models comes from a 4-cylinder engine. A V6 is optional on Extended Cab models and standard with the Crew Cab. Both engines are supplied by Nissan.
The base 2.5 L QR25DE Inline-4 produces 152 hp (113 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 171 lb⋅ft (232 N⋅m) at 4,400 rpm, and is a rear-wheel-drive. It comes with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.
The 4.0 L VQ40DE V6 engine develops 261 hp (195 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 281 lb⋅ft (381 N⋅m) at 4,000 rpm. It comes standard with a five-speed automatic and is available with four-wheel-drive.
The Equator won Peterson's 4Wheel & Off-Road'S 2009 4x4 of the Year, beating out the Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F150, Hummer H3, Kia Borrego, and Toyota Sequoia. Sales of the Suzuki Equator since 2009 have been 5,808 overall, and it rarely sold over 200 units per month.
The Suzuki Equator was discontinued in 2010 for the Canadian market and 2012 for the United States market.
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Suzuki Equator model years
Common Suzuki Equator problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Suzuki Equator cars, several common problems have been identified:
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: Owners have reported issues with the timing chain tensioner failing, which can lead to engine performance problems and potential damage.
- Low Beam Headlight: Complaints include problems with the low beam headlights, which can affect visibility and safety while driving at night.
- Oil Leak/Noise Due to Timing Chain Cover Gasket/Tensioner Failure: This problem relates to oil leaks and unusual noises caused by failures in the timing chain cover gasket or tensioner, which can impact engine function and reliability.
- AC Condenser Fan: Owners have experienced issues with the AC condenser fan, affecting the vehicle's cooling system and potentially leading to overheating problems.
These problems can significantly impact the performance, safety, and reliability of the Suzuki Equator cars. Addressing these issues promptly through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial to ensure the longevity and optimal functioning of the vehicle.
Is the Suzuki Equator reliable?
Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems. The average Suzuki score is 2.85 while the Equator comes in at 0.2.
Is the 2009 Suzuki Equator a good truck?
The 2009 Suzuki Equator is every bit as capable, comfortable and solidly built as the Nissan Frontier we like so much. If you like the Frontier – and plan on keeping your next pickup for a long time – you'd be wise to consider the Equator and its longer warranty.
Is the Suzuki Equator rare?
The Suzuki Equator is One of America's Rarest Modern Pickups. By and large one of the biggest traits of today's auto industry is car companies working to make things as simplified and streamlined as possible.
What happened to the Suzuki Equator?
The Equator wasn't the bestseller Suzuki had hoped for, selling an average of roughly 2000 Equators annually before calling it quits in 2012. In a Car and Driver review, the Suzuki Equator received praise for its ergonomic dashboard and seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Suzuki Equator years
We have researched Suzuki problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Suzuki Equator cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Suzuki Equator model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Suzuki Equator model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Suzuki Equator years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Suzuki Equator car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Suzuki Equator , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Suzuki Equator vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Suzuki Equator . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Suzuki Equator vehicles.
List of Suzuki Equator complaints
Suzuki Equator 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2017-02-21
- VIN: 5Z61D0CW4BC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUZUKI EQUATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. *CN
Suzuki Equator 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2016-08-30
- VIN: 5Z61D0FV3CC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 CORRECTED. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED SUZUKI.
Suzuki Equator 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2012-10-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 2011 SUZUKI EQUATOR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING ENGINE OIL COOLER AND THE ENGINE OIL FILTER *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Latest 5 recalls Suzuki Equator
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the Suzuki Equator.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Suzuki Equator 2012
- Report Received Date: 2012-09-19
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Suzuki Equator 2012
- Report Received Date: 2011-12-19
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Suzuki Equator 2011
- Report Received Date: 2011-12-19
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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.
- Model: Suzuki Equator 2009
- Report Received Date: 2010-09-01
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- 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.
- Model: Suzuki Equator 2010
- Report Received Date: 2010-09-01
- Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- 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.
Latest negative Suzuki Equator car reviews
Latest positive Suzuki Equator car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2009
You've got yourself a great vehicle with a powerful V-6 engine and sleek design. Plus, with Suzuki's 100K powertrain warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing you're covered for the long haul.
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Vehicle year: 2009
The 2009 Suzuki Equator is an excellent truck that offers incredible rebates and is essentially a Nissan Frontier. Although the 5th gear is too low, leading to higher cruising RPMs, the Equator is still a great purchase. It would get the same mileage as the Tacoma if it had a higher 5th gear. Additionally, adding a sprayed-on bed liner would enhance its appearance. Overall, the Equator is a well-worth purchase.
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Vehicle year: 2010
Great little truck! It's wonderful to hear that you had no problems with it and that you paid much less than you expected. I hope you'll consider doing this again in a year or two.
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Vehicle year: 2010
The 2009 Suzuki Equator is an excellent truck that offers incredible rebates and is essentially a Nissan Frontier. Although the 5th gear is too low, leading to higher cruising RPMs, the Equator is still a great purchase. It would get the same mileage as the Tacoma if it had a higher 5th gear. Additionally, adding a sprayed-on bed liner would enhance its appearance. Overall, the Equator is a well-worth purchase.
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Vehicle year: 2011
This vehicle is made by Nissan for Suzuki. However, Suzuki offers a better warranty and it comes standard with side curtain airbags. I'm so glad to have this truck because it always catches people's attention. They're always amazed that Suzuki offers a pick-up truck. When I show them some of the features it comes with from the factory, such as a factory bed-liner, a utili-track tie down system, a Garmin navigation system, bed-extender, and the passenger seat that folds down, they are simply impressed with the value. I've been driving this vehicle for approximately 5 months with no problems or issues. The gas mileage I'm getting with pure highway driving has been a consistent 22 MPG.
Are you having problems with your Suzuki Equator?
Logan Mitchell 2024-10-25
Vehicle year: 2012
The truck was purchased with the expectation of improved fuel efficiency and performance. However, during a vacation in August 2009, the brakes failed and have remained mushy since. Despite seeking assistance, the issue has yet to be resolved. While the Suzuki representative has stated that everything is fine, two certified brake technicians have identified a problem. As a result, the truck is currently unsafe for our family to drive. It is imperative that this issue is addressed promptly and effectively.
Jordi Renner 2024-09-13
Vehicle year: 2009
The truck was purchased with the expectation of improved fuel efficiency and performance. However, during a vacation in August 2009, the brakes failed and have remained mushy since. Despite seeking assistance, the issue has yet to be resolved. While the Suzuki representative has stated that everything is fine, two certified brake technicians have identified a problem. As a result, the truck is currently unsafe for our family to drive. It is imperative that this issue is addressed promptly and effectively.