2011 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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Common 2011 Suzuki Equator problems
The Suzuki Equator, produced from 2009 to 2012, is known for its reliability and performance, sharing a platform with the Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra. However, some common problems have been reported by owners of the 2011 Suzuki Equator, primarily related to electrical issues and drivetrain components.
Noise From Rear Driveshaft Center Support Bearing
One of the most common problems reported by Suzuki Equator owners is a noise coming from the rear driveshaft center support bearing. This issue can manifest as a squeaking noise or vibration, which can be caused by wear or damage to the bearing. While this problem is not necessarily safety-critical, it can be annoying and affect the overall driving experience.
Faulty Lower Control Arms Causing Alignment Issues
Another common problem reported by Equator owners is faulty lower control arms, which can cause alignment issues. This issue can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and reduced fuel efficiency. In some cases, this problem can be caused by wear and tear on the lower control arms, while in others, it may be the result of a manufacturing defect.
Suspension: Front: Hub
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall for 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. 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.
Electrical Issues
The Suzuki Equator has also been reported to have electrical issues, with owners reporting problems such as airbag sensors stopping working, vehicle squeaks, tow package wiring issues, and loud hissing sounds. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or damage to the electrical system.
In summary, the 2011 Suzuki Equator has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to electrical issues and drivetrain components. These issues can affect the overall driving experience, safety, and reliability of the vehicle. While the Equator is known for its reliability and performance, it is essential for owners to be aware of these common problems and take appropriate action to address them.
Is the Suzuki Equator reliable?
Equator owners have made 1 complaint over 4 model years. It ranks 2nd in reliability out of 12 eligible Suzuki models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system.
What is the towing capacity of the 2011 Suzuki Equator?
6,300 pounds
Towing and Hauling
Two-wheel drive Equators can tow up to 6,300 pounds , while four-wheel drive Equators can pull up to 6,100 pounds. Reviewers say that for light towing, the Equator is up to the task. Crew cab Equators can haul up to 1,471 pounds while extended cabs can haul 986 pounds.
What is the last year of Suzuki Equator?
2012
The Suzuki Equator was discontinued in 2010 for the Canadian market and 2012 for the United States market.
Does Nissan make Suzuki Equator?
The Suzuki Equator is a rebadged Nissan Frontier that shares a platform with the Pathfinder and Xterra. We found the Frontier quick and nimble, with a stiff, though tolerable ride. The strong 4.0- liter V6 revs smoothly and feels like a V8. A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine powers base models.
2011 Suzuki Equator car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Suzuki Equator problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2011 Suzuki Equator vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2011 Suzuki Equator complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Suzuki Equator.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-15
- 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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.
2011 Suzuki Equator recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2011 Suzuki Equator.
- 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.
Positive 2011 Suzuki Equator car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Suzuki Equator problems:
2011 Suzuki Equator Reliability - Consumer Reports
IF THERE IS AN ENGINE OIL LEAK, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WOULD DROP AND THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Q&A: Common Problems with 2012 Suzuki Equator - JustAnswer
May 9, 2022 ... Check engine light came on on a 2012 Suzuki equator manual transmission. It is not wanting to accelerate when I put the - Answered by a ...
Suzuki Equator Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Top Suzuki Equator Problems · Noise From Rear Driveshaft Center Support Bearing · Faulty lower control arms causing alignment issue · Squeeking Noise or Vibration ...
Thinking about buying an Equator | Nissan Frontier Forum
Dec 10, 2017 ... Equator has same issues as Frontier - except it does have better headlights. Seems to me it comes down to whether you need/want a long box. Keep ...
2009 Suzuki Equator Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 2009 Suzuki Equator repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Suzuki mechanics near you.
Other years of Suzuki Equator
Are you having problems with your 2011 Suzuki Equator?
Christopher Russel 2025-01-08
I purchased this vehicle for multipurpose usage and I absolutely love it! However, I do have one small issue with the ABLS function. I think it could be a bit more aggressive to improve its off-roading capability. Additionally, I wish it was a few inches taller.
Nels Schneider 2024-10-26
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.
Bobby Padberg 2024-10-17
I searched locally, state-wide, and on the internet. Finally, I found a dealer who was willing to go the extra mile to help me find the vehicle I wanted, even though it was 250 miles away! The sales guy was amazing. I was looking for an extended-cab 4WD truck, but I wasn't really interested in a 4-door pickup truck. This truck almost rides like a car, with 17
Adrain Metz 2024-10-06
I'm so glad to hear that you purchased a 2011 Equator Crew Cab RMZ4 in 2022! It sounds like you made a great choice. The engine performance and styling are both impressive, and I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying the 4x4 package with rear locking differential. While some may critique the interior, I'm glad to hear that you find it comfortable and well-handled. It's great that the truck still feels new even with 111k miles on it. Overall, it sounds like you're very happy with your purchase and I'm thrilled for you!
Elmer Bogan 2024-09-29
I recently switched from a V8 truck that only got 14mpg combined to a more fuel-efficient truck that has a great ride and lots of power. I am extremely happy with my purchase! I considered the Frontier, but this truck was a much better deal. It comes with GPS, side airbags, step rails, and is about $2800 cheaper than the Frontier. Most importantly, it has a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It currently has 2800 miles on it and averages 21mpg combined, which I expect to improve even more once the engine breaks in.