AI Damage2012 Suzuki DL1000: common problems
Owners of the 2012 Suzuki DL1000 filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel/propulsion system and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel/propulsion system 50% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 25% of all complaints
- 4 Engine and cooling 25% of all complaints
- 5 Vehicle speed control 25% of all complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 complaints (50% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 1 complaints (25% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 4 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 (na) suzuki dl 1000al4 (na). The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the speedometer displayed an incorrect reading. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
Vehicle has been in the shop multiple times. From 9/4/14 thru 9/13/14 then again from 9/19/14 thru 10/2/14. Vehicle is hard to start when it sits in the sun. The vehicle will crank and crank and will not stay running unless you raise the rpm's to around 2000 for a few minutes.
Engine will crank and crank strongly but will not start easily. Vehicle will eventually start after 3 to 4 tries, but exhaust will smell like gas. The throttle needs to be held open to keep running and to get vehicle started. Vehicle is rough idling for the first few minutes.
The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure occurred three times over a period of ten months. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an dealer. The mechanic had not diagnosed or repaired the problem.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 15,521 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the DL1000 has 3 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 4, above average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Suzuki DL1000?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel/propulsion system, electrical system, engine. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: stalls while driving (50%), won't start (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2012 Suzuki DL1000?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2012 Suzuki DL1000 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2012 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.