AI Damage2009 Suzuki Equator: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Suzuki Equator filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about air bags and fuel/propulsion system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 5
What fails most often
- 1 Air bags 40% of all complaints
- 2 Fuel/propulsion system 20% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 20% of all complaints
- 4 Vehicle speed control 20% of all complaints
- Air bags: 2 complaints (40% of all).
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 1 complaints (20% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 4 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: RWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 5 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 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.
Updated vin for complaint of 6/21/16 id number: 10875514 I need to be on record that this problem is ongoing(current miles 52639). I believe my problem can be traced to the right crash zone sensor. There was a similar safety recall for nissan frontier issued in december 2008. Nissan built the equator truck for suzuki.
No accident, srs warning light began to flash at mileage 49,000 approximate. No recall notice received about possible corrosion on front sensor due to road salt. Original owner lives in pennsylvania.
Tl- the contact owns a 2009 suzuki equator. The contact stated he noticed there were no bolts or screws or anchors to hold the rubber inlet in place in the neck of the fuel tank. The contact stated he emailed the dealer but received no assistance. The failure and current mileages were 59,000. Dt
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 suzuki equator. The contact stated when the vehicle was stopped the rpms increased and the vehicle accelerated without warning. When the failure occurred the contact had to apply extreme pressure to the brake pedal, turn the vehicle off and restart it.
The service engine soon light comes on when the gas tank gets to 3/4 full. Fill it up and it goes off. Brought it in for service (with service light on), was told it was gas cap not sealing right (they had this problem alot - service manager said).
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 14,282 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Equator has 4 complaints (4 years in the data). This year has 5, above average.
What to check before buying
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Suzuki Equator?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: air bags, fuel/propulsion system, fuel system. Total complaints: 5. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (40%), rust, corrosion (20%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 Suzuki Equator?
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 2009 Suzuki Equator 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 2009 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.