NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints for the 2009 Suzuki Equator. Most complaints involve air bags (2) and fuel/propulsion system (1). The EPA rates it 16–21 mpg combined.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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. AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTORS IS OUT OF BUSINESS AND DECLARED BANKRUPTCY. I EXPECT PROPER HANDLING OF THIS REPAIR BY SUZUKI. THERE WERE A LIMITED NUMBER OF THESE UNITS SOLD AND I AM CONCERNED NHTSA IS NOT RESPONDING.”
“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 CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO NOTIFIED AN ENGINEER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINEER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND STATED THE FLOOR MATS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,666 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equator 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 23 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Equator 2WD Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Equator 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Equator 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (2), fuel/propulsion system (1), vehicle speed control (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Suzuki Equator at 16–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).