NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints for the 2010 Suzuki Equator. Most complaints involve air bags (3) and suspension (2). 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.
SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 EQUATOR PICKUP TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 20, 2009 THROUGH MARCH 3, 2010. THE LOWER CONTROL LINK BUSHING COLLARS, LOCATED IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, MAY CONTAIN WELDS THAT DO NOT MEET STRENGTH SPECIFICATIONS. IF A COLLAR WELD SEPARATES, IT MAY CHANGE THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING THE VEHICLE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS TO DETERIORATE.
SUZUKI HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 EQUATOR TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 22, 2010 TO MARCH 13, 2010. THE FASTENERS SECURING THE PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG MODULE, AND ALSO THE FASTENERS SECURING THE STEERING SHAFT POSITIONING BRACKET MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUZUKI EQUATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUZUKI EQUATOR. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, A CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OUTER TIE ROD WAS REPLACED AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 79,000.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUZUKI EQUATOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FRONT INTERNAL PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V118000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,284. UPDATED 09/16/14*LJ UPDATED 1/26/2015*JS”
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 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 |
3 safety recalls 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 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (3), suspension (2), seats (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2010 Suzuki Equator at 16–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).