Suzuki has a few recalls that affect the 2009 to 2011 Equator:
Suspension – Lower Control Link:
The recall affects Equators manufactured between November 20, 2009 and March 3, 2010 and is due to a problem with the suspension. The lower control link bushing collars in the front suspension may contain weak welds. This could change the wheel alignment and the vehicle handling may suffer.
This could the driver to have trouble controlling the vehicle, possibly leading to an accident.
Dealers will inspect the lower control links and replace them if necessary. Both the inspection and service will be free. Owners may contact Suzuki at 800-934-0934.
Steering:
The fasteners securing the steering shaft positioning bracket may not have been tightened to proper torque specifications. The fasteners could possibly come out of the steering column positioning bracket increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the steering column and any missing fasteners will be replaced and all loose fasteners will be retiughtened to the proper torque specifications free of charge. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
Airbag:
The recall affects Equators manufactured from February 22, 2010 to March 13, 2010. According to Suzuki, “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.” In the event of an accident, the defect could cause the passenger’s front airbag to deploy in the wrong position, reducing its effectiveness. In addition, “The fasteners could possibly come out of the steering column positioning bracket increasing the risk of a crash.”
Suzuki dealers will inspect the fasteners in both units. “Any missing fasteners will be replaced and all loose fasteners will be retightened to the proper torque specifications free of charge,” the automaker says. Equator owners should receive a recall notice in the mail, though the NHTSA says “The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule.” Owners who wish to make their own repair arrangements may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
Navigation (GPS):
Suzuki is recalling 20,692 vehicles, including select 2009-10 Equator midsize pickup trucks, equipped with Garmin Nuvi 750, 760 and 765 portable navigation units that contain batteries that could overheat and cause a fire.
Suzuki will begin notifying Equator owners affected by the recall by September 13. A repair will be performed by a Garmin representative who will replace the defective battery and insert a spacer on top of the new battery to prevent the risk of overheating.
The recalled devices include Nuvi model numbers: 200W, 250W and 260W, and 7xx (where xx is a two-digit number).
Owners can determine their model number by looking at the label on the back or bottom of their GPS unit.
Equator owners with questions can contact Garmin directly at 1-866-957-1981 or Suzuki at 1-887-697-8985. Owners can also visit Garmin’s website at http://www.garmin.com/nuvibatterypcbrecall.