Recall 11V593 affects 73 2011-2012 Suzuki Equator trucks for weak oil-filter connector bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Suzuki dealer.
Suzuki is recalling 73 2011-2012 Equator pickup trucks because a weak bolt at the engine oil cooler and oil filter attachment point can break and cause an engine oil leak. That leak can drop oil pressure and seize the engine, which raises crash risk; the Suzuki dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2011-2012 Suzuki Equator uses an engine oil cooler and an engine oil filter mounted to the engine. The filter removes debris from the oil before it circulates through the engine, and the cooler helps manage oil temperature while the engine is running. Both parts rely on a mounting bolt to hold the oil filter attachment point tight against the engine.
On affected Equator trucks, that bolt was manufactured below the required strength specification. The weak bolt can break at the oil filter attachment point. When it breaks, the seal at that area no longer stays tight, and engine oil leaks from the engine instead of staying in the lubrication system.
There is no warning sign before failure. After a leak starts, oil under the truck or a hot oil smell near the engine is a sign to stop and have the vehicle checked.
Who's affected?
The affected build window runs from June 16, 2011, through August 31, 2011, across both model years.
| 2011 Suzuki Equator | Engine and engine cooling |
|---|---|
| 2012 Suzuki Equator | Engine and engine cooling |
| Units affected | 73 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific pickup truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine oil leak can drop oil pressure and seize the engine, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and limit driving until the dealer confirms the connector bolts have been replaced. Repair will be free at any franchised Suzuki dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Suzuki Equator is included in this recall.
- Watch for Suzuki's owner notice if you have not received one, then contact a franchised Suzuki dealer for repair instructions.
- Ask the dealer about the free connector-bolt replacement that fixes the below-strength bolts at the oil filter attachment point.
- Bring the recall notice if Suzuki has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 11V593 when you call.
- Avoid driving if you see an engine oil leak or low oil pressure. Stop the truck and call the dealer.
What happens at the repair
Suzuki's remedy calls for a dealer replacement of the connector bolts that attach the engine oil cooler and engine oil filter to the engine. Suzuki began the safety recall on January 11, 2012, and the connector bolt replacement is free of charge. At the dealer, a Suzuki technician replaces the under specification bolts so the oil filter attachment point is secured with correct hardware. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| December 19, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 11, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V593?
Recall 11V593 covers 73 2011-2012 Suzuki Equator pickup trucks with weak connector bolts at the engine oil cooler and oil filter attachment point. The bolt can break, cause an engine oil leak, lower oil pressure, and lead to engine seizure. Suzuki dealers replace the connector bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Suzuki Equator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 11V593. If it is, contact a franchised Suzuki dealer to schedule the connector-bolt replacement. Reference recall number 11V593 when you call. The recall repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Suzuki's remedy says dealers replace the connector bolts free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Suzuki dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is engine oil loss. If the connector bolt breaks, oil can leak, oil pressure can drop, and the engine can seize, increasing crash risk. If you see an oil leak or oil-pressure warning, stop driving and contact a Suzuki dealer before moving the truck.
What if I bought my Suzuki Equator used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your truck is included, then call a Suzuki dealer with recall number 11V593 and ask whether the connector-bolt replacement is still open.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V593000 |
|---|---|
| Suzuki customer service | 1-714-996-7040 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V593 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V593000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →